Sendai

Osaki Hachimangu, the busiest shrine in Sendai

大崎八幡宮 | Osaki Hachimangu Shrine

Witness Shinto as a living tradition

Photo by LION CAMERA

Photo by LION CAMERA

Photo by Roger Smith

Photo by Timur Kalininsky

  • Aliise Eisho Donnere

    Writer

    Last Update
    November 22, 2022

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  • Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a National Treasure and one of the most important Shinto shrines in Sendai. Not only is it a magnificent historical artifact and an outstanding example of early seventeenth century architecture, but it is also still an important part of religious and everyday life. People come here for all kinds of reasons: sightseeing, research, to take part in a festival, or to celebrate a memorable event in their own life. Witness important traditions and rituals while enjoying the atmosphere of this place of worship.

    Erected between 1604 and 1607 by Masamune Date, the samurai who founded Sendai, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a masterpiece built by the best craftsmen of the time. The quality can be felt in every inch of the building, in the carvings, and in the paintings. It is refined but it is far from serene. In fact, Osaki Hachimangu is often bustling with some joyful activity. There are babies wrapped in kimono, brought for their first-ever shrine visit. There are Japanese-style weddings. There are crowds of students, buying amulets and writing ema votive tablets to protect against failing exams. And of course, there are festivals. Festivals at Osaki Hachimangu, especially the dramatic Dontosai pilgrimage and bonfire, exemplify the vibrant religious culture of northern Japan.

    I recommend lingering, taking a long walk around the grounds and having a cup of fragrant green tea at the shrine’s cafe.

    WEBSITEhttps://www.osakihachimangu.com/

  • Sendai

    Tags

    Do & See History Sendai Temples & Shrines

Details

ADDRESS

4 Chome-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

By train: 20-minute walk from Tohokufukushidai-mae Station (Senzan Line)

By Loople Sendai Bus: 45 minutes from Sendai Station. Board Loople Sendai Bus at Sendai Station West Exit Bus Pool platform 16. Alight at Loople bus stop #12, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine. Bus info here (English).

ADMISSION

Free

CREDIT CARDS

Not accepted

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Yes

HOURS

9:00–17:00 (Open continuously from 23:00 Dec 31 to 18:00 Jan 3)

CLOSED DAYS

None

PHONE

022-234-3606

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