Hachiman Jinja

Numerous shrines to the deity Hachiman can be found on Toshijima island. Hachiman has long been venerated throughout Japan as a patron of warriors and a protector of agriculture. On Toshijima, local residents pray to Hachiman for bountiful harvests and safety at sea. Sacred Hachiman marks in the form of the Japanese character “hachi” (八) within a circle, can be found on boats and buildings all around the island. These are drawn by hand with sanctified charcoal prepared on special festival days. While visitors are welcome to visit the island’s shrines, they should remove their shoes before entering the innermost areas, which are carpeted with smooth, white, round stones