Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple (Hachimango-ya) is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of warriors. Dedicated to the deified remains of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the treasured sword Kusunoki, and other nobility who fell in battle, the shrine offers insight into Japan's complex history of conflict and loyalty.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 36.4238544, 136.557282
Visitor tip
Visitors can purchase a prayer paper (emotoki) at the shrine's entrance and tie it to the eight horses statue, making a wish or offering prayers for good fortune.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's most famous shrines, Hachimango-ya attracts millions of visitors each year. The site is also home to the Seven Horses Monument, which commemorates Yoshitsune's famous horse-led escape during the Genpei War.
Historical note
Established in 1287 by the Kamakura shogunate to honor the memory of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.