Located in the city of Karuizawa, Gunma Prefecture,八幡神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanowo, one of the three main deities of the Japanese pantheon known as the Kami of Amaterasu's sun. The shrine's name translates to 'Eight-Horned God Shrine' and is believed to be named after its original eight shrines that were merged into a single site during the Edo period. Susanowo is often depicted as a powerful warrior and is associated with storms, thunder, and fertility.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanowo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanowo, Inari, Ōkuninushi
- Coordinates
- 36.1938863, 139.0697565
Visitor tip
To avoid getting wet, try to visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer worshippers. Bring a small gift of sake or fruit to offer at the shrine, and take care not to leave your belongings unattended due to the large number of visitors.
Cultural notes
As one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan,八幡神社 hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Hachiman Matsuri in May and the Otsutsumi Matsuri in December. The shrine's unique architecture features a distinctive tower, known as the 'torii,' that was added during the Edo period to symbolize the connection between heaven and earth.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1717 after being destroyed by fire.