There are over 150,000 temples and shrines in Japan. Basically, temples refer to Buddhism and shrines to Japanese Shinto religion. They are both a part of Japanese people’s lives and it is believed that each one of them has a miracle power for us to accomplish or succeed. Some of temples and shrines are considered to have even stronger power than others and draw worshippers’ attention.
We are going to introduce 5 shrines which are considered to be the most powerful ones in Kyushu. Bring your wishes when you visit there!
1. Udo Jingu
The Udo Shrine on the Udozaki headland is located in a cliff cave, facing toward the sea. The enshrined deity is the father of Emperor Jimmu (The first emperor of Japan). Also known as a shrine to the god of marriage.
2. Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, only 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport, is dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a god of learning, and is known for bringing luck to those asking to pass an examination.
On the approach to the shrine, many small souvenir shops stand side by side, while you can take a rest at well-designed Starbucks Coffee by Kengo Kuma, the famous Japanese architect. Kamado Jinja Shrine near Dazaifu Tenmangu attracts many young girl visitors by its “Kawaii” or pretty good luck charms.
3. Yutoku Inari Shrine
Yutoku Inari Shrine was built upon the request of Kazanin Manko-hime, the wife of Lord Nabeshima Naotomo who ruled the domain of Hizen Kashima. Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the three most famous shrines dedicated to Inari. Over three million people visit the shrine every year to pray for good business, good fortune for their families, a large catch, traffic safety and other matters.
4. Usa Shrine (宇佐神宮)
More commonly known as “Usa Hachiman”. The head shrine of “Hachiman God”, or the deities of warriors. It was established in 725. Hachiman is the name of Emperor Onin who is one of the great leaders of Japan. He established the new country here and helped the development of the land. Let’s visit Usa Shrine for your victory.
5. Kirishima Jingu
The main hall of Kirishima Jingu was constructed in 1715 by the feudal lord Shimazu Yoshitaka and enshrines Ninigi no Mikoto, the main protagonist in the legend of the birth of Japan. A shrine path surrounded by old cedar trees leads to the main sanctuary, which is painted bright red and lavishly adorned in a way that earned it the nickname “Nikko of the West.” Located near the “Seven Wonders of Kirishima” and home to an 800-year-old sacred cedar tree and the Sazare Stone, the shrine is steeped in a mythical aura and alive with the power of nature.
The shrine conducts over 100 rituals every year and visitors can request a variety of prayers for a good relationship and more.
How to worship at shrines/temples:
(Although the way to worship could be different at each shrine/temple, here is the most common way at many of them in Japan)
1. Bow your head right before the front gate
2. Wash your hands and mouth
-I. wash your left hand with the scoop
-II. and right hand
-III. rinse your mouth.
-IV. wash the handle of it, all with the same water.
3. Pray in front of the main hall
-I. Bow twice
-II. Softly clap your hands twice
-III. Make another bow deeply
