yami mu hama jinja

Kuranashihama Shrine stands in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. According to shrine tradition, it was founded during the reign of Emperor Keiko, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami as its principal deity alongside Toyouke-hime, Kasuga, Sumiyoshi, and Hachiman deities. The shrine received devoted patronage from successive Nakatsu domain lords—the Hosokawa, Ogasawara, and Okudaira clans—serving as a guardian against evil from the northeast. Its sub-shrine Yasaka Jinja hosts an annual Gion Festival, forming the Lower Gion that together with Nakatsu Shrine constitutes the Nakatsu Gion celebration. Designated a go-sha in the Meiji era, it continues to draw the faith of locals and visitors.