Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ōgatsu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōgatsu Hachiman, a variant of Hachiman, the god of war and patron of education. The shrine's main hall, known as the haiden, was rebuilt in 1634 and features a distinctive five-story pagoda. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which includes several smaller shrines and temples, to experience the rich history and culture of the region.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Ōgatsu Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.8410233, 137.92997
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Cultural notes
Ōgatsu Shrine is famous for its association with the legendary Tale of Ōgatsu, a story about a brave samurai named Ishizaka who defeated a rival clan and saved his lord's life. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May to celebrate Hachiman's patronage of education.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Edo period.