A–Z directory

八幡宮

Japanese Name八幡宮
PrefectureKyoto
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityBenzaiten
Coordinates35.2817821, 135.6958894

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in Kyoto, Eight Horses Temple is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and prosperity, Benzaiten. Its name "Eight Horses" refers to eight large wooden horses decorating the main hall, symbolizing good luck and fertility. The shrine's architecture, built during the Heian period, reflects traditional Japanese style with a distinctive hipped roof and vermilion gates. As one of Kyoto's oldest shrines, Eight Horses Temple has played host to numerous festivals and ceremonies honoring Benzaiten, including the annual Benzaiten Festival in May.

Cultural Significance

As a Shinto shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the god of wealth and prosperity, Eight Horses Temple attracts visitors seeking good fortune and blessings. The shrine's architecture and festival traditions reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics and values, highlighting the importance of harmony with nature and respect for the divine.

Enshrined Deities

Benzaiten Susanoo-no-Mikoto

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To make a wish at Eight Horses Temple, visitors should tie a red string to the wooden horse with their name written on it and hang it from the eaves. Upon returning home, if their wish is granted, they must come back to thank Benzaiten.

History

The shrine was established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Japan In Pixels

A pixel art map of Japanese culture — coming 2027

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.