A–Z directory

八幡神社

Japanese Name八幡神社
PrefectureShiga
ReligionShinto
Primary DeitySusanoo and Otohime
Coordinates35.2510258, 136.2592555

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the picturesque town of Hikone, the Eighteen Hands Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the storm god Susanoo and his daughter Otohime. The shrine's name 'Hachimangū' (Eighteen Hands) refers to its unique architecture featuring two large stone statues of Susanoo, representing eight hands with eight fingers each, resembling an octopus. Visitors can also see the stunning Hikone Castle Park in the background, which shares a common history and legend.

Cultural Significance

The shrine is closely associated with the legend of Susanoo's sister Otohime, who wept tears that formed Lake Biwa. Locals often make offerings to Otohime during the annual 'Matsuri' festival in September, which features traditional music, dance, and games.

Enshrined Deities

Susanoo Otohime

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 fully appreciate the shrine's scenic beauty, visit at dawn or dusk to catch the golden light illuminating the statues and surrounding landscape.

History

Established in 718 CE during the Nara period, when it was originally called 'Higashi-yama-jinja', and later renamed to Eighteen Hands Shrine in the Edo period.

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.