Hanaoka Hachimangu — Attraction in Kudamatsu

I have found that many shrines in Japan can be visited with respectful curiosity & understood by the plaques or guides that aid one's exploration. This shrine, however, deserves prior knowledge before visiting, to deeply honour & appreciate its complex legacy & history properly. I have only ever visited Yamaguchi Prefecture once, on a business trip, for 5 days; but I knew that I was not going to miss an opportunity to experience...

Quite a pleasant temple, small with little to no information for foreign visitors who dont speak Japanese but I have a feeling they dont see many of us in this part of their town. If you're in the area, it might be worth a short walk or visit. I think the only other people around were the kids from the nearby school and their parents as well as the groundskeeper....

花岡八幡宮は、和銅２年（709年）豊前国宇佐八幡宮の御分霊を勧請したものと伝わっています。 重源上人が社殿の再建をしたり、大内氏、陶氏、毛利氏があつく崇敬してきた神社です。

本殿の裏の桜がきれいです。

宝物庫に納められている大太刀「破邪の御太刀（はじゃのおんたち）」を見せていただきました。 本物は撮影不可でしたので、撮影が許されたレプリカの写真を載せておきます。 下松市観光協会の説明。。。 全長465.5㎝（刃渡り345.5㎝、中茎120㎝）、幅13㎝、厚さ３㎝、重量75kgの大太刀。 安政６年（1859年）東肥 菊池延寿国村27代末孫...