Located in the town of Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a small but historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of luck and prosperity, known as Yabu-no-Kami or 'Horse Legged God'. The shrine's name refers to its unique architecture, which consists of eight curved wooden pillars resembling horseshoes. These pillars are believed to have been built during the Edo period and are said to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yabu-no-Kami (Horse Legged God)
- Kami enshrined
- Yabu-no-Kami, or other regional deities
- Coordinates
- 34.7270538, 137.7392417
Visitor tip
For visitors seeking good luck, it's customary to tie a pink ribbon on one of the eight horseshoe-shaped pillars. This is believed to bring the visitor prosperity and a long life.
Cultural notes
As one of Shizuoka Prefecture's oldest shrines, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is closely tied to local mythology and folklore. In rural areas surrounding the shrine, you can still see ancient wooden houses with similar curved roofs, believed to be built under Yabu-no-Kami's protection.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) but has undergone several renovations, including a major reconstruction during the Edo period.