A local Hachiman shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to Emperor Ojin, known locally as Shinano Shirahata Shrine. The shrine serves the surrounding community and maintains traditional Shinto practices typical of regional Hachiman worship sites.
This shrine enshrines the spirit of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, making it a place of reverence for Japan's first military government leader. The "white flag" (hakuhata) in its name refers to the white banner that served as the symbol of the Minamoto clan during their rise to power in the late 12th century. Visitors come to pray for success in leadership, victory in endeavors, and protection, drawing on the powerful legacy of the samurai who established Japan's warrior rule.
- Denomination
- Hachiman
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Emperor Ojin (Hachiman)
- Kami enshrined
- Emperor Ojin
- Coordinates
- 35.4291886, 139.5593066
Visitor tip
As a local community shrine, it offers a quieter, more intimate experience of traditional Shinto worship away from major tourist destinations.
Cultural notes
Shirahata (white flag) shrines often have connections to the Minamoto clan and their white banner, reflecting the historical significance of this warrior family in Japanese history. Hachiman worship combines Shinto traditions with the veneration of the deified Emperor Ojin as a protector deity.