Nakatsu Daijingu

Overview

Nakatsu Daijingu is a Shinto shrine in Nino-cho, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. Because it enshrines a divided spirit of the Grand Shrine of Ise, it is fondly known as the 'Ise of Buzen.' Standing in a corner of the old castle town near Nakatsu Castle, the shrine is woven into the daily life of local people. Its former shrine rank was goshun (district shrine). Easy to fold into a Nakatsu sightseeing route, it lets you take in both the historic townscape and the calm air of the shrine. Check official sources for worship hours and the amulet office.

Highlights

• ●The 'Ise of Buzen,' enshrining a divided spirit of Ise
• ●A guardian shrine in a corner of Nakatsu's castle town
• ●Historic bearing as a former district shrine
• ●A location easy to combine with Nakatsu sightseeing

History

Nakatsu Daijingu is known as a shrine enshrining a divided spirit of the deities of Ise Grand Shrine. For people who could not travel all the way to distant Ise, it has been treasured as a nearby place to worship the gods of Ise. With its former rank of district shrine, it is a guardian shrine that grew alongside the castle town of Nakatsu. For details on its founding and the history of its halls, local guides and official information are the best reference.

Map

33.6064, 131.1859 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Set out from JR Nakatsu Station into the castle town
2. 2Worship at Nakatsu Daijingu and feel the 'Ise of Buzen'
3. 3Stroll nearby Nakatsu Castle and the historic streets
4. 4Round off the trip with Nakatsu's local cuisine

Did you know?

💡 The nickname 'Ise of Buzen' comes from the old provincial name Buzen and from the shrine enshrining a divided spirit of Ise Grand Shrine. The name carries the wish that people unable to travel to far-off Ise could still worship the gods of Ise close to home, preserving to this day the deep bond between the region and Ise faith.

Nearby spots