Located in the city of Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Eight Saints Shrine (Hachimanji) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Takeda clan. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a Heian-period temple, with a distinctive curved roof and tiled entrance. As one of the oldest shrines in Okayama Prefecture, Eight Saints Shrine has played a significant role in local history and culture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.6282886, 133.6826153
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to witness the sunrise and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Cultural notes
Eight Saints Shrine is famous for its annual Hachiman-san Matsuri festival, which takes place in May. The shrine is also said to be associated with the legend of Ōishi Yoshio, a rōnin who led the Forty-seven Ronin incident in 1702 CE.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built as a temple during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) before being converted to a Shinto shrine in the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).