{"id":30803,"date":"2017-10-29T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2017-10-28T23:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=30803"},"modified":"2021-06-17T10:00:33","modified_gmt":"2021-06-17T01:00:33","slug":"oita-first-shrine-usa-jingu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/oita-first-shrine-usa-jingu\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore Japan’s First Shrine-Temple at Usa Jingu Shrine in Oita"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Usa Jingu Shrine<\/strong><\/a> is a national treasure of Japan<\/strong> that lies within Usa (\u5b87\u4f50\u5e02), Oita<\/strong>. It was built in the 8th century to revere Hachiman<\/a><\/strong>, the god of war, protection, and victory. It is also known\u00a0by the name of Usa Hachimangu<\/strong><\/a>. Usa Jingu was said to be the first shrine-temple to have been built in Japan which has both<\/strong> Buddhist and\u00a0Shinto influences<\/strong>. Because of its importance, it is visited by the imperial court every 10 years to pay homage to Hachiman. As a major point of interest in Usa, many come to see the many things that Usa Jinga has to offer.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you enter, you will be greeted by the red Ootorii<\/em> <\/strong>or big entrance gate. You will quickly notice the vastness of this place. The path of the entrance is long, wide, and welcoming. Be prepared for a lot of walking down pathways and winding stairs made of stone. However, the main shrine is easily accessible for the elderly and disabled via tram and ramps. Thus, everyone can enjoy Usa Jingu Shrine and its wonders.<\/strong> It is free to enter, but we suggest that you bring a lot of 5 yen coins which you can use as an offering when you pray to the gods at each shrine.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n To the right of the entrance is a building called the treasure hall<\/strong> which holds many artifacts and documents dating from before Meiji period<\/strong>. It costs 300 yen to enter and open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The treasure hall is closed on Tuesdays.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>To the left, you will see a pond called the Hatsusawa Pond<\/strong> which contains lotus flowers<\/strong> that bloom in the months of July and August. Amazingly, these lotuses were said to be planted over 2000 years ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you go on your journey, wash your hands to cleanse yourself.<\/strong> After proper cleansing, you will be taken deeper into a wooded area with massive and beautiful trees as you follow the path even further. This will allow you to feel right in the middle of nature, away from all the noise from industrialization. Instead, you can hear the peaceful sounds of the forest. This time of the year, I could hear the last cries of the cicadas and crickets: The final sounds of summer.\u00a0 The air is clean and crisp here. If you are coming from\u00a0a city, this will be a chance to enjoy a peaceful and refreshing environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not miss the Meoto Ishi<\/strong>! The triangular shaped stones are rumored to be very lucky for those who stand on it. Couples who stand on each stone, while holding hands, ensures them happiness for the future. If you are single, place your feet on each stone to receive good luck. It is quite difficult to spot, but if you pay close attention, you can find it in no time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you pass the stone and proceed onto the path, you will be led to the main complex of shrines. The architecture<\/strong> is absolutely stunning. There are 3 main shrines that house different gods of worship:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Praying here is quite different from other areas which only require clapping two times. Here’s a guide on how to pray:<\/p>\n\n\n\n After praying (properly), feel the blessings come into your life!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nEntrance to Usa Jingu Shrine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Pray at Usa Jingu Shrine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n