Miyajidake Shrine (Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture) Complete Guide | Exorcism, Goshuin (Shrine Seal), and Access Information
Miyajidake Shrine, located in the heart of Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a venerable shrine with a history spanning 1600 years. As a branch shrine of the main Miyajidake Shrine in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, it is widely known locally as a shrine for warding off evil and misfortune, attracting many worshippers. This article provides a detailed introduction to Miyajidake Shrine, including its history, blessings, visiting information, and nearby tourist spots.
About Miyajidake Shrine
A 1600-Year History
Miyajidake Shrine’s founding dates back approximately 1600 years. It is said to have begun when Empress Jingu, also known as Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto, established a sacred site in the Miyaji forest overlooking the sea during her pacification of the Saikaido region, and held a ceremony to report her victory to the Amatsu-kami (heavenly gods).
Given this historical background, Miyajidake Shrine is not merely a local shrine, but has been positioned as an important site of ancient rituals. Over many years, it has continued to attract the faith of the local people and remains a beloved shrine representing Sasebo City.
Deities Enshrined
The following deities are enshrined at Miyajidake Shrine:
- Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto: Known as Empress Jingu, she is enshrined as the principal deity.
- Katsumura-no-Okami
- Katsuyori-no-Okami
- Amatsukami
These deities are believed to possess divine virtues such as protection against misfortune, good fortune, and victory, and are thought to grant the various wishes of worshippers.
Relationship with Miyajidake Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture
Miyajidake Shrine in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a branch shrine of the main Miyajidake Shrine in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The main shrine is nationally renowned for its “Path of Light,” and Miyajidake Shrine in Sasebo inherits its divine virtues. Despite being a branch shrine, it has developed into a deeply rooted community shrine, cultivating its own unique history and faith.
Benefits and Prayers at Miyajidake Shrine
Main Benefits
Miyajidake Shrine is particularly known for the following benefits:
Protection from Misfortune and Exorcism
Miyajidake Shrine’s most famous benefit is protection from misfortune and exorcism. Many people facing their unlucky years visit the shrine to receive prayers for purification and protection from calamity. It is the first shrine in Sasebo City known for protection from misfortune.
Good Fortune and Business Prosperity
This shrine attracts fervent devotion from business owners and shopkeepers who wish for business success and prosperity. Many people visit to pray when starting a new business or at the beginning of the year.
Prayer for Safe Childbirth
As Empress Jingu is enshrined here, the shrine is also known for its blessings for safe childbirth. Many people visit on the Day of the Dog in their fifth month of pregnancy to pray for the health of mother and child and a safe delivery.
Other Benefits
- Traffic Safety: Blessing of cars and prayers for traffic safety
- First Shrine Visit: Prayers for the healthy growth of babies
- 60th Birthday Celebration: Celebration and gratitude for longevity
About Prayers
Miyajidake Shrine accepts various prayers:
- Groundbreaking Ceremony
- Ridgepole Raising Ceremony
- First Shrine Visit
- Prayer for Safe Childbirth
- Prayer for Traffic Safety
- Prayer for Protection from Evil
- 60th Birthday Celebration
- Other general life rituals
Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
If you wish to request a prayer, we recommend contacting us by phone in advance. It can get particularly crowded on weekends and auspicious days, so we recommend visiting with plenty of time to spare.
Miyajidake Shrine Grounds and Highlights
Beautiful Vermilion Shrine Building
The most distinctive feature of Miyajidake Shrine is its shrine building, painted in a vibrant vermilion color. Despite being located in the heart of Sasebo city, stepping onto the shrine grounds immediately envelops you in a sacred atmosphere. Vermilion, traditionally considered a color for warding off evil, holds significant meaning in shrine architecture.
Unusual Covered Approach
A unique feature of Miyajidake Shrine is its unusual covered approach. This thoughtful design, allowing visitors to worship without getting wet even on rainy days, demonstrates consideration for worshippers. Covered approaches are rare nationwide and are a popular photo spot.
Charming Shrine Grounds
The slightly intricate layout of the shrine grounds, complete with railings, creates a charming and serene atmosphere. Despite its central city location, the tranquil space offers a sense of peace and tranquility.
Steep Staircase Entrance
Located slightly off a main street near Sasebo Station, the entrance features a steep staircase. Climbing these stairs is designed to help you leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and prepare you to enter the sacred realm.
Goshuin (Shrine Seals) and Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
About Goshuin
Goshuin are available at Miyajidake Shrine. Goshuin are popular among many visitors as proof of their visit and as a memento of their trip. They will be carefully written for you if you request it at the shrine office during reception hours.
Bringing your own goshuincho (seal book) is recommended, but if you don’t have one, you can purchase one at the shrine.
A Wide Variety of Omikuji
One of the features of Miyajidake Shrine is the wide variety of omikuji (fortune slips). In addition to the standard omikuji, various other types are available, delighting visitors.
Omikuji are messages from the gods, offering guidance and advice for the future. With multiple types to choose from, you can draw a fresh omikuji each time you visit.
Basic Information about Miyajidake Shrine
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 1-7 Miyaji-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture 857-0026
- Phone Number: 0956-22-7067
- FAX: 0956-23-0607
Reception and Visiting Hours
- Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Visiting Hours: The shrine grounds are generally open for free visits (it is recommended to avoid early mornings and late nights)
Fees
- Admission Fee: Free
- Prayer Fee: Varies depending on the service; please inquire in advance.
Parking
A parking lot with a capacity of approximately 50 cars is available. Despite its location in the heart of Sasebo city, it is easily accessible by car. However, it can get crowded during the New Year’s period and on weekends, so it is recommended to consider using public transportation.
Access by Transportation
Access by Train
Approximately 10-minute walk from Matsuura Railway Sasebo Chuo Station
The nearest station is Sasebo Chuo Station on the Matsuura Railway. Exit the station and head towards the city center, following the signs to reach your destination. It’s about a 10-minute walk, and you can enjoy the scenery of Sasebo along the way.
Access by Bus
Approximately 5-minute walk from Matsuura-cho Bus Stop
If using local buses within Sasebo city, the nearest stop is Matsuura-cho bus stop. It’s very easily accessible, about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Access by Car
Located in the heart of Sasebo city, it has good access from major roads. Entering “Miyajidake Shrine Sasebo” or the address into your navigation system will guide you there.
There are approximately 50 parking spaces, but it can get crowded during New Year’s and on weekends, so we recommend visiting with plenty of time to spare.
Access from Sasebo Station
It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from JR Sasebo Station. The route goes through the city center from the station. A taxi will get you there in about 5 minutes.
Recommended Tourist Spots near Miyajidake Shrine
Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch, a representative tourist spot in Sasebo, is about a 30-minute drive from Miyajidake Shrine. This theme park recreates the streetscape of the Netherlands, offering seasonal flowers, illuminations, and attractions. A popular plan is to visit Miyajidake Shrine and then spend a day at Huis Ten Bosch.
Sasebo City Center Tourist Area
Miyajidake Shrine is located in the heart of Sasebo city, so there are various tourist attractions nearby:
- Yonkamachi Shopping Street: Sasebo’s largest covered shopping arcade
- Sasebo Gobangai: A shopping mall directly connected to Sasebo Station
- Sasebo Burger Shops: Many famous shops where you can enjoy authentic Sasebo burgers
Tenkaiho
A scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Kujukushima Islands. Approximately 20 minutes by car from Miyajidake Shrine. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the intricately indented ria coastline and countless islands.
Ishidake Observation Deck
An observation deck offering panoramic views of Sasebo Bay and the city. It is also famous as a night view spot, where you can enjoy the beautiful night view of “Sasebo, the City of Light.”
Recommended Restaurants Around Miyajidake Shrine
Sasebo Burger
A must-try when visiting Sasebo is the Sasebo Burger. Several famous restaurants are located around Miyajidake Shrine. Known for its generous portions, fresh vegetables, and juicy patties, the Sasebo Burger is loved by both locals and tourists.
Seafood Cuisine
Enjoy fresh seafood dishes unique to the port town of Sasebo. Sashimi and sushi made with fish caught that morning are especially delicious. The city center boasts numerous izakayas (Japanese pubs) and seafood restaurants, allowing you to savor local flavors.
