Located in the city of Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, Hon-den Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, the god of war and patron deity of samurai. The shrine's main hall, the Tozan Denbo-in, features a striking example of traditional Japanese architecture with its tiled roof and vermilion lacquer walls. While there are records of an earlier structure on the site dating back to the 8th century, the current shrine was rebuilt in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and renovated in the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Okuninushi-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 34.5207161, 133.6562459
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, arrive early in the morning before the crowds and take a stroll around the surrounding gardens and moat.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Hon-den Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Hachiman Ōkami, who was revered for his role in protecting warriors from disease. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, the Bizen Matsuri, which takes place in May and features traditional music, dance, and martial arts performances.
Historical note
The shrine's association with Hachiman Ōkami dates back to the 9th century, when it is said that the god appeared to a local lord in search of the source of a deadly epidemic.