Tachibana Shrine: Chijiwa, Nagasaki Prefecture

Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa Nagasaki is dedicated to army lieutenant colonel Shuta Tachibana who became famous in the Russo-Japanese War which occurred during the beginning on the 20th century. Tachibana Shrine is a noted place for the viewing of cherry tree blossoms and many people come and visit this exquisite flower viewing  place in spring.

For New Year, the world's biggest New Year's pine and bamboo decorations more than 11m in height are installed at the entrance to a shrine.  They have caught the attention of many followers including the Guinness Book of Records who have noted the fact!

The Shrine and the surrounding Park area are just beautiful, esthetically pleasing and at many times of the year (cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn) are picture perfect.

Whenever I have visitors from overseas and from other places in Japan, Tachibana Shrine is always on the top of my list of preferred tourist destinations for our private tours.  On this day, nearing the middle of summer, the birds were chirping, the cicada's making a roaring noise, the sun was shining intensely but I was in my element.  A picture perfect day and and some amazing photos and video to show for it.  Definitely worth and look and tour of the area.

Check out Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa on this map:

 

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Group blessing

Shinto Praying Style

Peaceful location

Sunset perfection

The entrance

3 lovely ladies posing

Water purifying

3 2 1 Bow

Please check out the Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa, Nagasaki on this video:

Suwa Shrine: Nagasaki City

The famous Nagasaki Suwa Shrine is the major Shrine of Nagasaki and home to the revered Nagasaki Kunchi Festival.  It is located in the northern part of the city on the slopes of Mount Tamazono and features a 277-step stone staircase leading up the mountain to the various buildings that comprise the shrine.

The official date of construction for Suwa Shrine is 1614, the same year as Tokugawa Ieyasu`s edict against Christianity.  Although there was little more than a small structure to mark the position of the future shrine at this time, it has grown into the massive structure and many sub structures that we see today.

Suwa Shrine survived the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.  It is thought to have survived intact due to its strategic location in the central part of Mount Tamazono southern flank.  In the aftermath of the bomb local residents were quick to note that while the famous Urakami Cathedral and surrounding Catholic neighborhoods were obliterated, the Shinto Shrine still stood. This was considered to be significant by the survivors of the bombing, showing the power of the native Japanese Gods as opposed to the imported Christian God.  In addition, Priests from Suwa Shrine took an active role in the rebuilding of Nagasaki, including consecrating the land and purifying structures that still stood after the fact.

Nagasaki Suwa Shrine is also the host to many annual festivals.  These festivals serve the joint purpose of honoring the Gods, provide a sense of community for shrine worshipers and providing exposure and income for the shrine itself.  Some of these festivals are typical to all major Shinto shrines in Japan, but some are unique to Suwa.

The most famous of Suwa Shrine's festivals is Okunchi.  This festival began along with the founding of the shrine as a way to both demonstrate its new importance in the community and as a way to hunt for Hidden Christians. Kunchi is held from October 7th to 9th every year and is considered one of the major festivals in all of Japan.  It has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset.

As of yet I haven't had the privilege to attend the annual Okunchi Festival as tickets and locations are had to obtain because of the popularity but around the city there are many complimentary places whereby free viewing performances of various dances and exhibitions are available to the general public.  It is absolutely on my to do wish list and I will be making this one of my "Must Do Nagasaki Experiences".

Check out Famous Nagasaki Suwa Shrine here on a map:

 

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Lots of steps to climb, 277 to be exact

The main building

Lots of shrine gates

Japanese Flag

The view from the top!

Pray time

Lots of Statues

An interesting place indeed

Interesting and beautiful water feature

Check out the videos of Famous Nagasaki Suwa Shrine below:

Awashima Shrine: Nagasaki Pefecture

Awashima Shrine in Nagasaki is probably one of the most interesting and unique Shrines that you will ever come upon in Nagasaki let alone all of Japan.  Many women visit this shrine to make prayers related to female matters such as childbirth and fertility as it is believed to have special powers an a lucky charm to those who want children or those that are having problems getting pregnant.

Awashima Shrine was built in 1812 so in a sense compared to other Shrines in Nagasaki it is a rather young and hasn't got a long and rich history but it is what the Shrine stands for and that people believe in its powers which makes it such a popular and well visited place.  The Shrine has a series of small Torii's which are the gate entrances to the shrines.  Most shrine gate entrances are measured in metres and I mean 5 to 10 meters in height, however the Awashima Shrines Torii's are measured in centimeters and not meters.

If one passes through these gate entrances it is said that it will assure a smooth and safe delivery for mother and child once she becomes pregnant and will allow women who are having problem to become pregnant in the future as well if all 3 gate entrances can be passed through.

