Yusuhara Hachimangu

Yusuhara Hachimangu in Oita City stands at the southern foot of Mount Ryozen along a tributary of the Oita River. The cedars and giant trees lining the approach are designated a Natural Monument of Oita Prefecture. The main deities are the Hachiman triad of Emperor Chuai, Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu. Kojiki (712 CE) records the conquest of Silla in the Empress Jingu narrative that culminates in the birth of Emperor Ojin. The shrine traces its descent from Usa Jingu and stands as one of the earlier offshoots of that lineage. Shrine tradition places the founding in 827 CE under the monk Konki, who brought the deity from Usa. Through the medieval period the shrine was counted as an ichinomiya of Bungo together with Sasamuta Shrine. It was registered as a national shrine of minor rank in 1871. The romon gate is a designated Oita prefectural cultural property. The September 15 reisai is the principal rite.