Kokoro no Mikazuki Hachiman Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, known as 'Mikazuki' meaning 'Moon-Under-the-Wave'. The shrine's architecture reflects the local Tokai region's unique style, with a main hall constructed from Japanese cypress wood and adorned with intricate carvings. Visitors can purify themselves at the nearby waterfall before offering prayers to the kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mikazuki Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Mikazuki
- Coordinates
- 34.9664821, 138.4039504
Visitor tip
For a truly immersive experience, visit during the annual Hachiman Festival in March, where participants can participate in traditional rituals and martial arts demonstrations.
Cultural notes
According to local legend, Mikazuki Hachiman was revered as a powerful kami by warriors and samurai. At night, his spirit is said to appear on the nearby mountainside, leading pilgrims through the Tokai region's sacred pathways.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a military shrine for the Tokugawa shogunate.