Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nihonmatsu Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of samurai. As one of Japan's most famous shrines, it was originally built as a memorial for Emperor Sujin and Regent Ojin in 707 CE, during the Nara period. The shrine complex includes several buildings from different eras, including a Heian-era main hall and a Kamakura-style gatehouse.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.7470508, 137.8932989
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds at sunset, when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the buildings.
Cultural notes
Nihonmatsu Shrine is famous for its 'Sai' (a ritual where male visitors pray by jumping over a stone wall), and is also known for its association with the legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who sought divine protection before his famous victory at Dan-no-ura.