The smallest Torii is only 27 centimeters high but I can tell you that it looks so much smaller than this. In fact, I could hardly get my head through the gate entrance let along my large frame and shoulders as well as other parts of my body.  Whilst I was there I didn't actually see anyone pass through these Torii's but I have been told by many people that it is possible and done on a regular basis.  Now that is something that I need to see for myself in order to believe something that I honestly think is impossible!

Please check out Awashima Shrine here below:

 

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Looks like a rather usual shrine but it has an edge over the others!

Passing through the Torii's will promote fertility

It has some of the smallest Torii's you will ever see!

The average western woman has no chance to pass through!

Tiny gap

The 3 Torii's are actually different sizes

Peck a boo

Please check out the Awashima Shrine Nagasaki in the video below:

Fuchi Shrine: Nagasaki City

Fuchi Shrine in Nagasaki is located at the base of Mount Hoju and has the distinction of being the starting point for the Nagasaki Ropeway that goes up to Mount Inasayama.  The Shrine itself  is worth a visit as it is tucked away on a side of a hill and represents a strong connection to nature.  It is the first time that I have seen individual Shinto blessing boxes that can be chosen for worship and this was interesting to see.

The spring water for cleansing and purifying ones mouth and hands upon arrival at the venue was coming out of the Dragon's mouth which is another first for me and considering the amount of shrines that i have been too in Japan, this is a unique scene, that must be noted.

My visit to Fuchi Shrine came from a friends recommendation and I must say I was a little bit doubtful at first but this soon disappeared as I arrived at the car park.  The attention to detail was obvious and i guess seeing 3 or 4 workers cleaning and preening the grounds was obviously the reason why the place was immaculate.  It was the little differences that made this place standout in my mind and I hope that I can take this concept and make it a regular part of my business and personal life.  The small differences can really highlight a certain aspect and make it truly wonderful.

I will absolutely come back again and view during a different season.

Come and check out Fuchi Shrine in Nagasaki on a map!

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Individual Prayer boxes
The springwater for cleansing
The Ropeway starting location
There she goes, all the way to the top!


Check out the video of Fuchi Shrine Nagasaki below:

Here is a video of the Nagasaki Ropeway heading up to Mount Inasayama:

Omura Park Shrine: Nagasaki Prefecture

The Omura Park Shrine in Nagasaki was founded in 587 but the present main building of the shrine dates to 1705. The Botansugi (Japanese Cedar Tree) behind the main building is considered sacred and said to be 1000 years old.  It has been designated as a national natural monuments.  According to legend, the tree top is said to shine at times of emergencies, thus because of this the tree is also called an Eternal flame.

The entrance to the Shrine is simple yet with the Shrine built on the ruins of Omura Castle it has a strong historical connection .  Also, there is something about walking through many brightly coloured red torii (gate entrances) that puts you in a trance like state.  For me there is something magical, as if I have stepped back in time to the 17th or 18th century.

Because Omura Park is built on the ruins of Omura Castle the walking paths are numerous and extensive.  I could walk for hours and hours and still not be able to locate every area of the park.  At certain times of the year Omura Shrine is inundated with tourists and visitors, the Spring Cherry Blossoms and June Irises are not to be missed.

Well worth a look!

Check out Omura Park Shrine Nagasaki on a map!

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Very scenic indeed

Crowds galore

Full Bloom

Favorite pastime

A very popular place

Great place for a picnic

I can still see you!

Hiding

Saruba Shrine: Chijiwa, Nagasaki Prefecture

Saruba Shrine is located on the Shimabara Peninsular between Chijiwa and Obama Towns.  It is without a doubt one of the most interesting Shrines I have ever been to in Japan.

Firstly it is located on the top of a mountain which isn't a huge surprise as most Shrines are located as high as humanly possible in Japan.  However the effort and the time to get to the top of this one was an effort even for yours truly who is if I may say is very healthy and athletic.  This trek to the top isn't for the faint hearted or physically challenged.  In fact, I had to stop a couple times during this 30 minute marathon to take a breather.  The path looks and feels like a stairway to heaven and probably around halfway up the mountain I forgot count how many red Torii's (gate entrances) I passed through and I can tell you this, I wasn't going to start from the beginning and recount again!

The patron's of this unique and breathtaking Shrine without a doubt have the determination and fortitude to challenge themselves on a regular basis and by the face and look on one of the locals I passed on the way up nothing was stopping him from reaching the top to his ultimate goal.  Without a doubt, if there is a heaven he will get the keys to the pearly gates.

I would only recommend this place to the fit and adventurous and if you go on a cloudless day I promise you the views from the top will leave you speechless.

Click to see Saruba Shrine in Chijiwa, Nagasaki on a map:

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Too many gates to count

Still a long way to go

The impressive view of Obama Town below

Devils to ward off the evil spirits

Click here to see Saruba Shrine Nagasaki in all its glory in the videos below: