Usa Jingū
宇佐神宮
The head shrine of roughly 44,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. Its National Treasure main hall is a prime example of the Hachiman style, and the worship method is the unique 'two bows, four claps, one bow.'
Usa Jingu is in Usa City. It was founded in 725 and enshrines Hachiman-no-Okami (Emperor Ojin), Himegami, and Empress Jingu. It is the head shrine of about 44,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan and had close ties to the imperial court throughout history. The three vermilion main halls of the Upper Shrine stand side by side. Their 'Hachiman-zukuri' style, with two connected halls front and back, is designated a National Treasure. Unlike most shrines, where worshippers bow twice, clap twice, and bow once, here the ritual is two bows and four claps, followed by one bow. The grounds are expansive and include Jingu Pond, Kure Bridge, and a treasure hall. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the approach to the Upper Shrine. Entry to the grounds is free, but the treasure hall charges admission.
Getting there: Take a bus about 10 minutes from JR Usa Station. From Beppu, driving takes about 50 minutes.
Opening hours
About 5:30 am–9:00 pm (from 6:00 am October–March)
Nearby sights
- Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari
- Yabakei Ao-no-Domon
- Harmonyland
- Myoban Onsen
- Beppu Onsen Hoyoland
- Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri)
- Hyotan Onsen
- Mount Yufu