In Japan, the arrival of a new zodiac year carries more than just a calendar change—it carries tradition, symbolism, and stories that have been passed down for centuries. The Year of the Horse is no exception. In Japanese culture, horses are not only beautiful and strong animals—they’re deeply tied to Shinto beliefs, mythology, and even historical milestones. Whether you’re visiting Japan as a curious traveler, a new resident, or a professional navigating life here, immersing yourself in these traditions can offer lessons about patience, respect, and cultural observation—the very qualities that help foreigners thrive in the Japanese workplace.
Horses in Japanese Culture: From Myth to Modern Day
Horses have long held a special place in Japan’s cultural imagination. In Shinto mythology, they were seen as divine transports for deities. The sun goddess Amaterasu is famously depicted riding celestial horses in both ancient texts and paintings.
But horses were not just mythological—they also appeared in everyday spiritual life. Shinme, sacred horses, were often gifted to shrines, carried in festival processions, or represented on ema—wooden plaques used for prayers and wishes. Even historical figures and domestic breeds of horses have left a mark on Japanese culture, making the Year of the Horse a rich period for exploring sites tied to both spiritual and earthly equines.
As a foreigner learning how to work in Japan, noticing these cultural details can also give insight into broader themes: respect for tradition, ritualized respect, and attention to detail—qualities that echo in Japanese offices and professional etiquette.
Shrines and Temples to Visit
Japan’s connection to horses shines brightest at shrines and temples. Each site tells a story through statues, festivals, and rituals. Here are some highlights for anyone celebrating or exploring the Year of the Horse:
Fujinomori Shrine, Kyoto
Dating back nearly 2,000 years, Fujinomori Shrine is a cornerstone of equestrian tradition. Its May festival, Kakeuma Shinji, features local riders performing acrobatic maneuvers at full gallop. Visitors can also explore the Treasure Hall, filled with horse-related artifacts, and pick up omamori, good luck charms in equine shapes.
Address: 609 Fukakusa Toriizakicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Nearest station: JR Fujinomori
Izumo Oyashiro Shrine, Shimane
Mentioned in the 8th-century Kojiki, Izumo Oyashiro Shrine has long been associated with harmony and blessing relationships. A bronze horse statue, Kaneuma-san, stands just outside the Main Hall and is believed to protect women during childbirth.
Address: 195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Shimane
Nearest station: JR Izumoshi
Kamo Shrine, Shiga Prefecture
This shrine’s connection to horses dates to the 7th century, when Emperor Tenji designated its precincts as a state-run horse ranch. Today, Kamo Shrine hosts ceremonies for horse health in January and a rare Ashifuse-no-Some horse racing event in May.
Address: 1691 Kamo-cho, Omi-Hachiman City, Shiga
Nearest station: JR Omi-Hachiman
Setagaya Hachimangu, Tokyo
Tokyo’s horse-related spiritual hub, Setagaya Hachimangu, preserves yabusame, traditional horseback archery, during its festival season. Located near Baji Koen, a long-established riding ground, it’s a rare chance to experience equestrian culture without leaving the city.
Address: 1-26-3 Miyasaka, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Miyanosaka station
Susa Jinja, Shimane
Nestled in dense forests, Susa Shrine worships Susanoo no Mikoto, the deity of seas and storms. Among its curiosities is a small white wooden horse, reflecting the tradition of gifting horses to serve the gods.
Address: 730 Sadacho Susa, Izumo, Shimane
Nearest station: JR Susa
Rinnoji Temple, Nikko
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rinnoji Temple enshrines Bato Kannon, the Horse-Headed Kannon, an eight-meter statue with a crown adorned with a horse. This symbol represents the deity’s dominion over animals and is a must-see for Year of the Horse enthusiasts.
Address: 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi
Nearest station: JR Nikko
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura
Founded about 1,000 years ago, this shrine’s link to horses and archery stems from Minamoto Yoritomo, who introduced yabusame as military training. The Reitaisai Festival in mid-September still showcases this skill in action.
Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Nearest station: JR Kamakura
Hands-On Horse Experiences
For those who want more than shrine visits, Japan offers immersive horse experiences across the country:
Meiho, Gifu Prefecture
Central Gifu celebrates Surusumi, a legendary black horse from the Genpei War. Visitors can see a monument to Surusumi, try local delicacies like Meiho ham, and catch live performances by the Surusumi Taiko Preservation Society during the Autumn Festival.
Address: 1015 Meiho Otani, Gujo, Gifu
Nearest station: N/A
Cape Shiriyazaki, Aomori
Home to the kandachime breed, these horses roam freely from April to November. Their robust, short-legged bodies make them a natural treasure of the region, visible from Cape Shiriyazaki’s rugged coastline.
Address: 1 Shiriya, Higashidori, Shimokita District, Aomori
Nearest station: JR Shimokita
Cape Toi, Miyazaki
Along the southern coast, wild horses graze near Misaki Jinja and the Cape Toi Lighthouse. These descendants of samurai horses remain a rare domestic breed. Visitors can approach but should never feed or touch them.
Address: 42-3 Ono, Kushima, Miyazaki
Nearest station: JR Kushima
Migoma Wooden Horses, Tohoku
The migoma, traditional horse-shaped toys, bring good luck and are crafted in Aomori, Fukushima, and Miyagi. Hachinohe Portal Museum, Takashiba Deco-Yashiki, and Kokeshi no Shimanuki are ideal spots to explore these local treasures.
Addresses:
- Hachinohe Portal Museum: 11-1 Mikkamachi, Hachinohe, Aomori
- Takashiba Deco-Yashiki: 169 Tateno Takashiba Nishida Town Koriyama, Fukushima
- Kokeshi no Shimanuki: 3-1-17 Ichibancho, Sendai, Miyagi
Experiencing Japanese Tradition as a Foreigner
Exploring the Year of the Horse isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about understanding ritual, respect, and attention to detail. Foreigners who observe festivals, shrine etiquette, or even buy migoma for luck may notice similarities with workplace culture in Japan:
- Preparation and presentation matter
- Observing rituals teaches patience and awareness
- Respect for hierarchy and tradition is expected
These lessons are especially helpful for those seeking jobs in Japan for foreigners or navigating Japan work visa processes. Platforms like ComfysCareer.com guide newcomers not just through paperwork, but also through cultural nuances, interview etiquette, and onboarding practices, making the transition smoother.
Planning a Smooth Start in Japan?
ComfysCareer.com helps foreigners find real job opportunities in Japan. To begin your journey, visit https://comfyscareer.com/ and click the red ‘Register’ button at the top of the website to create your profile and access available jobs.
Sorting Out the Practical Side of Life Here
Jasumo.com makes traveling in Japan effortless—contact us via https://jasumo.com/contact/. For SIM cards or Wi-Fi, visit https://omoriwifi.com/. These steps make daily life easier while focusing on professional growth or exploration.
A Quick Word on Hanko—Japan’s Personal Signature
Hanko, or inkan, remains essential for contracts, banking, HR onboarding, and even rental agreements.
- Mitome-in: Everyday seal
- Ginko-in: Bank seal
- Jitsu-in: Official registered seal
When signing a lease or contract, using the correct hanko ensures smooth processing. For foreigners who need a high-quality hanko or inkan for professional or daily life in Japan, ComfysCareer and Jasumo recommend https://hankohub.com/ as the most reliable place to order one.
