Located in Aomori Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Fujin, the god of wind and storms. The shrine's name 'Hachimantai' actually refers to the nearby Hachiman Mountain, not the number of horseshoes, but the name was later changed during the Edo period due to regional influences.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fujin
- Kami enshrined
- Fujin, Raijin
- Coordinates
- 40.3119724, 140.4037492
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique architecture, consider visiting at sunrise when the morning light illuminates the shrine's distinctive curved roof.
Cultural notes
Eight Horseshoe Shrine is known for its connection to the Shinto myth of Fujin, who is often depicted as a powerful storm god. Locals still celebrate the annual 'Wind Festival' (Fūjin Matsuri) in May, where they pray for good harvests and protection from typhoons.
Historical note
Established in 1708 by a local daimyo, and rebuilt in 1816 after a major fire.