Complete Guide to Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine (Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture) | The 1000-Year-Old Sacred Tree and the History of a Branch Shrine of Usa Jingu
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, located in Mitsui-dera, Musashi-cho, Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, is a historic shrine founded in the Nara period as a branch shrine of Usa Jingu. Known for its sacred camphor tree over 1000 years old, its history of surviving numerous fires, and its deep connection to the imperial procession of Usa Jingu, it is an important shrine that conveys the faith and culture of the Kunisaki Peninsula to the present day.
This article comprehensively introduces everything you need to know before visiting Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, including its detailed history, highlights within the grounds, the charm of its sacred tree, and access information.
Basic Information on Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine
Location: 656 Mitsui-dera, Musashi-machi, Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture
Shrine Rank: Former Prefectural Shrine
Main Deity: Hachiman Okami (Emperor Ojin)
Founding: 8th October, Tenpyo-Jingo 1 (765 AD)
Annual Festival: Every October
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, enshrining a divided spirit of Usa Shrine, has been revered by the local people as the guardian shrine of Musashi-go. Under the modern shrine ranking system, it was ranked as a Prefectural Shrine and is positioned as one of the important shrines in northern Oita Prefecture.
Founding and History of Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine
Establishment in Tenpyo-Jingo 1
The history of Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine dates back to the 8th October, Tenpyo-Jingo 1 (765 AD) during the Nara period. During the reign of Empress Shōtoku, it is said that the shrine’s origins lie in the enshrinement of Hachiman Ōkami on Mount Gozaisho (Gozaisho Honmiya) following a divine oracle from Usa Shrine.
Usa Shrine is the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines nationwide, and Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, which enshrines a divided spirit of Usa Shrine, was founded as an important center of Hachiman worship on the Kunisaki Peninsula. At that time, the Kunisaki Peninsula was a region where the Rokugō Manzan culture flourished, and a unique religious culture of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism developed.
History of Several Wildfires and Relocation
After its founding, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine resided on Mount Gozaisho for approximately 260 years, during which time it suffered several wildfires. Its location in a mountainous area likely contributed to the high risk of fire due to natural disasters.
In 1023, during the Heian period, another large-scale fire occurred. This led to the decision to construct a new shrine building at its current location, Mii-dera Temple, and to enshrine the deity there. This relocation was a crucial decision to ensure the safety of the shrine and the continuation of its rituals.
Relocation from Mount Gozaisho to the Current Location
With the relocation in Chian 3 (1023), Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine moved to its current location, closer to the center of Musashi-go. This location was easily accessible by public transport and convenient for parishioners to visit, leading to its further development as the guardian shrine of the region.
Even today, Mount Gozaisho, the former location of the shrine, is recognized as a sacred site for Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine and remains an indispensable part of the shrine’s history.
The Sacred Camphor Tree | A Living History of Over 1000 Years
The Legend of the Tree Planted to Commemorate the Relocation
Visitors to Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine are guaranteed to see the gigantic camphor tree towering within the shrine grounds. This sacred tree is said to have been planted in Chian 3 (1023) to commemorate the relocation to its current location, and is estimated to be over 1000 years old.
Standing beside the sacred bridge, this magnificent camphor tree is approximately 30 meters tall and boasts a trunk circumference exceeding 10 meters. Its majestic presence overwhelms visitors. It can be considered a living witness, having watched over the history of the shrine for a thousand years.
Designation as a Specially Protected Tree of Oita Prefecture
This sacred camphor tree has been designated as a Specially Protected Tree of Oita Prefecture, recognized for its historical and academic value. This is the most important category within Oita Prefecture’s tree protection system, and it is strictly protected as a natural heritage site of the prefecture.
Records show that the upper part of the tree has decayed and fallen several times over the long years, only to be replaced and grow again, illustrating the workings of nature and the strength of its life force. Even today, it lushes with green leaves, demonstrating its vigorous vitality.
