A–Z directory

八幡神社

Japanese Name八幡神社
PrefectureAkita
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityBenten
Coordinates39.1640850, 139.9044471

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in Akita Prefecture, the Eight Hara Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the Shinto deity Benten, a kami associated with fertility, prosperity, and seafaring, the shrine has been an important cultural center for centuries. Its iconic eight-hooded torii gate symbolizes the protector spirits of the region, who watch over the community from Benten.

Cultural Significance

The Eight Hara Shrine is also known for its stunning garden design, featuring carefully raked gravel paths and moss-covered stepping stones. According to local legend, the shrine's eight torii gates are said to be built on a sacred site where Benten appeared to fishermen in the 7th century.

Enshrined Deities

Benten

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

For a unique visitor experience, try to visit the shrine during the annual Benten Matsuri festival, which takes place in July and features traditional dances, lantern displays, and offerings to Benten.

History

The shrine was rebuilt in 1632 during the Edo period, replacing a previous structure that dated back to the Heian era.

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.