Nagahama-jinja, shrine in Ōita, Ōita
Nagahama-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Nagahama Town, Ōita, dedicated to the deity Sukunabikona, known for healing and wellbeing. The structure features simple traditional wooden design, a torii gate at the entrance, a hand-washing basin for ritual purification, and a modest main hall with an altar.
The shrine was founded in 1406 after someone experienced a divine dream and the next day found a small wooden box washed ashore containing a sacred mirror and altar. After a tsunami in 1596, it was temporarily relocated and eventually rebuilt at its current location in 1681.
The shrine's name connects to its location in Nagahama Town and its role in local beliefs about healing and protection. Visitors notice wooden prayer plaques with doll images, left by women seeking blessings for health and wellbeing.
The shrine is about a 15-minute walk from Ōita Station and easily accessible on foot through a quiet, traditional area. The grounds are well-maintained with clear pathways, making it simple to explore at a comfortable pace without worrying about accessibility or getting lost.
The shrine is particularly known for its association with women's health healing, with visitors often leaving wooden prayer plaques with personal wishes. A local tradition rooted in an old story tells that Omika Mochi, decorated rice cakes, bring luck and protection, and these are sold during the summer festival.
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