Located in the city of Kuwana, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Clouds Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of clouds and weather. Its architecture reflects the traditional Heian period style, with a wooden gate and thatched roof. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Hachiman, the god of war and patron of artisans.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Tsukuyomi, Suitsunemikoto
- Coordinates
- 34.722321, 137.9192024
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine at dawn or late afternoon when the light falls on the wooden gate.
Cultural notes
In Shinto tradition, clouds are believed to carry the prayers of the faithful upwards to the heavens. At Eight Clouds Shrine, visitors can participate in the traditional 'tsutsugaki' practice, where they draw sacred symbols on their foreheads using a stylus made from a tree branch.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).