Located in the city of Chiba, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines, built in 638 AD by Prince Shotoku. Dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, it is said to have been originally constructed as a horse temple, with a large stone stable for horses. The shrine's distinctive eight-horseshoe torii gate symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Ame-no-Okami, Tsukiyomi-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.0091979, 139.9595332
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's majestic appearance, visit at dawn or dusk when possible, as the soft natural light highlights its intricate carvings and torii gates.
Cultural notes
As a sacred site for horse enthusiasts and lovers of history, Eight Horses Temple Shrine hosts an annual Horse Festival (Usagi Matsuri) in late August to celebrate Susanoo-no-Mikoto's association with horses. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Historical note
Founded during the Asuka period (c. 538-710 AD), when Prince Shotoku introduced Buddhism to Japan.