Located in the city of Hakone, at the foot of Mount Fuji, the Eightfold Shrine (Hakone八幡神社) is one of Japan's most famous and historic Shinto shrines. The shrine was originally built to honor Oinagino-o-mikoto, a Shinto god worshipped for good harvests and fertility. Over time, its importance has been increased by the addition of several other deities, making it a unique example of a Shinto shrine that combines elements from various regions. Today, the shrine is still an important cultural and spiritual site in Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Oinagino-o-mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Oinagino-o-mikoto, Aizen-no-kami, Enno-ya-hime, Fusao-o-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 34.7198916, 138.1008702
Visitor tip
Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike up Mount Fuji from the nearby Five-Story Pagoda and the Hakone Shrine's own shrine grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Cultural notes
The Eightfold Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of the god Oinagino-o-mikoto, who was believed to have been born from a mountain in Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, known as the Hakone Shrine Grand Festival (Hakone-san Gyoji), which takes place in October and features traditional dances, music, and offerings to the gods.
Historical note
The original shrine was built during the Nara period (710-794 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).