Chii Hachiman Shrine

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Chii Hachiman Shrine

The main shrine of Chii-no-sho Village, renowned for its intricately carved decorations adorning the honden (main hall)-a captivating sight for visitors.

3.24 1

Last update :

Founded in 1071 as the main shrine of Chii-no-sho Village, Chii Hachiman Shrine carries a rich history deeply intertwined with local legend and tradition. Originally located at Minami Murakami-no-Miya on the opposite bank of the Yura River, the shrine was relocated to its current site after a landslide and flood swept it away. The existing honden (main hall) was rebuilt in 1767.
According to legend, the shrine’s origins date back to 713 AD, when Kōga Saburō Kaneie established the shrine after heroically slaying a mythical eight-headed deer that had appeared in the village.

The enshrined deities are Emperor Ōjin, Suwa Myōjin, and Chii Ichinomiya Myōjin. The shrine grounds are designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Property Environmental Conservation Area, and the main hall, built in the sangensha nagare-zukuri style, is recognized as a Kyoto Prefecture Registered Cultural Property. Intricate carvings of phoenixes, carp, lions, and chrysanthemum flowers adorn the structure, making it one of the finest examples of temple-shrine architecture in the Tanba region.

Every October, the shrine hosts the Chii Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival, featuring a mikoshi procession through the village and performances of gagaku (ancient court music) to pray for protection from misfortune and household safety.

Highlights

  • The main shrine of the nine villages of Chii.
  • Known for the legend of the eight-horned deer defeated by a heroic figure.
  • Boasts an ancient history dating back to 713 AD.
  • The intricate carvings on the main hall are a must-see.
  • Hosts an annual festival every October.

Photos

  • The main hall, designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Registered Cultural Property

    The main hall, designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Registered Cultural Property

  • Don’t miss the intricate carvings adorning the main hall

    Don’t miss the intricate carvings adorning the main hall

  • The annual festival features a mikoshi procession

    The annual festival features a mikoshi procession

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes. Please note that since the shrine is unmanned, pre-written stamps are provided.

Q

Is there parking available?

A

Please use the Kayabuki no Sato Parking Lot. (500yen per car)

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • See More

    I joined a one-day tour of Miyama this time, so the schedule was fairly limited. When we arrived at Chii Hachiman Shrine, I only had time for a short walk near the foot of the mountain and couldn’t make it all the way up to the shrine, which was a little disappointing. The surroundings along the way were very quiet and enclosed by forest, with the natural atmosphere unique to the Miyama countryside.

    Although I didn’t actually make it to the top, just seeing the shrine and the surrounding scenery near the entrance was enough to feel how different the atmosphere was from shrines in the city. It was less crowded and noisy than a tourist attraction, and more simple and peaceful.

    My biggest regret was that there really wasn’t enough time. If I had planned an independent trip, I could probably have walked and taken in the scenery at a leisurely pace without constantly checking the meeting time.

    So for now, I’ll keep Chii Hachiman Shrine in mind and save this small regret for next time. When I return to Miyama, I hope to allow plenty of time and walk all the way up to see the entire shrine for myself!

Details

Name in Japanese
知井八幡神社
Postal Code
601-0712
Address
Miyamachokita, Nantan City, Kyoto
Telephone
050-1724-4070 (Tourist Information Hotline)
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
Free to visit any time
Admission
Free
Access
From JR Hiyoshi Station, take a bus and get off at “Kita (Kayabuki no Sato)” stop, then walk 5 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa