minato hachimanjinja

Minato Hachimangu is a shrine in Hyogo Ward, Kobe City. It stands at the eastern gateway of Hyogotsu harbor, where the Saigoku Kaido passes and the Minato-guchi Sommon gate once stood. According to tradition, Minamoto no Yoshitsune prayed here for victory against the Taira clan during the Juei era (1182-1184). The principal deity is Homuda Wake no Mikoto (Hachiman), flanked by Okinagatarashi Hime no Mikoto and Hime Okami. Since medieval times it has guarded the port of Hyogotsu, known for blessings of maritime safety and business prosperity.