Lemon Steak
Lemon steak is a well-known local specialty of Sasebo. Thinly sliced beef is grilled on a hot plate and served with a lemon-flavored soy sauce-based sauce, resulting in a refreshing taste.
Traditional Japanese Confectionery Shops
There are also historic traditional Japanese confectionery shops around Miyajidake Shrine. After visiting the shrine, purchasing local sweets as souvenirs is highly recommended. ## Sunwest Hotel Sasebo
Sunwest Hotel Sasebo is recommended as accommodation when visiting Miyajidake Shrine. Located in the heart of Sasebo city, it offers excellent access to Miyajidake Shrine. Its convenient location makes it ideal for both business and leisure travelers, and it boasts reliable facilities and services for a comfortable stay.
It’s also close to Sasebo Station, making it a perfect base for exploring tourist attractions such as Huis Ten Bosch and Kujukushima Islands. Breakfast plans include dishes made with local ingredients.
Events held around Miyajidake Shrine
New Year’s Visit
Every year from January 1st to 3rd, the shrine is bustling with many visitors. Miyajidake Shrine, known as a shrine for warding off evil, sees long lines of people praying for good health and protection from illness in the new year.
Setsubun Festival
The Setsubun Festival is held on February 3rd. Events such as bean-throwing are held, and it is a popular traditional event to ward off evil and invite good fortune. ### Annual Grand Festival
The annual grand festival features Shinto rituals and offerings, bringing together people from the local community. It is the most important festival of the year at the shrine.
Shichi-Go-San Festival
In November, the shrine is bustling with visitors celebrating Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children). Many families visit to celebrate their children’s growth and pray for their continued health and well-being.
Visitor Trends at Miyajidake Shrine
A Place of Worship for Local Residents
Miyajidake Shrine functions more as a place of worship deeply integrated into the lives of local Sasebo residents than as a tourist destination. It is a beloved shrine rooted in the community, visited by people who come for daily walks and those who visit at significant life events.
Visitors in Their Unlucky Years
As a shrine famous for warding off evil, many people in their unlucky years visit from both within and outside the city. In particular, many visitors come during the major unlucky years of 42 for men and 33 for women.
A Popular Stopover for Tourists
More and more tourists visiting Huis Ten Bosch and Kujukushima Islands are stopping by as part of their Sasebo city sightseeing. Its convenient location in the city center makes it increasingly recognized as an easily accessible spot for worship.
Visitors Collecting Goshuin (Shrine Stamps)
With the recent boom in collecting Goshuin, the number of visitors seeking them has also increased. It seems that this is often included as part of a Nagasaki Prefecture shrine pilgrimage.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: This is a sign of respect before entering the sacred area.
- Walk along the edge of the path: The center is considered the path of the gods.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Two bows, two claps, one bow: This is the basic etiquette before the shrine.
Attire
Everyday clothes are acceptable, but it is considered polite to avoid overly flashy or revealing clothing. Especially if you are receiving a prayer, it is recommended to dress appropriately.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but please refrain from taking pictures inside the main hall or during prayers. It is also important to be considerate of other visitors.
Summary
Miyajidake Shrine in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a venerable shrine with a 1600-year history, known for its blessings of protection against misfortune, good fortune, and business prosperity. Despite its convenient location in the heart of Sasebo city, it offers a sacred space enveloped in tranquility.
With its beautiful vermilion shrine buildings, unusual covered approach, and charming grounds, there are many sights to see, making it a shrine enjoyable not only for worship but also for strolling. It’s easily accessible, about a 10-minute walk from Sasebo Chuo Station on the Matsuura Railway, and has a parking lot with approximately 50 spaces.
When visiting Sasebo, be sure to visit Miyajidake Shrine in conjunction with sightseeing at Huis Ten Bosch or Kujukushima Islands. This shrine, beloved by locals, offers a peaceful and memorable experience.
This shrine is recommended for everyone, including those in their unlucky years, those reaching a milestone in life, those praying for good fortune or business prosperity, and those who want to experience Sasebo’s history and culture. After visiting the shrine, enjoy some Sasebo burgers and seafood in the surrounding area and have a fulfilling Sasebo sightseeing experience.
