Located in the heart of Tokyo, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is dedicated to the god Susanoo, a prominent deity in Shinto mythology known for his mischievous and powerful nature. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a Buddhist temple, but over time it has been influenced by Shinto traditions.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, Fudo Myo-o
- Coordinates
- 35.6577561, 139.5381651
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening when it's less crowded.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its annual Eight Horses Festival (Hachi-Hatsu Matsuri), where visitors can see beautiful lanterns and colorful decorations along the surrounding streets. The shrine's architecture also features a unique octagonal tower called Hachiman-jinja, which is said to be a symbol of good luck.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period, Eight Horses Temple Shrine was originally built as a temple dedicated to Fudo Myo-o, a Buddhist deity. It later transitioned to become a Shinto shrine in the late 19th century.