Located in the city of Akita, Eight Horses Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the god of wind and storms, Fujin, the shrine is famous for its striking architecture featuring a vermilion torii gate adorned with eight vermilion horse figurines. These horses are said to be the mounts of Fujin, symbolizing strength and courage. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, traditional Japanese buildings, and participate in various festivals throughout the year, including the annual Eight Horses Festival.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fujin
- Kami enshrined
- Fujin, Raijin, Raiho
- Coordinates
- 38.9366848, 139.8749579
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of the shrine's gardens, visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the golden light casts a warm glow on the grounds.
Cultural notes
The Eight Horses Festival is celebrated annually in May and features traditional dances, music, and food stalls. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'horse-shaped' torii gate, which serves as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), making it one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.