Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Humps Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, also known as Furihisago-no-Kami. The shrine's name 'Hachi-tsu' or 'Eight Humps' refers to the shape of its roof, resembling eight humps, and not to any divine attributes. Founded in 1561, it has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries.
- Denomination
- shinto
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Furihisago-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 34.7075371, 135.8865071
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the shrine and use the slippers provided.
Cultural notes
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is often depicted as a mischievous and powerful god, associated with storms, fertility, and protection. The shrine's unique roof shape may be related to its founder's hopes for a prosperous harvest or to ward off bad weather. During the autumnal festival, Furi-toriya-matsuri, locals dress up in costumes and reenact an ancient myth about Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Historical note
Founded in 1561, during the Sengoku period, as a shrine for the local clan's ancestral deity.