The Spirituality of the Sacred Tree
The local people have long revered the spirituality residing in this camphor tree. Standing in a sacred location directly in front of the shrine, beside the sacred bridge, this giant tree is not merely a tree, but is revered as a symbol of the divine power of Hachiman Daishin.
Many visitors touch this sacred tree and offer prayers, feeling the mystical power nurtured over more than a thousand years.
Deep Connection with Usa Jingu Shrine | The Significance of the Imperial Visit and the Branch Shrine
Positioning as a Branch Shrine of Usa Jingu Shrine
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine was founded as a branch shrine enshrining a divided spirit of Usa Jingu Shrine. Usa Jingu Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 44,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide and is a historically significant shrine with deep ties to the Imperial Family.
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, which enshrines this divided spirit, has held a special position as a center of Usa Jingu faith on the Kunisaki Peninsula. Its founding history, based on a divine oracle, also demonstrates a deep spiritual connection with Usa Jingu Shrine.
Connection to the Imperial Procession
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine is known for its connection to the “Gyokoe” (Imperial Procession), an important Shinto ritual of Usa Jingu Shrine. The Gyokoe is a special ritual performed once a year by the deities of Usa Jingu Shrine, and is a traditional event passed down through generations.
The way Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine has been involved with this Gyokoe is an important element demonstrating its deep religious connection to Usa Jingu Shrine. Among the shrines on the Kunisaki Peninsula, only a limited number are associated with this Gyokoe, which speaks to the high status of Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine.
Reverence of Successive Feudal Lords and Development in the Edo Period
Faith of the Musashi Tahara Clan, Lords of Imaichi Castle
From the medieval to the early modern period, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine received deep reverence from local samurai families. In particular, the Musashi Tahara clan, lords of Imaichi Castle, deeply revered Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine as their tutelary deity and provided support for the maintenance of the shrine buildings and the rituals.
For the samurai lords who ruled Musashi Province, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine was an important place of prayer where they prayed for peace and prosperity in their territory and for lasting military success.
Protection by the Feudal Lords during the Edo Period
During the Edo period, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine came under the protection of the feudal lord of Kitsuki Domain. From the early Edo period through the Edo period, the feudal lord himself visited the shrine and dedicated himself to the repair of the shrine buildings and the enrichment of the rituals.
By attracting the faith of successive feudal lords, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine elevated its status and laid the foundation for its promotion to a prefectural shrine. Even today, it is carefully protected by the representatives and parishioners and functions as a center of faith in the region.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds | Architecture and Cultural Properties
Approach and Torii Gates
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine has multiple approaches, each with a torii gate. After passing through the main torii gate, a stone bridge welcomes visitors. A large camphor tree, the sacred tree of the shrine, stands beside this sacred bridge, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
The structure, with access from all four sides via the west, east, and back torii gates, evokes the bustling days of the shrine when it was crowded with many worshippers.
Shrine Gate and Water Basin
After crossing the sacred bridge and proceeding along the approach, a magnificent shrine gate appears. Passing through this gate marks the entry into the sacred space of the shrine grounds. The proper etiquette for worship is to purify oneself at the water basin before proceeding to the main hall.
Main Hall and Honden (Main Sanctuary)
The main hall is a dignified structure, with a pair of guardian lion-dogs (komainu) in the front. Behind the main hall is the Saruden (Monkey Hall), and further back is the Honden, a typical layout for shrine architecture.
The Honden consists of three halls: the Ichinoshinden, Ninoshinden, and Sannoshinden, with the Ninoshinden featuring elaborate decorations. These shrine buildings are valuable cultural assets that convey the architectural style of the Edo period.
Subsidiary Shrines and Sacred Horse Stable
Several subsidiary shrines are enshrined within the grounds, each attracting local devotion. A sacred horse stable also remains, indicating that sacred horses used in religious ceremonies were once kept here.
The panoramic view of the shrine buildings from the back gate is also beautiful, showcasing the exquisite arrangement of the architecture.
