Chinjufu-hachimangū, Shinto shrine in Japan
Chinjufu-hachimangū is a Shinto shrine in Ōshū, Japan, set in a quiet area surrounded by trees and old buildings. The sanctuary features a simple gate, a well-maintained courtyard, and a main hall with red and black lacquered wood, where the enshrined deities are honored.
The shrine was founded in 802 when a general brought a sacred spirit to this location to protect the region. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, gained status as a Prefectural Shrine in the early 1900s, and was officially recognized as an important place of worship in 1922.
The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, a deity of protection and martial arts deeply revered by local residents. Visitors notice small offerings and decorations placed throughout the grounds, showing how the community actively maintains and honors this sacred space.
The shrine is easily accessible from nearby Mizusawa station by taking a local bus to the Hachiman Shrine-mae stop, followed by a short walk. The grounds are modest in size and can be comfortably explored in just a few minutes.
A sacred tree on the grounds is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is revered by visitors as a symbol of endurance. This ancient oak stands as a living witness to the shrine's long connection with people across many generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
