Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the storm god Susanoo no Okami and the rice goddess Amaterasu. Its name reflects its association with the eight mythical horses said to have appeared at the shrine's construction site.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo no Okami, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 35.4691842, 136.7530195
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring when the temple grounds are illuminated with thousands of cherry blossom lights.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its unique eight-horsed gate, known as Hakubutsu-mon, which is said to have appeared at the site where Susanoo no Okami miraculously transformed into a horse to save the temple from destruction. During the Obon Festival, visitors can participate in rituals to purify the spirit world and honor the ancestors.
Historical note
Founded in 744 AD by Emperor Shomu, who transferred the deity Susanoo no Okami from Nara.