Located in the city of Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a major stop along the Nakasendo Way, a famous old road connecting Tokyo with Kyoto. The shrine's eight vermilion torii gates symbolize the god's power and protection. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in the annual Hoshizora Matsuri festival or learning about the shrine's significance through guided tours.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 34.7787526, 137.9558332
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the vermilion gates are set against a golden backdrop.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is also associated with merchants and traders, as he is believed to offer protection and good fortune in business endeavors. The shrine's famous fox spirits, known as kitsune, are said to appear during the full moon of September.
Historical note
The shrine was built during the Edo period (1603-1867), with the first recorded records dating back to 1634.