Making the most of Japan’s fantastic summer weather, today Mizuho and I decided to travel to Usa Jingu (宇佐神宮) for a walk in fresh air. Luckily today, unlike other crowded visits, we virtually had the place to ourselves! Needless to say, we had wondeful time strolling around.________
Usa Jingu: The Usa shrine is one of the most famous in Japan, and has long been the recipient of Imperial patronage. In actual fact, in all of Japan, it is considered second only to Ise Jingu. Interestingly enough, for believers, it is the home of Emperior Ojin,
who was deified as Hachiman-jin (The God of Military Power).
________
Usa Jingu: The Usa shrine is one of the most famous in Japan, and has long been the recipient of Imperial patronage. In actual fact, in all of Japan, it is considered second only to Ise Jingu. Interestingly enough, for believers, it is the home of Emperior Ojin,
who was deified as Hachiman-jin (The God of Military Power).________
A little history: The shrine was founded in Kyushu during the Nara period. Ancient records place the foundation of Usa jingū in the Wado era (708-714). It is today the center from which over 40,000 branch shrines have grown. Usa's Hachiman shrine first appears in the chronicles of Imperial history during the reign of Empress Shotoku. The empress allegedly had an affair with a Buddhist monk named Dokyo. An oracle was said to have proclaimed that the monk should be made emperor; and the Kami (God) Hachiman at Usa Shrine was consulted for verification. However, the empress died before anything further could develop...
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Architecture and spiritual residences: The main hall and the Kujaku Monkei are designated amongst Japan's National Treasures. The structures which comprise the 
current shrine complex were was built in the middle of the 19th century. This characteristic configuration of the Hachiman-zukuri consists of two main buildings, which are situated, one in front of the other. The structure in front is called the ge-in, which is where the deity is said to reside during the daytime. The structure in the rear is called the nai-in, which serves as the deity's sleeping chamber during the night.
________
current shrine complex were was built in the middle of the 19th century. This characteristic configuration of the Hachiman-zukuri consists of two main buildings, which are situated, one in front of the other. The structure in front is called the ge-in, which is where the deity is said to reside during the daytime. The structure in the rear is called the nai-in, which serves as the deity's sleeping chamber during the night.________
Usa Jingu holds a very special position in traditional Japanese culture and therefore, is a must visit, if you come to 
Japan, especially if you find yourself here, in beautful Kyushu.
Japan, especially if you find yourself here, in beautful Kyushu. ________
Best wishes from Oita, Japan.
© André Bertel, Japan (2009).
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