Hakodate Hachimangu
函館八幡宮
Hokkaido · Hakodate
Hachiman Maritime Safety
Kanpei Taisha
Ichinomiya (Buzen Province)
Usa Jingu
宇佐神宮
/ Usa Jingū
Admission
Free (treasure hall ¥300)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
¥500
Access
See details
Hours
5:30–21:00 (varies seasonally)
Overview
Usa Jingu is the head of Japan's largest shrine network — over 40,000 Hachiman shrines across the country. It is the birthplace of the mikoshi (portable shrine) and the cradle of shinbutsu-shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism that defined Japanese religion for a millennium. The three-in-one National Treasure main hall represents one of Japan's most distinctive shrine architectural forms. The shrine played a pivotal role in legitimizing imperial authority throughout Japanese history.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
725 [神亀2年]
The head of over 40,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide — the largest shrine network in Japan.
📄
Documented
725 749📄Documented
Hachiman's spirit transported by mikoshi to Nara to bless the construction of the Great Buddha — the first recorded use of a mikoshi.
859📄Documented
Branch shrine Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu established in Kyoto.
1868📄Documented
Buddhist elements removed under the Shinbutsu Bunri edict.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of archery, war, and the protector of warriors; also guardian of the Japanese nation and the Imperial house
⛩
secondary Deity
Semi-legendary empress; deity of safe childbirth, maritime protection, and victory in battle
⛩
secondary Deity
Goddess of water, islands, music, eloquence, and wealth; one of the three Munakata goddesses
Blessings
Shrine Network
Hachiman head
Head shrine of approximately 40,000 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
The first mikoshi (portable shrine) in Japanese history was created here in 749 to carry Hachiman's spirit to Nara.
Source: documented
💡
Usa Jingu is considered the birthplace of shinbutsu-shugo — the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism that defined Japanese religion for over 1,000 years.
Source: scholarly_debate
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
33.5261, 131.3747
Physical Address
2859 Minamiusa, Usa, Oita 872-0102
〒872-0102 大分県宇佐市南宇佐2859
Access
Usa Station (JR Nippo Main Line)
Hours
5:30–21:00 (varies seasonally)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Related Shrines
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Usa Jingu?
Usa Jingu is the head of Japan's largest shrine network — over 40,000 Hachiman shrines across the country. It is the birthplace of the mikoshi (portable shrine) and the cradle of shinbutsu-shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism that defined Japanese religion for a millennium. The three-in-one National Treasure main hall represents one of Japan's most distinctive shrine architectural forms. The shrine played a pivotal role in legitimizing imperial authority throughout Japanese history.
Where is Usa Jingu located?
Usa Jingu is located in Usa, Oita. The full address is: 2859 Minamiusa, Usa, Oita 872-0102.
What deities are enshrined at Usa Jingu?
The enshrined deities are: Hachiman Okami, Empress Jingu (Okinagatarashihime), Ichikishimahime no Mikoto.
What blessings can you pray for at Usa Jingu?
Usa Jingu is known for: Victory, National Protection, Safe Childbirth, Academic Success.
How do I get to Usa Jingu?
The nearest station is Usa Station (JR Nippo Main Line). Daiko Hokubu Bus from Usa Station, ~10 min