Located in the heart of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Ōishida Hachiman-gu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Taira clan. The shrine's current main hall dates back to 1665, but its origins date back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with records suggesting it was built in 850 CE. The shrine is famous for its large stone lanterns, known as 'hakizakura', and its beautiful gardens.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 38.4178244, 141.3153102
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's museum to learn about the history of Hachiman and see artifacts related to the god of war.
Cultural notes
Ōishida Hachiman-gu is known for its unique hokuriku-machi-zukuri architectural style, which blends elements of traditional Japanese architecture with local Sendai influences. The shrine also hosts the annual Taira Festival in April, celebrating the patron deity of the Taira clan.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed during the Sendai earthquake of 1854.