Located in the city of Aomori, Eight Humps Temple is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the wind kami Yuki-yoshino-no-Kami. The shrine's unique architecture features eight stone humps, said to be the remains of a giant that was beheaded by Susanoo. Visitors can experience the local culture through the annual Eight Humps Temple Festival, which includes traditional dances and games.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yuki-yoshino-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Yuki-yoshino-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 40.5710357, 140.5044774
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique structure, visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the wind whispers through the humps.
Cultural notes
In Aomori Prefecture, Susanoo is revered as a god of storms and fertility, while Yuki-yoshino-no-Kami is associated with winter and snow. The shrine's association with these kami reflects its location on Japan's northern island of Honshu, where the climate is harsher and more unforgiving.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1875 after being destroyed during the Meiji period's modernization of Japan.