Washibara Hachimangū

The Washibara Hachimangu complex features traditional shrine buildings positioned along the Tsuwano river where the castle hill meets the water.

The Yoshimi clan constructed the shrine during the 14th century, and later the Kamei clan relocated a second shrine with a torii gate during the Edo period.

The shrine grounds maintain Japan's only remaining dedicated horse archery track, which serves as the venue for the annual Tsuwano Yabusame Festival each April.

Visitors can reach the shrine through a 40-minute walk from Tsuwano station or opt for bicycle rentals and local taxi services for faster access.

The main shrine building stands at an unusual diagonal angle to the archery tracks, a positioning detail that remains unexplained even among local residents.

Location: Tsuwano

Inception: 10 century

GPS coordinates: 34.45444,131.75672

Latest update: March 17, 2025 13:00