Located in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple (Yayoi-miya) is one of Japan's oldest temples and is also considered a Shinto shrine. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflects the Kamakura period style. The temple complex is dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice, industry, and fertility.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.0366989, 135.7614081
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, consider visiting at dawn or dusk when the light is soft, allowing you to see the intricate carvings and details of the temple architecture.
Cultural notes
The Eight Horses Temple complex includes a museum that houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts from the Heian period. Visitors can also observe traditional tea ceremonies and participate in special Shinto festivals throughout the year.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 718 CE by Prince Shotoku during the Asuka period.