Located in the town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, known for its unique architecture and rich history. Dedicated to the sea god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the wind god Fujin, the shrine boasts eight majestic torii gates that are said to resemble a horseshoe in shape. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, purchase sacred talismans, and participate in various festivals throughout the year.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Fujin
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Fujin
- Coordinates
- 35.857921, 140.141501
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a 'saisen' ticket, which grants access to the innermost shrine grounds, including the sacred torii gates.
Cultural notes
As an important Shinto shrine dedicated to sea and wind gods, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is often visited by those seeking protection from storms or bad weather. The shrine also hosts a famous annual festival, Tenjin Matsuri, which honors the god of learning and scholarship, Tenjin.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 742 AD during the Nara period and has since undergone numerous renovations.