<p>This particular torii (traditional Japanese gate commonly found at Shinto shrines) was presented by Kitanokata Fujime, wife of Naoshige Nabeshima, the daimyo (feudal lord) of Saga in 1604. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Saga on February 11, 1972.</p>

This particular torii (traditional Japanese gate commonly found at Shinto shrines) was presented by Kitanokata Fujime, wife of Naoshige Nabeshima, the daimyo (feudal lord) of Saga in 1604. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Saga on February 11, 1972. (Photo: Bradford Pomeroy)

Ryūzōji Hachiman Shrine in Saga

Devotion to the patron deity of warriors

Bradford Pomeroy Sep 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>This particular torii (traditional Japanese gate commonly found at Shinto shrines) was presented by Kitanokata Fujime, wife of Naoshige Nabeshima, the daimyo (feudal lord) of Saga in 1604. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Saga on February 11, 1972.</p>

<p>Another torii, only much smaller and strikingly red, stands in front of a peculiar stone bridge.</p>

<p>This interesting stone bridge sits in front of the shrine. Unfortunately, no information was provided that I could find explaining its history or significance. However, there is a small sign listing specific cats in the area and the kind of fortune you will encounter if you cross paths with them (Japanese only).</p>

<p>Inside this shrine you can see crest of the Ryūzōji clan, who ruled Saga until the last lord was killed in battle. Authority over the domain was then passed on to Naoshige Nabeshima, a loyal vassal of the Ryūzōji clan during the Warring States period of the 16th century.</p>

<p>This komainu (mythical lion-dog) has a mouth full of o-mikuji, or fortunes written on paper found at both Shinto and Buddhist shrines in Japan.</p>

<p>The shrine sits quietly, guarded by 2 komainu.</p>

<p>An immensely ornate ceiling lined with individually painted panels within the shrine. </p>

<p>A nice view of the shrine's entrance off of the main street. </p>

<p>A view of the shrine's rooftop from the street.</p>

<p>This is a sekihi, a kind of stone monument found all over Japan commemorating various events or people. This one was built by samurai and educator Shinyo Edayoshi in honor of the famous 14th century samurai, Masashige Kusunoki.</p>

Constructed in the mid 19th century, the Ryūzōji Hachiman Shrine in Saga is merely one of thousands in Japan devoted to Hachiman, the patron deity of archery and war. The shrine is conveniently located within a small district of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Therefore it's a nice place to stop by after having a coffee or a meal and take in some of the traditional and historical Japanese sites.

Bradford Pomeroy

Bradford Pomeroy @bradford.pomeroy

NW Kyushu