A–Z directory

西宮神社

Japanese Name西宮神社
PrefectureShizuoka
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityHachiman
Coordinates34.7470508, 137.8932989

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nihonmatsu Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of samurai. As one of Japan's most famous shrines, it was originally built as a memorial for Emperor Sujin and Regent Ojin in 707 CE, during the Nara period. The shrine complex includes several buildings from different eras, including a Heian-era main hall and a Kamakura-style gatehouse.

Cultural Significance

Nihonmatsu Shrine is famous for its 'Sai' (a ritual where male visitors pray by jumping over a stone wall), and is also known for its association with the legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who sought divine protection before his famous victory at Dan-no-ura.

Enshrined Deities

Hachiman

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.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds at sunset, when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the buildings.

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

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.