Located in the Kanzaki River valley of Ishikawa Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachi no Tsurugi-jinja) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and fertility, Hachiman. The shrine is famous for its striking eight-horsed statue and has played a significant role in local history and culture. Despite being damaged by floodwaters in 2005, the shrine continues to thrive as an important cultural landmark.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.4424294, 136.7801255
Visitor tip
Visitors can take a moment to admire the shrine's beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere before making an offering at the main torii gate.
Cultural notes
This shrine is particularly notable for its association with the myth of the Eight Horses, which were said to have been sent by Hachiman to aid the Japanese emperor Kinmei in his conquests. The shrine's eight-horsed statue is a direct representation of this mythological connection.
Historical note
Founded during the Muromachi period (14th-16th centuries),