{"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

Entrance to Usa Jingu Shrine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"large<\/a><\/figure>\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

\"Japanese<\/a><\/figure>\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

\"lotus<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\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