Fūji-Hachiman-gū, Shinto shrine in Japan
Fūji-Hachiman-gū is a Shinto shrine in Tagawa with spacious grounds featuring carefully maintained trees and a series of simple but beautiful torii gates that mark the pathways. The site includes a main hall, several smaller structures, and notably a large brick building with a heavy iron door located behind the main shrine, whose purpose remains mysterious to visitors.
Founded over 1200 years ago in the early 9th century, this shrine was originally dedicated to fishermen and farmers seeking good catches and harvests. After being destroyed during a conflict, it was rebuilt by a powerful local lord and renamed to reflect the concept of healing winds that bring good fortune.
This shrine serves as a gathering place where the local community reinforces shared traditions through regular festivals and ceremonies. Families come together during these events to participate in rituals rooted in their customs, making it a living center of cultural practice rather than just a historical monument.
The shrine is located near Tagawa-Ida Station and is easily accessible by train. The roads around the shrine are narrow and parking can be limited, so it is advisable to plan ahead during busy festival times and to visit outside peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
This shrine holds the rare distinction of being the only sealed shrine in Japan, a status that sets it apart from all others. This unique designation is believed to carry special power that helps visitors ease their worries and find inner peace.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
