Usa Jingu (Usa Grand Shrine)
うさじんぐう
The head shrine of the Hachiman shrines, of which there are approximately 44,000 across Japan. Since ancient times, it has been one of the two primary ancestral shrines of the Imperial Court.
Overview
The enshrined deities (kami) are the three figures of Hachiman Okami (Emperor Ojin), Himero Okami (the Munakata San-no-Megami), and Empress Jingū. The construction of the first hall is said to date back to 725 CE (Jinkei 2), making it the head shrine of the approximately 44,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide. In ancient times, it was revered alongside Ise Jingu as one of the 'Nisho Somyo' (two primary ancestral shrines) of the Imperial Court. The main hall (honden), consisting of three parallel buildings in the Hachiman-zukuri style, is a National Treasure and features a unique architectural style. The ritual for worship (sanpai) is also unique, following the 'two bows, four claps, and one bow' (Nirei Yonhakushu Ippai) method, the same as at Izumo Taisha and Yahiko Jinja.
Enshrined deity / legend
Hachiman Okami (Emperor Ojin), Himero Okami (Munakata San-no-Megami), and Empress Jingū
Highlights
- ・National Treasure: Three parallel main halls (Hachiman-zukuri style)
- ・Kure-bashi (a roofed divine bridge)
- ・Kamimiya and Shimomiya (Upper and Lower Shrines)
- ・The 'two bows, four claps, and one bow' worship ritual
Details may change. Please check official sources before visiting.