ABOUT
About this spot
Iwashimizu Hachimangu stands on Mount Otoko in Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture. It enshrines Hachiman deities: Emperor Ojin, Hime-okami and Empress Jingu. Since its founding in the Heian period (traditionally 859), when the monk Gyokyo is said to have received an oracle at Usa Hachimangu and the shrine was built under Emperor Seiwa, it has been revered as a guardian of the nation and was also the clan shrine of the Minamoto family. Its grounds were designated a National Historic Site in 2012. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt in 1634 on the order of Tokugawa Iemitsu. Ten structures of the main shrine, including the main hall, the tower gate, the dance hall and the corridors, are designated National Treasures. The main hall is in the distinctive Hachiman-zukuri style, and a "golden gutter" between its two roofs is said to have been donated by Oda Nobunaga. The shrine's festival on September 15, the Iwashimizu Festival, is counted as one of Japan's three great imperial festivals together with the Aoi and Kasuga festivals. From Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station on the Keihan Main Line, take the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Sando Cable Car (about 3 minutes) to the top station, then walk about 5 minutes to the main shrine. Allow one to two hours for a visit.
Last updated October 25, 2026