McIdaira Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Iwami, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the samurai class, who was enshrined here during the Heian period. The shrine's beautiful gardens and traditional architecture make it a popular tourist destination, particularly during the annual Matsuri festival in June.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.4649777, 132.4637546
Visitor tip
For visitors to get a deeper understanding of the shrine's significance, consider purchasing an entrance ticket for the adjacent Iwami Gokoku-ji temple, which houses a notable Buddhist statue of Hachiman.
Cultural notes
This shrine is known for its unique architectural style, with a large torii gate made from cedar wood and adorned with colorful paper lanterns. During the annual Matsuri festival, visitors can participate in traditional games and activities, such as sake tasting and samurai sword demonstrations.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 711 CE during the Nara period.