Hatsumode 2026: 5 Horse-Themed Shrines and Temples to Visit in Aichi for the Year of the Horse – Access & Parking Guide Included!

Horses are symbols of speed, progress, and strength due to their agility and power. People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, driven, and naturally inclined to forge their own paths in life.

As freedom-loving animals, horses represent independence and the courage to choose one’s own direction. That’s why the Year of the Horse is believed to be an ideal time for new challenges, travel, relocation, and major life transitions.

In Japan, horses have long been considered sacred. Beliefs such as “Bato Kannon” (Horse-Headed Kannon) and “Shinme” (divine horses) are deeply rooted in traditional faith. Horses have historically been associated with prayers for safe travel, victory in battle, and protection on the road.

“Hatsumode 2026: Visit Bato Kannon Hall – A Horse-Themed Spiritual Site in Aichi Prefecture”

This hall enshrines Bato Kannon, the guardian deity of “Chuma” horses, which were historically used for transporting goods along the old Chuma route.

Blessings (Goriyaku):

• Traffic safety

• Safe travel

• Memorial services for animals

Connection to the Year of the Horse:
Bato Kannon is deeply associated with horses and is especially revered during the Year of the Horse, making this temple a spiritually significant site for those born in that zodiac year.

Located along the historic Chuma Kaido (Chuma Highway), Bato Kannon Hall is also close to Kōrankei Gorge and the traditional townscape of Asuke, making it an ideal destination for both pilgrimage and sightseeing.

🚗 Access

“During busy periods such as New Year’s visits (Hatsumode) and the autumn foliage season, heavy crowds are expected. We recommend using public transportation or arriving early to avoid congestion.”

🚌Access by Public Transportation

From Nagoya:

• Take the Subway Higashiyama Line from Nagoya Station and transfer at Fushimi Station to the Subway Tsurumai Line. Continue to Akaike Station, where it connects directly to the Meitetsu Toyota Line, and get off at Meitetsu Toyotashi Station.

• From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line and transfer at Chiryu Station to the line bound for Meitetsu Toyotashi Station.

• From JR Nagoya Station, take the JR Chūō Main Line and transfer at Kōzōji Station to the Aichi Loop Railway, then get off at Shin-Toyota Station.

From Toyotashi Station or Shin-Toyota Station:

• Take a Meitetsu Bus bound for Asuke, get off at the Asuke Shōkōkai bus stop, and walk about 5 minutes.

There doesn’t appear to be a dedicated parking lot for Batō Kannon-dō.
However, public parking lots are available around nearby tourist attractions such as Kōrankei Gorge and the historic streets of Asuke.

These parking areas are within walking distance of Batō Kannon-dō and conveniently located for exploring the surrounding sights.
Please note that some of these parking lots are available by reservation.

Parking Lot Name	Rates	Capacity	Vehicle Restrictions	Notes
Matsugae-cho 2-Chome 15 Parking Lot	12:00 AM–8:00 AM: 8 hrs ¥50 8:00 AM–12:00 AM: 16 hrs ¥400	17 cars	Max Length: 500 cm Max Width: 250 cm	Reservation available
Motomiya-cho 2-103 (Spaces 1–5)	24 hrs ¥300	5 cars	Max Length: 480 cm Max Width: 220 cm	Reservation available
Motomiya-cho 2-103 (Spaces 6–20)	24 hrs ¥300	15 cars	Max Length: 480 cm Max Width: 220 cm	Reservation available

📝 “Additional Information”

Location:
444-2424 Ochiai, Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Phone Number:
0565-62-1272 (Asuke Tourism Association)

Nearby Attractions:
Kōrankei Gorge, Asuke Shrine, Asuke Hachimangu Shrine, and more.

Overview:
Batō Kannon-dō is not only dedicated to Batō Kannon, the guardian deity of horses, but also features a haiku monument by the famous poet Matsuo Bashō. It is a place rich in history and culture. We highly recommend visiting this site while enjoying a stroll through the historic townscape of Asuke.

