Located in the heart of Kagawa Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachiman-gu) is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the kami Hachiman, a patron deity of war and protection. The shrine's name 'Hachiman' refers to its historical significance as a temple built during the reign of Emperor Kotoku in 707 CE to honor Hachiman's role in bringing peace to Japan after his defeat of an invading Korean army. Today, visitors come to pay their respects at this sacred site, which has been restored and rebuilt over the centuries, and to seek blessings for a safe return from war or for protection against harm.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.2682426, 133.6780588
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too harsh.
Cultural notes
Hachiman-gu is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the shrine's rich history. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, Hachimantai, held on October 14th to celebrate Hachiman's role in bringing peace to Japan.
Historical note
Founded in 707 CE during the reign of Emperor Kotoku.