7.Usuki-jinja Shrine

The origin of
the place-name “Usuki”?

　The Usuzuka Kofun in the Kumasaki district is known as one of the most well knownlargest keyhole-shaped burial mounds in Oita Prefecture and is 87 m long. Usuki-jinja Shrine stands atop this burial mound. After passing through the torii gate, you will see the two stone covers shaped like armor. The shrine was called Usukine-jinja Shrine as these covers resemble the shapes of a mortar (usu) and pestle (kine), which oral tradition says is the origin of the place name, Usuki. Archeologists have unearthed two stone boat-shaped sarcophaguses from the burial mound, and found human remains and burial accessories. Although it may seem unusual for a shrine to stand atop a burial mound like this, it can be seen as a natural outcome given the origins of Shinto, which started in worship and enshrinement of the spirits of the deceased. Here visitors may encounter the original scenario for prayer.