New Year’s Visit 2026: 5 Horse Year-Related Shrines and Temples to Visit in Aichi Prefecture – Toga Shrine

Toga Shrine (Togajinja)

• Highlight: A shrine with a long-standing tradition of horseback pilgrimages to Mt. Hongū (Hongū-san).

• Blessings: Family safety, abundant harvests, and good fortune.

• Connection to the Year of the Horse: The shrine retains elements of equestrian worship, making it a spiritually significant site with deep ties to horses.

🚗 Access

Toga Shrine is a serene place surrounded by the beauty of nature in every season, making it an ideal location to cleanse the mind and body. In particular, the cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage offer stunning scenery.

When visiting, it’s best to plan ahead by checking public transportation schedules and parking availability. Allowing extra time will help ensure a peaceful and enjoyable day.

🚃 “Public Transportation”

• Via JR Iida Line:
  Nearest station: Mikawa-Ichinomiya Station (JR Iida Line)
  Walking distance: Approximately 5 minutes on foot east from the station

• Via Shinkansen (Bullet Train):
  Nearest Shinkansen station: Toyohashi Station
  Transfer: From Toyohashi Station, take the JR Iida Line and get off at Mikawa-Ichinomiya Station (about 4 stops)

🅿 “Parking Information”

Toga Shrine offers a dedicated parking lot as well as nearby coin-operated parking spaces that can be reserved in advance.

Toga Shrine Sato-gu Parking Lot

• Capacity: Approximately 200 vehicles (including large buses)
• Fee: Free of charge
• Note: During busy periods (e.g., New Year’s visits and festivals), early arrival is recommended.

“Nearby Reserved Parking Lots”

Address: 2 Nishigaito, Ichinomiya-cho, Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture 441-1231, Japan
Phone Number: +81-533-93-2001
Visiting Hours: Open all day (Shrine office hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)

Hatsumode 2026: 5 Horse-Year Related Shrines and Temples in Aichi Prefecture – Suhara Shrine

Suhara Shrine (Suhara Jinja)

• Highlight: Famous for the annual “Uma Matsuri” (Horse Festival), during which a sacred horse parades through the town.
• Blessings: Traffic safety, victory in endeavors, and protection from misfortune.
• Connection to the Year of the Horse: Suhara Shrine preserves traditional celebrations honoring horses, making it an ideal destination for Hatsumode in the Year of the Horse.

🚗 Access

Suhara Shrine holds deep-rooted beliefs associated with horses, making it a particularly special place for those born in the Year of the Horse or those with a connection to horses. When you visit, be sure to also enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

🚗Access by Car

From Nagoya area:

• About 40 minutes from central Nagoya via National Route 23 toward Kariya City.

• About 15 minutes from the Isewangan Expressway “Toyoake IC” or “Kariya IC.”

From Mikawa area:

• Head west on National Route 23 toward Kariya City.

• About 20 minutes from the Isewangan Expressway “Toyota Minami IC.”

🚌 Access by Public Transportation:

From Kariya Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line or Meitetsu Mikawa Line:

Take the “Karimaru” East Border Line (a Kariya City Community Bus) and get off at the “Suhara Park” bus stop. It’s about a 5-minute walk from there.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the station, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

🅿 “Parking Information”

Suhara Shrine offers a free parking lot exclusively for visitors. Additionally, the adjacent Suhara Park provides spacious parking areas, which are also available during events and busy periods.

• Parking Area	Fee	Capacity	Hours of Operation
  Suhara Shrine Parking Lot	Free	Approx. 20 cars	Available all day
  Suhara Park Parking Lot	Free	Approx. 100 cars	Follows park hours (typically 8:00–21:00)

  During festivals or events, heavy congestion is expected. We recommend using public transportation or arriving early to ensure a smooth visit.

