Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture,八枝神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ryūjin, the god of the sea and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects its location near the Kawagoe River, with a distinctive curved roofline reminiscent of waves. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Ryūjin
- Coordinates
- 35.9438735, 139.5478191
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try a traditional Ryōrin (river-garden) tea ceremony at the shrine's teahouse, which offers a serene respite from the bustling streets of Kawagoe.
Cultural notes
As a sea god, Ryūjin is associated with storms and rough seas, but also brings fertility to the land. The shrine is celebrated during the annual Kawagoe Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, where visitors can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) under the blooming sakura.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1843 during the Edo period by the samurai lord Tachibana Shigenaga.