Located in the heart of Japan's scenic Hakone region, Eight Horses Shrine is dedicated to the legend of a group of eight fox spirits who saved a lord's daughter from an evil spirit. Today, the shrine serves as a popular pilgrimage site, attracting visitors seeking good fortune and protection. The unique architecture of the shrine reflects its history, with traditional Japanese wooden structures and beautiful gardens.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tennin
- Kami enshrined
- Fox Spirits (Tenin), Yoshizume, Kagutsuchi, Tsukuyomi, Futatsuki, Tsukisaka, Shigisan, Sakaino
- Coordinates
- 35.0534568, 138.9418635
Visitor tip
Try the local specialty, Hakone sweets, at one of the many shops near the shrine's main gate.
Cultural notes
This shrine is famous for its association with the legend of the eight fox spirits, known as 'yokai' in Japanese folklore. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival to celebrate the harvest season and ward off evil spirits.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 1613 during the Edo period.