【Now Accepting Participants】Special Commemorative Program for the 1300th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Usa Jingu: “Miko (Shinto Shrine Maiden) Experience”
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"Usa Jingu" is the head shrine of approximately 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan.The deity enshrined here, Hachiman Okami, is believed to be the spirit of Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan. Known for his exceptional skill in archery, Emperor Ojin was later deified as the god of bravery, earning the devotion of the samurai class.It is said that Hachiman shrines began to spread throughout Japan around the Kamakura period. Usa Jingu is also known as the starting point of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, a tradition that has profoundly shaped Japan’s unique religious landscape.
In this experience, by becoming a Miko (Shinto shrine maiden) who serves the gods, you will have the unique opportunity to worship at the main sanctuary.To become a Miko, first change into the sacred shrine maiden attire, then wash your hands and mouth at the Temizusha (purification station). Afterward, take a stroll around the grounds to learn about the shrine. You will also receive guidance on the proper way to worship at Usa Shrine and how to offer a tamagushi (sacred tree branch). After experiencing the sacred kagura dance, one of the important duties of a Miko, you can participate in the formal worship at the main shrine and the offering of the kagura.
This is a truly rare and valuable experience. We warmly invite you to join us.
For further details, please refer to the flyer or the official website.
Miko (Shinto Shrine Maiden) Experience
Special Commemorative Program for the 1300th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Usa Jingu
Dates: Thursday, February 26, and Friday, March 27, 2026
Meeting Place: Usa Shrine, Assembly Hall (Sanshu-den) 2859 Minami Usa, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, 872-0102, Japan
Participation Fee: 36,000 JPY (including tax)
Minimum Number of participants: 5 participants (Maximum capacity: 12 participants)
How to Apply: Please apply via the dedicated website:
https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/a5aed426-7743-43c3-8786-e8d1e1001288/experience/1126634
Application Deadline: Up to 7 days prior to the event date
Contact Information: 0978-33-3433(Executive Committee for the 1300th Anniversary Celebration and Chokusai Memorial Projects of Usa Jingu)
More Information: https://www.city.usa.oita.jp/section/usa1300/miko-experience_en.html
