Located in the city of Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Usa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the hiragino, a large wooden hall that houses the shrine's treasure, and the hon-do, the main hall where the kami are enshrined. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Usa Shrine has a rich history dating back to the 7th century.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu/Omokuni
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Omokuni
- Coordinates
- 33.6185068, 130.4247406
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a warm glow on the hiragino and hon-do.
Cultural notes
Usa Shrine is also known for its association with the mythical creature Ryujin, who is said to have been enshrined here. The shrine hosts an annual festival in November called the 'Bunmei no Seijinshiki', which honors the deity's role as a protector of the city.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 757 CE during the Nara period.