Located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Eight Humps Shrine is dedicated to the kami of eight wind gods, revered by the people of this region for centuries. The shrine's architecture reflects the local style, with a complex of wooden buildings and vermilion gates. Visitors can explore the inner courtyard, where a large torii gate marks the entrance to the main hall. During the autumn season, the shrine is adorned with beautiful maple leaves and visitors come to pray for good harvests.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fūjin
- Kami enshrined
- Fūjin, Raijin
- Coordinates
- 38.5450703, 141.1353073
Visitor tip
To fully experience the beauty of Eight Humps Shrine, visit during autumn when the maple leaves are in full color and pray for a bountiful harvest at the torii gate.
Cultural notes
In Shinto mythology, the eight wind gods, also known as Fūjin-Raijin, are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. The shrine is also famous for its unique architectural style, with many buildings adorned with wooden beams and curved roofs. The shrine's name 'Hachiman' does not refer to the kami of war, but rather a misnomer that arose from the fact that the shrine was built on an old burial ground.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 746 AD by Prince Nagayoshi, a son of Emperor Shomu, who built it as a memorial to his brother who died during a campaign against the Ryukyu Kingdom. The shrine has since been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the Edo period.