The Eight-Horned Temple Shrine, also known as Tadahisa Shrine or Matsunoyu Shrine in Akita Prefecture, is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan's Tohoku region. Built on a hill overlooking the city, it is dedicated to the worship of Hachiman-no-kami, the god of war and protector of the state. As its name suggests, this shrine features an eight-pointed motif resembling the mythical eight horns of a divine stag. The shrine's architecture dates back to the Nara period (710-794 CE), but it has undergone numerous renovations throughout history.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Taiso-shinto
- Coordinates
- 39.416564, 140.5399441
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's unique atmosphere, visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the setting sun casts a warm glow on the temple grounds.
Cultural notes
This shrine is famous for its association with the legend of Tadahisa, a legendary Shinto priest who lived in Akita during the Edo period. According to myth, Tadahisa was able to tame a wild stag with eight horns, which became his sacred animal and symbol of good fortune.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but its current form is largely from the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).