Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Kings Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Fujin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of lightning. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important stop on the route from Edo to Kyoto during the Kamakura period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fujin, Raijin
- Kami enshrined
- Fujin, Raijin
- Coordinates
- 34.7308161, 137.6420698
Visitor tip
To honor Fujin and Raijin, visitors can purchase a windsock, known as a 'tako,' at the shrine's gift shop before blowing it into the wind.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The main hall, or haiden, features a distinctive curved roof and is adorned with lanterns and paper lanterns during the autumn leaves festival. Eight Kings Shrine is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Fujin Raijin Festival in January and the Autumn Leaves Festival in November.
Historical note
Established in 1293 by Emperor Go-Daigo,