Connection to Cultural Assets in the Miidera District
The Miidera district, where Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine is located, is a particularly concentrated area of cultural assets within Kunisaki City. Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine itself is an important cultural asset, and numerous stone cultural properties and historical buildings are scattered throughout the surrounding area.
Kunisaki City, known as “Kunisaki, the Land of Buddha,” has been the center of the Rokugo Manzan culture for 1300 years, and Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine has played an important role within this cultural sphere. It is a region where the tradition of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism remains strong, creating a unique landscape where shrines and temples coexist.
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine in the Modern Age | Ties with the Community
Maintenance by Representatives and Parishioners
Currently, Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine is carefully maintained by local representatives and parishioners. Various Shinto rituals are performed throughout the year, serving as a spiritual pillar for the local community.
Through regular cleaning activities, repairs to the shrine buildings, and protection of the sacred tree, the dedicated efforts of local residents ensure that the shrine’s history, spanning over a thousand years, is passed down to the present day.
Value as a Tourism Resource
The Kunisaki City Tourism Association also recognizes Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine as an important tourism resource and actively promotes it to tourists visiting the Kunisaki Peninsula. The 1000-year-old sacred tree, the historic shrine buildings, and the tranquil atmosphere of the grounds attract many worshippers and tourists.
Tourist routes combining Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine with other tourist spots on the Kunisaki Peninsula are also proposed, contributing to the revitalization of the region.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
- Nearest Bus Stop: Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine Bus Stop (approx. 1 minute walk, 75m)
- Other Nearby Bus Stops: Tokan Bus Stop (approx. 4 minute walk, 298m), Miyanomae Bus Stop (approx. 6 minute walk, 447m)
When using public transportation, you will need to use Kunisaki City’s community bus or regular bus routes. However, since the number of services is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Car
It takes approximately 30 minutes from Oita Airport via National Route 213. Parking is available on the shrine grounds, but the number of spaces is limited, so caution is advised during long holidays and festivals.
For car navigation, search for “656 Mitsui-dera, Musashi-cho, Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture” or “Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine”.
Points and Manners for Visiting the Shrine
Etiquette for Visiting the Shrine
- Bow when passing through the torii gate.
- Avoid walking in the center of the path (the center is the path of the gods).
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall.
- Show respect to the sacred tree.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but consideration should be given to avoid disturbing rituals or other visitors. The sacred camphor tree is a particularly popular photo spot, but please be careful not to damage the tree.
Best Time to Visit
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine is open for visits throughout the year, but the autumn festival and the season of fresh greenery are especially beautiful and recommended. The sacred camphor tree also shows different expressions depending on the season.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine, we recommend also visiting other attractions on the Kunisaki Peninsula.
- Usa Shrine: Approximately 40 minutes by car. The head shrine of Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine and the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines nationwide.
- Fukiji Temple: A representative ancient temple of the Kunisaki Peninsula, housing a National Treasure main hall.
- Ryōshiji Temple: The central temple of Rokugō Manzan.
- Matama Coast: A scenic spot selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots.”
The Kunisaki Peninsula is a region densely packed with shrines and temples, making it ideal for a journey exploring history and culture.
Summary | A Sacred Site Where a Thousand Years of History Breathe
Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine has been a center of faith for the people of the Kunisaki Peninsula for over 1200 years since its founding in 765 AD. As a branch shrine of Usa Shrine and the guardian shrine of Musashi-go, its history as the center of the region’s spiritual culture continues to thrive even today.
The sacred camphor tree, over 1,000 years old, is truly a living witness to history, and its majestic presence deeply moves visitors. Its history of surviving several fires and being relocated from Mount Gozaisho to its current location, the reverence of successive feudal lords, and the dedicated maintenance by modern parishioners—all of these factors shape the value of Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine.
When visiting Kunisaki City in Oita Prefecture, be sure to visit Tsubaki Hachiman Shrine and feel the spirit of faith that has been passed down for over a thousand years. Gazing up at the sacred tree in the tranquil grounds, you too will have a special experience of becoming a part of history.
