Located in the heart of Ibaraki, Saitama Prefecture, Maeda-hōjin-ten (Hachiman Shrine) is a Shinto temple dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Army. The shrine's name 'Maeda-hōjin-ten' translates to 'Temple of Great Virtue,' reflecting its rich history and significance in Japanese culture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.9428152, 139.6422217
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a warm glow on the temple's vermilion torii gate.
Cultural notes
This shrine is particularly notable for its association with Hachiman, who was revered as the god of war and protector of the Imperial Army. According to legend, Hachiman was born from the tears of the goddess Otohime and played a crucial role in Japan's history, including the unification of Japan during the Heian period.
Historical note
Established during the Nara period (710-794 CE),