Located in the town of Odawara, Shonan region of Kanagawa Prefecture, originally in Yokosuka, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines. The shrine was originally dedicated to Minamoto no Yoritomo, a powerful samurai lord who founded the Kamakura shogunate, and is still associated with good luck and prosperity for travelers.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Minamoto no Yoritomo
- Kami enshrined
- Yoshitsune, Yorigi, Tadafumi, Tsunemori, Kiyosaburo, Yasumasa
- Coordinates
- 34.6590514, 138.9152431
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit early in the morning or just before closing time. The shrine has a unique 'horseshoe' shape, which is said to bring good luck for travelers, so consider visiting during travel season.
Cultural notes
Eight Horseshoe Shrine is famous for its association with Minamoto no Yoritomo and the legend of how he rode on an eight-horsed chariot. The shrine also has a unique architectural style known as 'daimatsu-zukuri', which features wooden pillars adorned with intricate carvings.
Historical note
The original shrine was built in the late Heian period (10th century) and relocated to Odawara in the Edo period.