Hachiman Kamado Shrine, Hachiman shrine in Beppu, Japan
Hachiman Kamado Shrine is a Shinto shrine on Mount Kameyama in Beppu, Japan. It venerates around thirty-six deities and is reached by a stone stairway whose upper steps are noticeably rougher than the lower ones.
The shrine is said to have been founded in 727, making it one of the oldest places of worship in the Beppu area. Its origins are linked in tradition to legendary figures of early Japanese history, among them Prince Yamato Takeru and Empress Jingu.
Fans of the anime series Demon Slayer visit the shrine because the name Kamado matches the surname of the main character. Near the entrance, visitors can find ema wooden wishing boards and souvenirs tied to the series, including a bamboo muzzle modeled after the character Nezuko.
The shrine sits on a hillside and is reached by climbing a stone stairway, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. The grounds are free to enter, and visiting early in the morning tends to be quieter.
Within the grounds stands a sacred tree called Tamayori-no-ki, said to be over 500 years old, with a hollow trunk large enough for a person to sit inside. Visitors can enter the hollow and also purchase a charm called Tamayori Omamori linked to the tree.
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