Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine

Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine, located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine with over 800 years of history. On its Approx. 5.3-hectare grounds, centuries-old cedar trees stand in rows, and the area has long been loved as “Hachimanyama.”

The grounds are packed with highlights. Starting with the main sanctuary, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, you can see many valuable buildings and decorative details. The National Treasure Museum houses 25 valuable cultural properties, including National Treasure armor and helmets. The red-laced armor and the white-laced tsuma-dori armor, famous as the “Kiku Ichimonji armor and helmet,” are truly breathtaking for their intricate decoration and imposing, weighty presence.

You’ll also find the Meiji Memorial Hall, known as the oldest Western-style building in the prefecture. This historic building was used during Emperor Meiji’s tour of the Tohoku region and was originally a school auditorium. It was relocated to the shrine grounds in 1962.

There’s also a great service that history lovers will be thrilled about. Armor and miko shrine maiden costumes (children only) are available to try on (fee required). If you’d like to do it, be sure to reserve by phone in advance.