Located in the town of Iwase, Ibaraki Prefecture, Okamegami Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of samurai. The shrine is famous for its unique, curved roofed hall with a distinctive hump, resembling a saddle or an elephant's back, which is said to have been built by the shrine's founder, who was a skilled carpenter. According to legend, Hachiman visited the shrine after being injured during battle and the unique roof design was a result of his discomfort.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 36.2206022, 140.4482898
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the unique architecture of the shrine's hall, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low and casts a warm glow on the hump-shaped roof.
Cultural notes
Okamegami Hachiman Shrine is an important site for the martial arts festival held annually in June, where participants engage in mock battles and demonstrations of traditional samurai martial arts. The shrine is also associated with the mythology of the Ashina clan, who were said to be descended from a mythical emperor.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1336, during the Muromachi period, by Okamegami no Sukechika, a samurai who served as a general for the Ashina clan.