Complete Guide to Susa Shrine (Yugeda, Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture) | The Charm of Yugeda’s Lion Dance and Shinko Festival
Susa Shrine, located in Yugeda, Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a shrine that has long been revered as the local tutelary deity. Known for its annual Yugeda Shinko Festival held in May and the “Yugeda Lion Dance,” designated as a prefectural intangible folk cultural property, it is an important presence that preserves the traditional culture of the Tagawa region. This article provides a detailed introduction to Susa Shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, festivals, and access methods.
Overview and History of Susa Shrine
The Position of Susa Shrine in Yugeda, Tagawa City
Susa Shrine is located in the Yugeda district of Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is revered as the tutelary deity of both Kami-Yugeda and Shimo-Yugeda districts. Tagawa City is located in the central part of Fukuoka Prefecture and has a history of flourishing as the center of the Chikuhō coalfield. The Yugeda district is one of the oldest settlements in Tagawa City, and Susa Shrine has played an important role as a spiritual pillar of this region.
Deities and Characteristics of Worship
The main deity enshrined at Susa Shrine is Susanoo-no-Mikoto. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is known as the heroic god who slayed the Yamata-no-Orochi (eight-headed serpent), and is believed to possess various divine virtues, including protection against evil, eradication of disease, abundant harvests, and matchmaking.
At Susa Shrine in Yugeda, Tagawa City, it has long been a place of fervent devotion, serving as a place to pray for the health and safety of local residents and for bountiful harvests. In particular, it has a history of playing an important role as a god protecting the region from disease and disasters.
Founding and Historical Background of the Shrine
The exact founding date of Susa Shrine is unclear, but it is believed to have been worshipped since ancient times, alongside the development of the Yugeda district. The place name Yugeda is said to originate from the fact that a group of bow and arrow makers called “Yugebe” resided there in ancient times, indicating that this area was settled long ago.
During the Edo period, it was under the control of the Kokura Domain, and village festivals were held there as the local tutelary shrine. Even during the Meiji era’s policy of consolidating shrines, it survived as an independent shrine and continues to function as the center of local faith to this day.
The Charm of the Yugeda Shinko Festival (Annual Grand Festival)
Festival Dates and Schedule
The Yugeda Shinko Festival, the annual grand festival of Susa Shrine, is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of May. This period coincides with the rice planting season, and the festival also includes prayers for a bountiful harvest. Various Shinto rituals and events are held over the two days, and the entire region is enveloped in the excitement of the festival.
The Procession of the Yamakasa Floats
The highlight of the Yugeda Shinko Festival is the two Yamakasa floats from Kami-Yugeda and Shimo-Yugeda. These floats, carefully preserved and passed down through generations in their respective districts, are adorned with magnificent decorations and parade through the community during the festival.
The Yamakasa floats are carried by young men, accompanied by energetic shouts as they parade through the area. This procession symbolizes the delivery of the deity to every corner of the community, spreading divine blessings throughout the region. The meeting of the Kami-Yugeda and Shimo-Yugeda Yamakasa floats is the festival’s climax and attracts many spectators.
Flow and Highlights of the Shinto Ritual
On the first day of the festival, a Shinto ritual is performed at the shrine, with solemn ceremonies including the recitation of prayers by Shinto priests and the offering of sacred branches. Afterward, the deity is transferred to a portable shrine, and the Shinko Festival begins, parading through the parishioners’ area.
On the second day, the Kankosai (return procession) is held, and the sacred object returns to the shrine after its procession. Various Shinto rituals are performed at this time, praying for the peace and prosperity of the region.
Yugeda Lion Dance | A Valuable Traditional Performing Art of Fukuoka Prefecture
History and Origin of the Lion Dance
The Yugeda Lion Dance is a traditional performing art dedicated at the annual festival of Susa Shrine, and is a valuable folk cultural asset with a long history. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have been performed at least as early as the late Edo period, boasting a tradition of over 200 years.
The lion dance has developed as a Shinto ritual performance praying for a bountiful harvest, protection from disease, and safety for the family. The Yugeda Lion Dance has unique characteristics among the lion dances passed down in the Chikuhō region, and has become a symbol of the region’s cultural identity.
Composition and Repertoire of the Lion Dance
The Yugeda Lion Dance is performed by two lions. The dance is divided into two halves, each featuring a different performance.
In the first half, two lions dance separately, captivating the audience with their individual movements. The lions offer their dance before the shrine, blending powerful movements with delicate gestures. The lions’ movements, accompanied by flute and drum music, transport viewers to an ancient era.
