Usa Jingu

Also known as Usa Hachimangu or 宇佐八幡宮 in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Usa in Oita prefecture. Founded during the Nara period Usa Jingu has a complex history. Indeed it is believed that the first foundation of the shrine took place during the Wado era (708-714). Later in 779 a temple called Miroku-ji was built next to Usa Jingu’s first foundation creating a mixed complex now known as Usa Hachimangu-ji or the Usa Hachiman Shrine Temple making the first Shinto and Buddhist temple in Japan. It was in 1868 that the Buddhist part of Usa Hachimangu-ji was removed in order to comply the Shinbutsu Bunri or the Kami and Buddhas Separation Act where Buddhism was considered as a foreign imported religion and influence against the Japanese native Shinto religion.

Usa Jingu suffered many attacks in the past and was totally destroyed in the 16th century by the lord of Funai Otomo Yoshishige a Christian sympathizer.

This video was made in Cooperation with Tourism Oita. Learn more about Oita Prefecture at http://en.visit-oita.jp/