祝詞神社, Shinto shrine in Japan

Norito Shrine stands in the Ōno district of central-northern Sasebo, next to the grounds of Sasebo Nishi High School. Its precinct also holds Matsuura Inari Shrine and one other small shrine. The shrine is a one-minute walk from Hidariishi Station on the Matsuura Railway Nishi-Kyushu Line.

Tradition holds that the shrine began in the late 10th century, when Takebe Taneaki, who opened the Ainoura River basin, reached the Yuki area upstream and gave thanks at the centre of the reclaimed land, near the present site. It was first called Iwahara Daimyojin. A monument marking 1,000 years of Ono reclamation was erected in the grounds in 1978.

The shrine's name comes from the word 'norito,' referring to a special prayer chant used in Shinto rituals. Visitors can experience simple but well-maintained buildings and a quiet atmosphere that has drawn believers for generations.

The shrine is easy to reach by train on the Matsuura railway from Sasebo station, with just a short walk from the stop to the site. A parking lot is available nearby for those arriving by car.

The shrine grounds hold a monument marking 1,000 years of settlement in the Ono district, erected in 1978 (Showa 53). It records the tradition that Takebe no Taneaki opened the Ainoura River basin in the late 10th century, the origin of the shrine.