One of Japan’s oldest shrines, featured in the early “Nihonshoki” text (The Chronicles of Japan).
The Onamuchi Shrine is said to be one of the oldest in Japan, built over 1800 years ago. It is an important shrine of Yamatai Koku-Amagi Asakura.
When Empress Jingu conquered Shinra, she built the shrine in order to create a place to worship but also a meeting point for soldiers to gather. The shrine is now dedicated to good fortune in business and marriage. Every October the 700 year old autumn festival "Okunchi" is held.
The mountain behind the shrine is known as “Mt Mekubari” (“Watching over mountain”) because the empress looked down from the top. Today a large square rock remains on the summit, which is said to be where she stood.
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