Located in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Eight Kings Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of justice and war, Hachiman Tenjin. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall constructed from cypress wood and tiled roofs. Its history dates back to 744 CE, during the Nara period, when it was originally built as a temple. Over time, it evolved into its current form as a Shinto shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.743977, 140.0626433
Visitor tip
To avoid harsh afternoon sun, plan your visit to the main hall during morning or late afternoon hours.
Cultural notes
The Eight Kings Shrine is famous for its traditional New Year's festival, which takes place on January 4th and features rituals performed by local priests. Additionally, the shrine is known for its distinctive vermilion torii gate, which serves as a symbol of the site's significance in Japanese culture.
Historical note
Founded in 744 CE during the Nara period as a Buddhist temple.