A–Z directory

八幡神社

Japanese Name八幡神社
PrefectureAkita
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityHachiman
Coordinates39.2139274, 139.8982941

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the heart of Akita Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity Amaterasu Omikami and the eight gods of war known as the Hachiman-gami. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, featuring a distinctive horseshoe-shaped torii gate adorned with vermilion paint. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, traditional Japanese buildings, and historic monuments, including the sacred torii gate and the Eight Horseshoe Gate. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is steeped in history and mythology.

Cultural Significance

Eight Horseshoe Shrine is closely associated with the mythology of the Hachiman-gami, who is revered as a patron deity of warriors and samurai. The shrine also plays host to various festivals throughout the year, including the Hachiman Matsuri, which takes place in October.

Enshrined Deities

Amaterasu Omikami Hachiman-gami

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 visitors seeking a peaceful experience, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the shrine's gardens are at their most serene, allowing for an unobstructed view of the Eight Horseshoe Gate.

History

Founded in 638 CE by Prince Hyotoge, a descendant of Emperor Kinmei.

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.