Shimonaka Hachiman

What it is

• Founded in 1156 by Minamoto no Tametomo and restored in 1643.
• Dedicated to the primary deities Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Established by Kato Kiyomasa as one of three Hachiman shrines.
• The external Hinomiya Shrine is the origin of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's childhood name.

What to see

• The oldest remaining ridgepole plaque dating back to 1675.
• The Hinomiya Shrine located within the precinct grounds.
• Sub-shrines including Ryujinsha and Shiogamesha.
• The main shrine buildings restored during the early Edo period.

When to go

• Summer festival featuring a ring-passing ritual on August 8.
• The main autumn festival held annually on October 9 and 10.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.