🗺️ Usa Jingu宇佐神宮

Hachiman Shrine, known as "Hachiman-sensei" in various regions, is deeply revered by the Japanese people, with over 40,000 shrines across the country, making it the most numerous among shrines. The head shrine of Hachiman is Usa Jingu, established in the second year of the Shōtoku era (725 AD). It is the second most important shrine after Ise Jingu and is also highly respected by the imperial family, serving as a well-known energy spot representing Oita Prefecture. In front of the upper shrine stands the Chokushi Gate, painted in bright red, which can be considered the face of Usa Jingu. The main hall, designated as a national treasure, enshrines Emperor Ojin (Hachiman Daibosatsu) in the inner sanctum, while the second hall enshrines Himegami, and the third hall enshrines Empress Jingu, the mother of Emperor Ojin. Hachiman Daibosatsu is widely worshipped across the country and is believed to possess great divine power, providing protection across various fields. The lower shrine also enshrines the same principal deity, so do not forget to pay your respects there as well. The proper way to worship is "two bows, four claps, one bow." Unlike the usual two claps, here the ancient ritual requires four claps. On the west side of Usa Jingu, there is a thatched-roof bridge known as the Go-bashi, which has existed since before the Kamakura period, serving as a passage for the Chokushi (imperial messengers). Today, this bridge is only opened during the Chokushi Festival, which occurs once every ten years.

The main shrine of the Hachiman Shrine, which is spread throughout the country, is a representative power spot in Oita Prefecture. The main hall has been designated as a national treasure. The method of worship is not the usual "two bows, two claps, one bow," but rather "two bows, four claps, one bow." The Guhashi Bridge, which has existed since before the Kamakura period, is only opened during the Chokushi Festival, which occurs once every ten years.