Located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tail-Whipping Eight-Fingered Shrine (尾尻八幡神社) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and protection from illness. The shrine's main hall features an impressive wooden statue of the god, while its grounds are also home to numerous stone monuments bearing the engravings of the gods' names. A unique architectural feature of the shrine is its 'tail-whipping' mechanism used for the ritual purification ceremony.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Taiyin-Kanryu no Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.3631008, 139.230168
Visitor tip
To make a wish, gently touch the wooden statue's outstretched hand at dawn or dusk, when the sunlight casts a long shadow across its face.
Cultural notes
As part of its festival traditions, the shrine holds an annual Hachiman Festival in May, featuring rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the god's protection. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'tail-whipping' mechanism used during purification ceremonies.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Kamakura period and has been continuously operated since then.