White Horses Shrine, located in the city of Tateyama in Chiba Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the gods of war and protection, particularly the deity Hayato-kami. The shrine's name 'Sakata-gu' refers to its origins as a humble local shrine serving the nearby Sakata village. Over time, it gained fame for its sacred white horses and was designated as a Prefectural Shrine in 1897.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hayato-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Hayato-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.0965285, 140.1004523
Visitor tip
To respect the shrine's tradition of offering white horse feed to the kami, bring some rice or other grains to feed the sacred horses on your visit.
Cultural notes
White Horses Shrine is known for its majestic stone statue of a white horse, said to be a symbol of Hayato-kami's power and protection. During the annual Tateyama Matsuri festival, locals offer prayers and make offerings to the deity, asking for blessings and good fortune.
Historical note
Established during the Muromachi period (1336-1573),