2026: A Special Year for Horse Lovers — Discovering Japan’s Sacred Horse Pilgrimage

A Special Journey for the Year of the Horse — 2026

2026 marks the arrival of the Year of the Horse in the traditional zodiac cycle—a year associated with vitality, strength, forward movement, and good fortune. A year I have been waiting for forever!

What makes 2026 even more unique is that across Japan, 7 shrines are preparing to launch a rare cultural event: The Sacred Horse Tour. This pilgrimage highlights Japan’s ancient tradition of keeping shinme (神馬)—literally “divine horses”—within shrine grounds. Although few shrines still maintain living sacred horses today, the ones that do have continued the tradition for centuries, honoring horses as messengers of the divine.

🐴 What Is a “Sacred Horse” in Japan?

In Shinto belief, horses were once considered intermediaries between gods and humans. Historically, people would dedicate horses to shrines to carry prayers to the gods. Over time, symbolic wooden horses (ema) became common—but in some shrines, real living horses remain part of ritual and tradition.

These sacred horses are not simply animals living at the shrine; they participate in festivals, lead processions, and represent a deep spiritual bond between people, nature, and the divine.

🌟 The Sacred Horse Tour (2026 Only)

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, seven shrines across Japan will offer:

• Limited-edition horse-themed goshuin (temple stamp book seals)

• Special protective amulets featuring each shrine’s own sacred horse

• Opportunities to meet the shinme and learn about their history and care

Each participating shrine has its own story, customs, and connection to sacred horses.This makes the pilgrimage not just a sightseeing route, but a cultural and spiritual journey.

🏯 Which shrines in Japan have living sacred horses?

A few of the featured shrines include:

• Kotohira Shrine (Kagawa) — famous for its long stairway and maritime blessings

• Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto) — one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, with deep equestrian roots

• Hiratsuka Hachiman Shrine (Kanagawa) — known for its traditional horseback archery festivals

Each shrine will introduce its own version of the sacred horse, along with unique goshuin and amulets available only in 2026.

🌿 Why This Journey Matters

For horse lovers, I am sure that we all feel that horses have been an important part —through riding, guiding, and working closely every day. But beyond physical connection, I’ve always been fascinated by the role horses play in culture, mythology, and spirituality.

The Sacred Horse Tour feels like a chance to rediscover horses from a different angle:

• not just as companions in riding,

• but as sacred symbols rooted deeply in Japanese history.

It feels like the perfect year to reconnect with horses through travel, tradition, and meaning.

✨ If You Love Horses or Japan…

Whether you are:

• a horse lover,

• a rider,

• a fan of Japanese culture,

• or someone seeking a meaningful travel theme for 2026—

This pilgrimage might be the perfect adventure for you, too.

Although we do not have any specific tours involving The Sacred Horse Tour, feel free to send us an inquiry if you would like to learn more about each shrine and its locations. Personally, I will be trying to visit as many shrines as possible and share my journeys with you.

Meanwhile, if you do want to have a horseriding tour in Japan, we did just release our new 4-night 5-day package and feel free to check it out!

Thank you for reading.

Carrie