Located in the town of Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Eightfold God Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of good fortune, prosperity, and protection. The shrine's name 'Hachimantō' literally translates to 'the temple of the eight-faced god,' referring to the primary deity enshrined, Hachiman Okami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.7717408, 140.0235857
Visitor tip
To avoid lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its unique 'eight-faced god' statue of Hachiman Okami. In Shinto mythology, Hachiman was a war god who protected samurai warriors. During the Edo period (1603-1867 CE), the shrine became a popular destination for pilgrims seeking good fortune and protection.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Kamakura era (1185-1333 CE).