Located in the town of Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Eight Clouds Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Odawara Tokugawa Road, an important travel route between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Odawara Castle. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features intricate wooden carvings and is adorned with vermilion paint, a traditional design element of Japanese architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.4900245, 139.4659395
Visitor tip
To fully experience the shrine, visit at dawn when the sunlight filters through the torii gates, creating a beautiful pattern on the ground.
Cultural notes
Eight Clouds Shrine is associated with Inari Okami, who is often depicted as a horned deity with a fox companion. The shrine's main hall features an Inari Okami statue, surrounded by numerous stone foxes believed to be offerings from devotees.
Historical note
Founded in 1582 during the Sengoku period.