Susa Yakujin Hachimangu

Sosa Yakujin Hachiman Shrine, commonly known as Yakujin-san, is located in Nomura, Hachimancho, Kakogawa, Hyogo, and is widely revered as the great god of protection against evil. According to shrine records, it was founded in 749 (Tenpyo-kampo 1) as a site of imperial prayer under Empress Shotoku. In 769, when Wake no Kiyomaro was attacked by assassins of Dokyo while traveling to Usa Hachimangu, a giant boar appeared and saved him — this legend is the origin of the name "Yakujo Hachiman" (evil-dispelling Hachiman). Large-scale shrine buildings were constructed by imperial decree during the Owa era (961-964) under Emperor Murakami, but were destroyed by fire during the Battle of Miki in 1578. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1588. The Yakujo Taisai festival, one of the three great Harima festivals, draws over 300,000 visitors from across Japan each mid-February.