Prayer Hall Shrine, located in the heart of Nagasaki city, was originally dedicated to the god of the sea and ships, but it is now primarily associated with the Shinto goddess Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a coastal town, with a striking example of a 'daidokoro' (a type of shrine hall) that has been preserved from the Edo period. Visitors can still see the remains of the old warehouse and boat museum on site.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 33.6412023, 130.6838098
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to coincide with the Cherry Blossom viewing season (Hanami) which takes place in late March to early April. The shrine's beautiful sakura trees are a highlight of the spring season.
Cultural notes
Prayer Hall Shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional dances performed by the shrine maidens (Maiden Festival). Visitors can also enjoy the local seafood delicacies available at the on-site restaurant.
Historical note
The original Shrine was founded in 1604 by Hattori Matsunaga, a samurai who served Tokugawa Ieyasu.