Tama Shinden Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Shimotsuke, Tochigi Prefecture. Dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the samurai class, the shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered temples. Built in 767 AD during the Nara period, it has been a major center of Shinto worship for over 1,200 years.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 36.9549808, 139.9742357
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine at dawn to witness the beautiful sunrise and take a moment to pray at the Hachiman-gaeshi, the main shrine hall.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Tama Shinden Shrine is steeped in history and mythology. It is said to be the ancestral temple of the Shimotsuke clan and is revered as a sacred site for samurai and nobility alike.
Historical note
Built in 767 AD during the Nara period