In the second half, the two lions dance together, appearing to be close. This is said to represent a male and female lion playing, symbolizing marital harmony and the prosperity of descendants. The intertwined dance of the two lions is the most distinctive feature and highlight of the Yugeda Lion Dance.
Preservation and Transmission of the Lion Dance
The Yugeda Lion Dance is carefully preserved by a local preservation society. While the aging population and declining birthrate present challenges in passing on the skills to younger generations, the tradition is being steadily passed down thanks to the enthusiasm of the local residents. The preservation society holds regular practices and prepares for the festival. The lion’s head, costumes, and other equipment are carefully maintained and passed down to the next generation. Opportunities are also provided for local elementary and junior high school students to experience the lion dance, fostering understanding and affection for traditional culture.
Value as a Cultural Asset
The Yugeda Lion Dance is recognized as a valuable folk performing art within Fukuoka Prefecture and is one of Tagawa City’s important cultural heritages. The unique dance style, music, and costumes of the region are important resources for studying the folk culture of the Chikuhō region.
How to Access Susa Shrine
Location and Basic Information
Location: Yugeda, Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture (Yugeda, Oaza)
Postal Code: 826-0042 (Yugeda area, Tagawa City)
Access by Public Transportation
Access by Train:
- Get off at Tagawa-Ita Station on the JR Hitahikosan Line
- Approximately 20-25 minutes on foot from the station, or approximately 5 minutes by taxi
Access by Bus:
- Get off at the Yugeda bus stop on the Nishitetsu Bus, approximately 5 minutes on foot
Tagawa City is located in the central part of Fukuoka Prefecture, approximately 1 hour by car from Fukuoka City and approximately 40 minutes from Kitakyushu City.
Access by Car
From Fukuoka City:
- Approximately 30 minutes from the Yahata Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway via National Route 201
- Or via the urban expressway to National Route 201
From Kitakyushu City:
- Approximately 30-40 minutes via National Route 322 or National Route 201
Parking: Temporary parking may be available during the festival period, but congestion is expected, so using public transportation is recommended.
Characteristics and Surrounding Information of Yugeda District, Tagawa City
History and Culture of Yugeda District
Yugeda district is one of the oldest settlements in Tagawa City, where a traditional lifestyle centered on agriculture has been practiced. As the existence of “Yugebe,” from which the place name originates, suggests, it is a region where people have lived since ancient times.
Even today, a rural landscape stretches out, retaining a peaceful atmosphere. Strong ties exist among residents, and a community centered around the festival of Susa Shrine is maintained.
Tourist Attractions in Tagawa City
When visiting Susa Shrine, we recommend also visiting other tourist attractions in Tagawa City.
Coal Memorial Park: This park tells the history of Tagawa City, which once prospered from coal mining, and is symbolized by its two 45-meter-tall chimneys.
Tagawa City Coal and History Museum: This museum provides detailed information about the history of the Chikuhō coalfield and life in the coal mines.
Fūji Hachimangu Shrine: This is the main shrine of Tagawa City, and the “Kawawatari Shinkōsai” festival held in May is one of Fukuoka Prefecture’s five major festivals.
Gourmet Food and Local Products in Tagawa City
When visiting Tagawa City, you’ll want to enjoy the local cuisine. “Horumon Nabe,” a local dish of the Chikuhō region, has long been a source of stamina for coal miners.
Also, Tagawa City has many famous restaurants specializing in grilled offal, known as “Tagawa Horumon,” which are beloved by locals. In terms of agricultural products, rice and vegetables grown in the Tagawa region are highly regarded and can be purchased at direct sales outlets.
Comparison with other Susa Shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture
There are several shrines named Susa Shrine within Fukuoka Prefecture. Each has its own unique beliefs and traditions that reflect the characteristics of its region.
Susa Shrine in Kawara-machi, Tagawa District
A Susa Shrine is also located in Kawara-machi, Tagawa District, adjacent to Tagawa City (Location: 458 Kawara, Kawara-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture). Kawara-machi has been known as a copper producing area since ancient times and is a historical region mentioned in the Manyoshu (an ancient collection of Japanese poetry). The Susa Shrine in Kawara-machi is also revered as the local tutelary deity.
Susa Shrine in Chikujo-machi, Chikujo District
The Susa Shrine in Urutsu, Chikujo-machi, Chikujo-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, is said to have been established in 948 AD (Tenryaku 2) as a deity protecting people from epidemics and disasters, and is revered as a god of national peace and the elimination of disease.
Thus, while the Susa Shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture all share the commonality of enshrining Susanoo-no-Mikoto in their respective regions and attracting worshippers seeking protection from evil and disease, each shrine has its own unique festivals and traditions.
