Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ichi no Tsurugi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, the god of war. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'God of War with One Sword.' The shrine's architecture is typical of the Muromachi period, with a main hall built in 1482 and several smaller shrines. Visitors can admire the large stone statues of Hachiman and his attendants, as well as the beautiful garden featuring traditional Japanese maple trees.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman Ōkami
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman Ōkami
- Coordinates
- 35.0349165, 138.2909302
Visitor tip
For a unique perspective on the shrine, climb up to the top of the hill surrounding Ichi no Tsurugi Shrine for a panoramic view of Hamamatsu city.
Cultural notes
Ichi no Tsurugi is known for its association with the legend of Ōshi, a warrior who was said to have been inspired by Hachiman and later became a legendary hero in Japanese mythology. The shrine also hosts an annual May Day festival (May 5th) to honor Hachiman.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Muromachi period, 1467-1573, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Sieda no Ōishi.