📝 “Additional Information”

• Location: 18 Subara, Igayacho, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture, 448-0001, Japan
  Phone Number: +81-566-36-0121

Hatsumode 2026: 5 Horse-Related Shrines and Temples in Aichi Prefecture – Umaike Shrine (Horse Pond Shrine)

Umaike Shrine (Maike Jinja)

• Key Point: This shrine derives its name from the local area “Umaike” (literally “Horse Pond”) and has long been associated with horse-related beliefs and traditions.
• Blessings: Traffic safety, protection from misfortune.
• Connection to the Year of the Horse: As a shrine that bears the character for “horse” (馬) in its name, Umaike Shrine is symbolically significant and especially meaningful for visits during the Year of the Horse.

🚗 Access

From central Nagoya:

Take the Nagoya Daini Kanjo Expressway (Mei-Nikan) and exit at Kamiyashiro-Minami IC or Kamiyashiro IC — approximately 10 minutes from either exit.

Then proceed eastward through Meito Ward via Prefectural Route 60 (Nagoya–Nagakute Line).

🚌 Access by Public Transportation

From Ue-sha Station (Subway Higashiyama Line):
Take the Nagoya City Bus bound for “Itakachako” and get off at the “Itakachako” bus stop. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

From Issha Station (Subway Higashiyama Line):
Take the Nagoya City Bus bound for “Itakachako” and get off at the “Itakachako” bus stop. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

🅿

Parking Information

Maike Shrine offers a dedicated parking area for visitors. However, since the number of spaces is limited, it is recommended to consider using nearby coin-operated parking lots during busy periods.

 

Parking Name	Fee	Capacity	Operating Hours / Notes	Address
Maike Shrine Parking Lot	Free	Approx. 10 cars	Available all day for visitors	—
Times Itakasha Depot Parking	¥200 per 60 min	Approx. 15 cars	Nearby coin-operated lot	1-chome, Itakadai, Meito-ku, Nagoya
Meitetsu Kyosho Parking Itakadai	¥200 per 60 min	Approx. 20 cars	Nearby coin-operated lot	2-chome, Itakadai, Meito-ku, Nagoya

Hatsumode 2026: 5 Horse-Themed Shrines and Temples to Visit in Aichi Prefecture – Baba Daimon Shrine

Baba Daimon Shrine (Baba Daimon Jinja)

• Key Point: The shrine’s name is derived from the area “Baba,” which historically refers to a horse training ground (馬場 umaba). It is believed that horses were once trained here in ancient times.
• Blessings: Protection from misfortune, long-lasting military fortune, and guardianship for children.
• Connection to the Year of the Horse: Deeply rooted in history as a place associated with horse training and military steeds, making it especially meaningful in the Year of the Horse.

Access

🚗Access by Car:

From the Nagoya area:

• Approximately 40 minutes from central Nagoya via National Route 247.

• About 15 minutes from the Akugai Interchange (Akugai IC) on the Chita Peninsula Road.

🚌Access by Public Transportation

From Meitetsu Tokoname Line “Asakura Station”:

Take the Chita Bus bound for “Okada” and get off at the “Baba” bus stop. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

🅿Parking Information

Baba Daimon Shrine provides a free parking lot for visitors. However, since the number of spaces is limited, congestion is expected during festivals and special events. During such times, it is recommended to use nearby coin-operated parking facilities or public transportation.

Baba Daimon Shrine Parking Lot:

• Fee: Free of charge
• Capacity: Approximately 10 vehicles
• Hours of Use: Available all day

Hatsumode 2026: Top 5 Horse-Themed Shrines and Temples in Aichi Prefecture for the Year of the Horse

Visiting horse-related shrines and temples in Aichi Prefecture is more than just sightseeing—it can be a profound spiritual reboot. Horses have long been regarded in Japan as sacred messengers of the gods, symbolizing action, transformation, and divine guidance.

Especially in the Year of the Horse or during times of personal change, embracing the energy of the horse may illuminate new paths and dispel stagnant or uncertain feelings. Each shrine holds its own unique connection to the sacred presence of the horse, rooted in the traditions of its local region, offering meaningful insights to those who visit.

Embarking on a pilgrimage to these spiritual sites throughout Aichi can gently but powerfully encourage you to trust your own path and move forward with renewed clarity and strength.