Manners and Precautions for Visiting Susa Shrines
Basic Manners for Visiting Shrines
When visiting a shrine, it is important to observe basic manners.
- When passing through the torii gate: Bow before entering the shrine grounds.
- Procedure at the purification fountain: Cleanse your left hand, then your right hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Worship at the main hall: The basic procedure is two bows, two claps, and one bow.
- Behavior within the shrine grounds: Act quietly and respectfully.
Precautions During Festival Periods
The Yugeda Shinko Festival is crowded with many worshippers and spectators. Please pay attention to the following points.
- Due to limited parking, the use of public transportation is recommended.
- Please follow instructions and observe safely along the lion dance and Yamakasa procession routes.
- Please be considerate when taking photographs so as not to disrupt the Shinto rituals.
- Please observe proper etiquette to avoid inconveniencing local residents.
Appropriate Attire and Items for Visiting the Shrine
There are no specific dress code requirements for visiting the shrine, but it is desirable to wear clothing that reflects the sacred nature of the place. While Tagawa City in May is relatively warm, the sun can be strong, so it’s a good idea to bring a hat, parasol, and sunscreen.
Annual Events at Susa Shrine
Major Events Other Than the Grand Festival
In addition to the Yugeda Shinko Festival in May, various Shinto rituals are held throughout the year at Susa Shrine.
New Year’s Festival: A Shinto ritual praying for peace in the new year.
Spring Festival: A prayer for a bountiful harvest at the start of agricultural work.
Autumn Festival: A Shinto ritual expressing gratitude for the harvest.
Monthly Festival: Regular monthly rituals.
While these rituals are not as large as the annual grand festival, they continue as important religious events for the local residents.
Regarding Individual Visits
Susa Shrine is open for worship even outside of festival periods. In its quiet grounds, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and offer peaceful prayers. You can also see local residents visiting to express their daily gratitude and wishes to the shrine, their local guardian deity.
Discovering the Charms of Tagawa City Through Susa Shrine
The Shrine as the Center of the Community
Susa Shrine is not merely a religious facility; it functions as the center of the Yugeda district community. Through the preparation and operation of festivals, intergenerational exchanges are fostered, strengthening community bonds.
In regional cities facing declining birth rates, an aging population, and depopulation, maintaining local communities centered around traditional events is crucial for considering the sustainability of these communities.
The Importance of Inheriting Traditional Culture
The inheritance of traditional performing arts, exemplified by the Yugeda Lion Dance, is not merely about preserving past culture, but also about passing on regional identity to the next generation. Through festivals and traditional performing arts, younger generations learn about their roots and deepen their attachment to their region.
After the closure of its coal mines, Tagawa City faced the significant challenge of transforming its industrial structure. In this context, traditional culture, such as the festivals and lion dances of Susa Shrine, has become a source of regional pride and hope.
Potential as a Tourism Resource
The Yugeda Shinko Festival and lion dances of Susa Shrine are also valuable tourism resources for Tagawa City. For visitors from outside the region, these traditional events offer a valuable opportunity to experience Tagawa City’s history and culture.
In recent years, tourism promotion utilizing local traditional culture has been gaining attention. The festival of Susa Shrine also has the potential to become an opportunity to convey the charm of Tagawa City to more people through appropriate information dissemination and the development of a welcoming system.
Summary
Susa Shrine, located in Yugeda, Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, has a long history as the local tutelary shrine and is known for the Yugeda Shinkosai festival, held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of May, and the traditional Yugeda Lion Dance.
Susa Shrine, which enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is believed to have the divine power to ward off evil, eradicate disease, and bring a bountiful harvest, and has attracted the fervent faith of local residents. During the festival, two floats, Kami-Yugeda and Shimo-Yugeda, parade through the streets, and a lion dance is performed by two lions. The way the two lions dance side-by-side, especially in the latter half of the dance, is the most distinctive feature of the Yugeda Lion Dance.
Access is approximately 20-25 minutes on foot from JR Hitahikosan Line’s Tagawa-Ita Station, or about 30 minutes by car from the Kyushu Expressway’s Yahata Interchange. Due to expected congestion during the festival period, using public transportation is recommended.
Susa Shrine and its festival are invaluable in conveying the history and culture of Tagawa City, playing a vital role as the heart of the local community. The preservation of traditional culture, including the Yugeda Lion Dance, holds great significance as an activity that passes on the region’s identity to future generations.
When visiting Tagawa City, we highly recommend visiting Susa Shrine and experiencing the world of tradition and faith that thrives in the region. During the festival period in May, you can experience the vibrant Shinko-sai (procession of the deity) and the elegant Lion Dance.
