Atsuta Hachiman Shrine

Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine is a shrine built as the guardian deity of Ashikaga Castle, one of the seven castles in Ashikaga. It was founded about 1300 years ago and has a historical background. Inside the shrine grounds, there is a national designated important cultural property called "Karamon", and the Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine Museum is also located there. In addition, there is a plaque dedicated by the Ashikaga family, and an elderly man trying to shoot the rising sun with a fan of the Hinomaru using a gun is depicted in the technique of Yamato-e within the shrine grounds. Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine is surrounded by historical buildings and beautiful nature, making it popular among many tourists.

Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine is a shrine where blessings related to feet can be expected. Many people visit to pray for safe travels, as well as for victories in sports that involve the use of feet, such as marathons and soccer. Additionally, every third Sunday of March, a "Disaster Relief Foot Festival" is held to pray for foot health. During this festival, a foot bath is prepared in the shrine's precincts, and visitors soak their feet while praying for good health. Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine is also famous as a guardian deity for preventing traffic accidents and for travel, and it attracts many believers.

There are many natural and historic buildings around Atsuta Hachiman Shrine. Access to nearby tourist spots such as Korankei and shrines and temples near Hiradohashi Station is also good, making it possible to sightsee together. In addition, the town of Atsuta has a historic townscape that has been designated as an important traditional building preservation district since the Edo period. Temples such as Iimori Castle ruins and Shukuhouji are also scattered around the area, making it a recommended spot for history lovers. The area around Atsuta Hachiman Shrine is a charming area where nature and history are fused together.

Aga-jinja Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Aga Station on the Meitetsu Toyohashi Line. It's also accessible by car in about 30 minutes from Toyota City or Okazaki City, and in about an hour from Nagoya City. It's possible to arrive within a 10-minute walk from the Aga bus stop. If you visit by car, there are paid parking lots nearby. It's convenient to use public transportation as Meitetsu Bus and JR Bus also operate in the area.

At Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine, you can receive a Goshuincho, a stamp book for shrine and temple visits. The Goshuincho is popular for its cute design featuring the character for "foot." Even if you don't bring your own Goshuincho, you can purchase one on the shrine grounds. When receiving a Goshuincho, a shrine visit fee of 300 yen is required. By receiving a Goshuincho, you can leave a memory of your visit to Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine.