Shiratake Shrine (Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Deities, Prayers, and Access Information
Shiratake Shrine, located in Shiratake-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a historical shrine founded in 1578. It has been deeply revered by the local people as the guardian shrine of the Hiu and Sasebo areas. This article provides detailed information useful for visitors, including the history of Shiratake Shrine, its enshrined deities, prayers, annual events, and access methods.
Basic Information about Shiratake Shrine
Location: 725 Shiratake-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture 857-1164
Phone Number: 0956-31-2700
Shrine Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Parking: Free parking available
Nearest Station: Within walking distance of Hiu Station on the Matsuura Railway
Shiratake Shrine is located slightly north of the center of Sasebo City, nestled in a quiet residential area. The shrine grounds are well-maintained, allowing visitors to worship in a refreshing atmosphere.
History and Origins of Shiratake Shrine
Founding History
Shiratake Shrine is believed to have been founded around 1578 (Tensho 6). It is said to have been founded by Goto Koreaki (second son of Matsuura Takanobu, lord of Hirado), who served as a supervisor of Hiu and Sasebo at the time. This period was towards the end of the Sengoku period (Warring States period), and the Matsuura clan held power in Hizen Province (present-day Nagasaki and Saga prefectures).
Goto Koreaki was born as the second son of Matsuura Takanobu, the lord of the Hirado Domain, and was entrusted with governing the Hiu and Sasebo region. It is said that he founded the shrine in the hope of peace and prosperity in this region.
Reverence of Successive Hirado Domain Lords
Since its founding, Shiratake Shrine has been carefully preserved by successive lords of the Hizen Hirado Domain. The Hirado Domain was ruled by the Matsuura clan throughout the Edo period, and the lords valued and protected Shiratake Shrine as the guardian shrine of Hiu Village.
Due to this historical background, Shiratake Shrine developed not merely as a small local shrine, but as a venerable shrine that received the patronage of the domain. Even today, its status is maintained, and it remains an important center of faith in the region.
Role as the Guardian Shrine of Hiu Village
Shiratake Shrine has been deeply rooted in the lives of the local residents as the guardian deity of Hiu Village (present-day Hiu district, Sasebo City). It has a history of receiving various prayers from people, including prayers for bountiful harvests and catches in agriculture and fishing, protection from disease, and safety of families.
Even after the Meiji era, it continued to function as a central shrine in the region, welcoming many worshippers to this day.
About the Enshrined Deities
Shiratake Shrine enshrines three deities.
Izanagi-no-Mikoto
In Japanese mythology, Izanagi-no-Mikoto is the god of creation, the god who, along with Izanami-no-Mikoto, created the Japanese archipelago and many gods. Izanagi-no-Mikoto symbolizes the masculine principle and is believed to possess the divine virtues of vitality, creativity, and good fortune.
Izanami-no-Mikoto
The consort of Izanagi-no-Mikoto, she is a female deity who together gave birth to the land and the gods. She symbolizes the feminine principle and is revered for safe childbirth, fertility, matchmaking, and family safety. These two deities, as a married couple, are also known for their blessings of marital harmony and good relationships.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto
The son of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, he is known in Japanese mythology as a fierce god, but is also a heroic god who defeated Yamata-no-Orochi. He is believed to offer protection against misfortune, disaster, disease, and business prosperity.
Due to these three enshrined deities, Shiratake Shrine is revered as a shrine offering a wide range of blessings, including good fortune, family safety, protection from misfortune, and matchmaking.
Information on Prayers
Shiratake Shrine accepts various prayers for different milestones and wishes in life.
Prayers for Life Rituals
Omiyamairi (Shrine Visit for Newborns)
This prayer is offered to report the birth of a baby to the gods and to pray for their healthy growth. It is generally performed on the 31st day after birth for boys and the 32nd day for girls, but this can be adjusted to suit the family’s convenience.
Shichi-Go-San Prayer
At the milestones of 3, 5, and 7 years old, this prayer is offered to express gratitude for the child’s healthy growth and to pray for their future health and happiness.
Yakubarai (Exorcism/Protection from Misfortune)
This prayer is offered to ward off misfortune for those entering their unlucky years and to pray for a peaceful and safe year. For men, the unlucky years are 25, 42, and 61; for women, 19, 33, and 37.
Prayers for Longevity Celebrations
We pray for longevity and good health in the future, including celebrations of reaching 60 years old, 70 years old, 77 years old, 80 years old, and 88 years old.
Prayers Related to Daily Life
Vehicle Purification (Traffic Safety Prayer)
We pray for safe driving when purchasing a new car or for daily safe driving. By purifying the car, we pray for protection from traffic accidents.
Family Safety and Business Prosperity
We pray for the health and safety of the family and the prosperity of the business.
Recovery from Illness
We pray for recovery from illness and the restoration of health.
Prayers for Success in Exams and Academic Achievement
We pray for success in exams and academic improvement.
Prayers Related to Construction and Land
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Before construction begins, prayers are offered to appease the land gods and pray for the safety of the construction and the prosperity of the building. This ceremony is conducted on-site as an off-site service.
Commencement Ceremony
At the start of construction, prayers are offered for the safety of the construction and its successful completion.
Roof-Raising Ceremony
When the building’s framework is completed, prayers are offered for the completion of the building and for future safety.
How to Request Prayers
Those wishing to request prayers are advised to make a reservation by phone in advance. Especially for off-site ceremonies such as groundbreaking ceremonies and commencement ceremonies, scheduling is necessary, so please contact us as early as possible.
Reservations and Inquiries: 0956-31-2700 (Shrine Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
The offering fee (prayer fee) varies depending on the content of the prayer; please inquire for details.
Annual Events
Shiratake Shrine holds various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
New Year’s Day Festival (January 1st)
A prayer is offered for the prosperity of the Imperial Family, the peace and security of the nation, and the prosperity of the parishioners and worshippers as the new year arrives.
Setsubun Festival (around February 3rd)
A festival held the day before the beginning of spring to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. Bean-throwing ceremonies may also be held.
Spring Grand Festival
An important festival held in spring, praying for a bountiful harvest and the prosperity of the region.
Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th)
A prayer is offered to cleanse away the sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months and for good health and protection from illness for the remaining half of the year.
Autumn Grand Festival
An important festival to give thanks for the autumn harvest and pray for the peace and security of the region.
Shichi-Go-San Pilgrimage (November)
This is the peak season for Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) shrine visits.
Year-End Purification Ceremony (December 31st)
This is a Shinto ritual to cleanse away the sins and impurities of the past year and welcome the new year with a refreshed heart.
For detailed dates and information on these events, please contact the shrine directly or check the official website.
About Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Goshuin are available at Shiratake Shrine. Goshuin are popular as proof of worship and as a record of one’s connection with the shrine.
Goshuin Reception
Reception Location: Shrine Office
Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Offering Fee: Generally around 300-500 yen (please inquire)
If you do not have a Goshuincho (stamp book), Shiratake Shrine may be able to provide one; please inquire at the shrine office.
When requesting a Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp), please complete your prayers first before speaking to the shrine office. Shrines are places of worship, not tourist attractions, so it is important to be respectful.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Worship Hall
The worship hall of Shiratake Shrine boasts a traditional shrine architectural style, creating a solemn atmosphere. The hall is meticulously maintained, warmly welcoming visitors.
Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary, where the enshrined deity resides, is located behind the worship hall. It features a distinctive architectural style that evokes a sense of history.
Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds
The shrine grounds are well-maintained, clean, and have a tranquil atmosphere. Despite being in an urban area, a peaceful space is preserved, allowing for a calm and peaceful visit.
Many visitors comment on the “wonderful atmosphere inside the worship hall” and the “meticulously maintained shrine.”
Access Methods
Access by Public Transportation
Using the Matsuura Railway
The nearest station is “Hiyu Station” on the Matsuura Railway. The shrine is within walking distance from Hiyu Station.
Using JR
Take a bus or taxi from “Sasebo Station” on the JR Sasebo Line. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes by car from Sasebo Station to Shiratake Shrine.
Access by Car
From Fukuoka
Approximately 10-15 minutes from “Sasebo Chuo IC” on the West Kyushu Expressway.
From Nagasaki
Approximately 10-15 minutes from “Sasebo Chuo IC” via the Nagasaki Expressway and West Kyushu Expressway.
Parking
The shrine has a free parking lot, so you can visit by car with peace of mind. However, during busy periods such as New Year’s Day and the annual festival, parking spaces are limited, so please allow ample time for your visit.
Car Navigation Settings
Address: 725 Shiratake-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Phone Number: 0956-31-2700
Entering the above address or phone number into your car navigation system will guide you to Shiratake Shrine.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
- Bow Before Passing Through the Torii Gate
The torii gate is the entrance to the sacred area. Bow before passing through to show respect to the gods.
- Walk Along the Edge of the Path
The center of the path is called the “seichu” and is considered the path of the gods. It is polite for visitors to walk along the edge.
- Purify Yourself at the Water Basin
If there is a water basin, purify your hands and mouth before praying.
- Etiquette at the Main Hall
- Place your offering in the offering box.
- Ring the bell if available.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (bowing deeply twice, clapping twice, bowing deeply once).
- Bow Upon Exit
When leaving the torii gate after your visit, turn around and bow once.
Attire
If you are receiving a prayer, it is preferable to wear attire that is not too casual. Especially for off-site ceremonies such as ground-breaking ceremonies and commencement ceremonies, formal attire or something similar is appropriate.
There are no specific dress code rules for regular visits, but please be mindful of the sacred nature of the place and dress accordingly.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Shiratake Shrine, you can also visit other tourist attractions in Sasebo City.
Main Tourist Attractions in Sasebo City
Kujukushima Islands A representative scenic spot of Sasebo, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by 208 islands.
Huis Ten Bosch A theme park that recreates the streetscape of the Netherlands, hosting various events throughout the year.
Sasebo Burger A local specialty of Sasebo. Many Sasebo Burger restaurants can be found in the city.
Tenkaiho An observation deck offering panoramic views of Kujukushima Islands, especially beautiful at sunset.
Reasons to Recommend Visiting Shiratake Shrine
Shiratake Shrine has a long history, founded in 1578 (Tensho 6), and is a venerable shrine that received the patronage of the Hirado domain lord. With its wide range of divine blessings from its three enshrined deities, its warm, community-rooted atmosphere, and its well-maintained grounds, it is a shrine well worth visiting.
Shiratake Shrine can be visited for various purposes, such as praying for milestones in life, offering daily gratitude, or collecting Goshuin (shrine stamps). When visiting Sasebo City, we highly recommend visiting Shiratake Shrine and forging a connection with the gods.
Summary
Shiratake Shrine is a venerable shrine with over 440 years of history, located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. It enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and offers a wide range of blessings, including protection from evil, family safety, matchmaking, and good fortune.
The shrine accepts various prayers, including those for newborns, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children), exorcism, car purification, and ground-breaking ceremonies, and functions as a center of faith for the local people. It has free parking and is easily accessible.
When visiting Sasebo City, please consider visiting Shiratake Shrine, where you can feel the history and tradition. For detailed information and prayer reservations, we recommend contacting the shrine directly. Shiratake Shrine
725 Shiratake-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture 857-1164
TEL: 0956-31-2700
Shrine Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
