Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is dedicated to the god Susanoo no Mikoto and was originally built in 746 CE during the Nara period. Over time, it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, with its current appearance being a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo no Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, no, Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.5326073, 136.7042793
Visitor tip
For a truly immersive experience, visit Eight Horses Temple Shrine during the autumn foliage season to witness the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture, which features eight large vermilion gates and hundreds of wooden lanterns. The temple's unique structure is said to represent the eight horses of Susanoo no Mikoto, who was believed to have saved a village from a giant serpent. Visitors can also explore the shrine's museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to Japanese mythology.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1624 following a fire, and again in 1869 after being damaged during the Boshin War.