Uhara jinja: A Sacred Journey Through 2,000 Years of Japanese Myth and Heritage

May 28

Where Time Stands Still

Nestled in the historic town of Kanda in Fukuoka Prefecture, Uhara jinja is one of Japan’s oldest spiritual sites—its origins trace back over two millennia.
Dedicated to legendary deities such as Hikonagisatakeugayafukiaenoomikoto, Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto, and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto, the shrine is revered for safe childbirth, protection, and spiritual purification.

For travelers seeking something deeper than sightseeing, this is where the sacred lingers in the air.

Where Myth and Culture Intertwine

Uhara jinja is home to a cultural treasure: the Sankakuen Shinjukyo, a triangular-rimmed divine beast mirror excavated from the nearby Ishizukayama Kofun—the largest and oldest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kyushu.
This ancient mirror, now a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is housed within the shrine, silently bridging the worlds of legend and archaeology.

One of the shrine’s most spiritually resonant spots is the “Stone of Toyotamahime”, where the goddess is said to have rested—a revered place for those praying for safe childbirth.

The Contrast of Stillness and Celebration

The normally quiet Ubara Shrine is transformed in autumn.

The area comes alive during “Kanda Yamakasa,” a festival that has been held for more than 560 years.

The highlight of the festival is “Kenka Yamakasa,” in which portable shrines collide with each other. The power and fervor of this event provides a dramatic contrast to the quiet shrine area, allowing visitors to experience the depth of Japanese culture.