Kokubunji Shrine, located in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, was originally built in 718 CE as a temple but later converted to a Shinto shrine in 1840 CE. The shrine is famous for its beautiful traditional architecture and is dedicated to the god of fire, Hachiman. The shrine's main hall is covered with tiles and has a distinctive appearance that stands out among other Shinto shrines. It is said that during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine was considered one of the top three most important shrines in Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Yata no Kagami, Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.1256898, 135.7642076
Visitor tip
To avoid sunburn, bring a hat and wear sunscreen with high SPF when visiting the shrine's outdoor areas.
Cultural notes
Kokubunji Shrine is famous for its beautiful traditional architecture. The shrine's main hall is said to be one of Japan's most important cultural properties.