Located in Akita Prefecture, Eight Hills Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-Kami, the god of the moon and the east. It's famous for its unique eight-hill design, which is said to symbolize the eight virtues of Buddhism and the eight trigrams of I Ching.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukuyomi-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukuyomi-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 39.6791482, 140.5658601
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight casts a warm glow on the Eight Hills' intricate stone carvings.
Cultural notes
Tsukuyomi-no-Kami is also associated with fertility and prosperity. Visitors can pray for good harvests and successful business endeavors during the annual autumn festival, known as Toshogatsu, which honors the shrine's founder.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in 718 CE during the Nara period.