Usa Jingu shrine

There is a variety of shrines in Japan. They include more than 40,000 shrines nationwide that are called “Hachiman-sama,” and Usa Jingu shrine is the head shrine among these.

Usa Jingu shrine is in Usa City, Oita Prefecture in the Kyushu region at the base of Mt.Omotoyama.

It is a very old shrine. Its palace was established by Emperor Shomu in 725. “Hachiman no Okami,” who is famous as the god of luck in battle, is enshrined there.

There are customs that must be followed when worshipping at shrines. Similarly, at Usa Jingu shrine too you must start by washing your hands and rinsing out your mouth at the chozuya (water ablution pavilion). You should wash your left hand first. Next, wash your right hand and after that rinse out your mouth. Then wash your left hand again. Now you can go to worship at the main shrine.

The Area Guard Group Kure Base Facility Saiki assigned to the Kure District of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has been deployed to Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, where it is guarding Saiki Port, an important port.