Kadode Hachiman-gū, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kadode Hachiman-gū is a small Shinto shrine in Kyoto dedicated to the god Hachiman, built to protect the city and its people. The site features simple wooden structures, stone lanterns, and a courtyard with a stone path where visitors come to offer prayers.
The shrine was founded when the Hachiman deity was brought from a shrine in Kyushu to protect Kyoto. In 1174, the famous samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune performed a ritual here before journeying north to escape his brother's pursuit.
The shrine's name means 'leaving with a stop', reflecting an old custom where travelers would pause here before continuing their journey. This tradition of preparation and reflection remains visible today in how visitors use the space and take time for prayer and contemplation.
The shrine is quiet and rarely crowded, making it a peaceful place for reflection. Visitors will find a water basin near the entrance for washing hands and mouth before entering, which is part of the Shinto purification ritual.
The shrine is connected to samurai Yoshitsune, who stopped here in 1174 to escape pursuit and prepare for his northern journey. This link to a legendary warrior makes the site a hidden piece of Japanese military history that many visitors overlook.
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