History and Origins of Gosho Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto

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Gosho Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto City, Oike Street is known as a business district lined with buildings and hotels.

Along this street, you’ll find the Gosho Hachimangu Shrine (御所八幡宮), a beloved local shrine with a history that dates back to the Muromachi period.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine on Oike Street

Despite its small size, the shrine’s torii gate and main hall exhibit a robust structure that exudes a sense of history.

Gosho Hachimangu shrine's torii gate

The lanterns along Oike Street are photogenic, often capturing the interest of foreign tourists.

The lanterns of Gosho Hachimangu Shrine along Oike Street
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History and Origins of Gosho Hachimangu Shrine

The name “Gosho (imperial palace 御所) Hachimangu” originates from the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, Ashikaga Takauji (足利尊氏), who enshrined the deity as the guardian god of his residence.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto

It is also known as Toji Hachiman and Takakura Hachiman, named after the current location.

Initially located at the Gosho hachiman Town, it was moved to its current location in 1945 due to forced evacuation during World War II.

During Takauji’s era, the shrine boasted a grand structure known as the “Yatsumune-zukuri,” but the premises were significantly reduced during the war evacuation.

The shrine’s stone lanterns and guardian dogs are remnants from that time.

The shrine's stone lanterns and guardian dogs

The precincts also feature a commemorative monument celebrating the marriage of the Crown Prince, now the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita.

commemorative monument celebrating the marriage of the Crown Prince

Deities of Gosho Hachimangu Shrine

Gosho Hachimangu enshrines three deities: Emperor Ojin (応神天皇), Empress Jingu (神功皇后), and Hime-Gami (比売神). These deities are deeply intertwined with Japan’s mythology and history, attracting many followers.

origin of Gosho Hachimangu

The shrine also houses several smaller shrines.

The shrine also houses several smaller shrines.

Including Konpira Shrine, Omiyamesha Shrine, and Sarutahiko Shrine, with adjacent shrines dedicated to Inari and Sugawara no Michizane, featuring ancient sacred cows.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine's sacred cows

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine: Protector of Childbirth and Children

Gosho Hachimangu is famous as a protector of childbirth and children, alongside the Miyake Hachimangu (三宅八幡) in Sakyo Ward’s Kamitakano.

Known as “Mushi Hachiman,” (虫八幡) the shrine is believed to help with childhood ailments and tantrums, earning the trust of parents who pray for their children’s health.

The annual summer purification ceremony (夏越の大祓神事) at the end of June and the Shinko Festival around September 15 feature Mikoshi (portable shrines) parading through Oike Street and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mikoshi at Gosho Hachimangu Shrine
Mikoshi parade at Gosho Hachimangu Shrine
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Photogenic Lantern at Gosho Hachimangu Shrine

The shrine can be visited even at night, and the lined lanterns are a sight to behold.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine Offering Lanterns

The shrine are also illuminated with lanterns, creating a very magical atmosphere.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine Lanterns

The lanterns, donated by local businesses and shops along Oike Street.

The lanterns, donated by local businesses and shops along Oike Street

Access and Location: Oike Hachimangu Shrine

The nearest station to Oike Hachimangu Shrine is Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto City Subway’s Karasuma and Tozai lines, just a three-minute walk away. For bus travelers, the Karasuma Oike bus stop served by Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus is convenient.

The shrine is open for free visits at any time, and the illuminated lanterns at night provide a magical experience. The area around Karasuma Oike is also home to many hotels, making it a popular spot for foreign tourists.

Information on Oike Hachimangu Shrine

NameGosho Hachimangu Shrine
AddressKyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kikkoya-cho 596, Japan
DeitiesEmperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, Hime-Gami
BenefitsChildbirth and Safe Delivery
Admission FeeFree (Open to the public)
Access3-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
3-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Bus Stop served by Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine is supported by its history, tradition, and deep-rooted local faith.

Gosho Hachimangu Shrine Shinko Festival

When you come to Kyoto, please visit Gosho Hachimangu Shrine. Despite its small size, it offers a serene space where you can feel the rich history and experience its charm.

Gosho Hachimangu Komainu (guardian dogs)

Japanese Article : 京都 御所八幡宮の歴史と由来

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