Suga Shrine

Overview

Suga Shrine stands in Matsuo, Ogi-machi, Ogi City, Saga Prefecture, and formerly held the rank of prefectural shrine. Locals affectionately call it "Gion-san" or "Ogion-san."

Highlights

• ●The 153-step stone stairway leading from the foot of Castle Hill to the main hall
• ●The Hizen-style second torii standing partway along the approach
• ●The painted ceiling preserved in the worship hall
• ●Castle Hill's setting, which recalls the history of the Chiba clan's mountain castle

History

The shrine sits at the foot of Castle Hill (Shiroyama), which rises on the north side of the Gion River. This hill once held the Chiba clan's mountain castle, known variously as Chiba Castle, Gion Castle, Gozu Castle, or Ushikubi Castle. Passing through the first torii gate and the shrine gate, visitors find a steep stone stairway of 153 steps serving as the approach path straight up to the main hall, with a second torii in the Hizen style standing partway up the climb.

Map

33.3027, 130.2050 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Begin climbing the stone stairway from the first torii and shrine gate
2. 2Pause at the second torii (Hizen style) partway up the approach
3. 3Look up at the painted ceiling of the worship hall before paying respects
4. 4Climb to the main hall atop the stone rampart and take in the view from Castle Hill

Did you know?

💡 The ceiling of the worship hall still retains its original painted panels, and beyond it, the main hall sits atop a stone rampart. The terrain of Castle Hill itself, a reminder of the former mountain castle, is also worth noting.

Nearby spots