Hayatani Shrine, Shinto shrine in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Hayatani Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its wooden worship hall has a sweeping dark tiled nagare-zukuri roof that curves upward at the eaves, with a front gable projecting over the entrance and gold-colored fittings. White paper streamers and gold ornaments hang along the dark brown facade, and a broad stone stairway leads up to the wooden veranda. A carved stone guardian lion on a gray pedestal stands left of the steps, with a small wooden offering box before them.

Founded over 1,800 years ago, it is considered the oldest shrine in Aki Province. In 811 the Nihon Kōki records it as a Meishin, the earliest written record of any shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. The Engishiki of 905 lists it as a Meishin Taisha receiving monthly, harvest and Niiname offerings; it was later called the province's second shrine as Itsukushima rose under Taira patronage. In 2024 a rite marked its 1,800th year.

The shrine's name is written with the characters for "swift valley", and it is known by the phrase "buy a car, go to Hayatani-san", which draws drivers from far away. Hiroshima Electric Railway has its buses and trains blessed here, and travellers on the old Sanyo road prayed for a safe long journey. Two guardian lions and a wooden offering box stand at the foot of the stone steps.

The shrine stands at 308-1 Kamihira, Hatsukaichi, about 30 minutes on foot from Hatsukaichi City Hall-mae (Hira) Station on the Hiroden Miyajima Line, or from JR Hatsukaichi and Miyauchi-Kushido stations. The Hatsukaichi Sakura Bus stops at the Hayatani Shrine stop, one minute away, and at Nakahira, five minutes away. By car, take the Sanyo Expressway's Miyajima SA Smart Interchange, two minutes off, or National Route 433 via the Nishi-Hiroshima Bypass from Hatsukaichi Interchange, five minutes.

The shrine is particularly known in modern times as a guardian place for travelers on the nearby Sanyo Expressway and for people seeking safety in motor vehicle use. This specialized role shows how the ancient sanctuary's purpose has adapted to the modern needs of society.