Hichi Susa Jinja, a Bingo Three Gion Shrine Preserving One of Japan Largest Portable Shrines

In Chihi, Konu-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima, Hichi Susa Jinja is an old shrine dedicated to Susanoo, known as the deity who drives away epidemics. A legend tells that in the year 774, when disease was spreading and people lived in fear, an incarnation of Susanoo appeared and declared that if the deity were enshrined again, the villagers would be protected from illness. Affectionately known since ancient times as the Gion shrine of Chihi, it is counted among the three Gion shrines of Bingo together with Nunakuma Jinja in Tomo and Susanoo Jinja in Tede, a hidden gem known to those in the know.

Highlights

• The large portable shrine designated an important cultural property of the prefecture. It is said to bear an ink inscription from the year 1517 on an inner wall, and with its cart it weighs about 1.8 tons, said to be the largest such portable shrine in Japan.
• The historic main hall, carrying a dignified air shaped by the long passage of time and in harmony with the quiet country air.
• A visit to Susanoo with prayers for warding off epidemics and good health, where people quietly press their palms together.

Enjoying the Seasons

The summer Gion festival boasts a tradition of twelve hundred years, as the spirited great portable shrine brings color to the area. Held over several days from around the third Sunday of July, it is an event deeply rooted in the local community. At other times worshippers are few, and you can spend a slow visit in silence. In the fresh green and autumn seasons the surrounding nature is lovely, with the peaceful scenery of a country village spreading out.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 1072 Chihi, Konu-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima
• Access: About 5 minutes by car from Konu Station on the JR Fukuen Line. About 5 minutes by car from the Konu Interchange on the Chugoku Yamanami Kaido (Onomichi-Matsue Line), or about 40 minutes by car from the Miyoshi Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway via Route 184. Public transport is limited, so a car is convenient. Free parking is available for worshippers.
• Hours: Grounds open freely
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: For the energy of the festival, aim for the July Gion festival; for a quiet visit, daytime in the fresh green or autumn seasons is recommended.
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour for worship and a stroll through the grounds, with the surrounding country scenery to enjoy as well.
• Avoiding crowds: Outside the festival period worshippers are few, and you can spend calm time whenever you visit.
• Real nearby spots: Within the same Miyoshi City are views along the Gonokawa River and the Takataniyama Observatory, known for its sea of clouds, all worth combining into your trip.
• Budget sense: Worship is free. Even including gas and meals, it is affordable.

A Quick Tip

Public transport is limited, so coming by car is recommended. When you wish for health and protection from illness, press your palms together at this quiet country shrine. During the festival the surrounding area grows busy, so follow local guidance when parking for peace of mind.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 to 60 minutes for a visit and a stroll around; allow extra time to linger.
• What to bring: Small change is handy for amulets and a goshuin, and comfortable shoes help as there is some walking in the grounds.
• Getting around: Access from the city is possible, but there may be slopes, so plan at a comfortable pace.
• Suggested route: After praying at the worship hall, quietly tour the grounds and nearby highlights.
• A note on worship: This is a place of local faith, so worship quietly and calmly.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: 1072 Hichi, Konu-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Worship hours: The precincts are open at all times
• Fees: Free of charge
• Parking: There is a free car park for worshippers opposite the entrance to the approach
• Access (by car): About 5 minutes from the Konu IC on the Chugoku Yamanami Kaido (Onomichi-Matsue Expressway). About 40 minutes from the Miyoshi IC on the Chugoku Expressway
• Access (by train): About 5 minutes by car from Konu Station on the JR Fukuen Line. Public transport is limited, so visiting by car is the realistic option
• Footing and steps: The precincts are on a gentle uphill slope, with the corridor and shrine buildings at the top. Comfortable walking shoes will give you peace of mind
• Pushchairs and wheelchairs: No information about barrier-free access is published. As the approach climbs a slope, check with the shrine in advance (tel. 0847-67-3341)
• Goshuin: There is information that goshuin seals are given, but a priest is not always present at the shrine. If you want to be sure of receiving one, it is best to call in advance
• Time required: 30 minutes to an hour for worship and a look around the precincts
• In wet weather: You walk along an outdoor approach, so rain gear is needed. To check whether festival events are going ahead, contact Hichi Susa Shrine (0847-67-3341) or the Konu Town Tourism Promotion Association (0847-67-3535)
• During the Gion Festival: During the festival, visitors are directed to the "Akogare no Sato Hiroba" car park. As the parking arrangements differ from normal, please follow the directions on site
• Crowds: Apart from festival days there are not many worshippers, so you can spend your time quietly
• Other festivals: The Matosai archery festival is held every January
• Budget guide: Worship is free of charge. The cost is mainly transport

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from the history handed down at Susa Shrine, on-site signboards, and details published by the city of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima tourism association. Information on rites and events can be confirmed through the shrine and local public information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

The history dating from the fifth year of Hoki (774), the traditions of Myoken Bosatsu and Gozu Tenno, the first divine procession on the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the fact that the "Susa Jinja Engi" with a colophon dated the first year of Bunmei (1469) is a designated important cultural property of Konu Town, the ink inscription inside the great portable shrine reading "first built in Eisho 14 (1517)," the affectionate name "Ogozen-san" and the 1959 designation as an important cultural property of Hiroshima Prefecture come from an explanation based on the town history published on a Konu community information site. The fact that the great portable shrine weighs about 1.8 tonnes including its cart, its dismantling and repair in 2017, and the change of the Gion Festival from 2022 to two days on the third Sunday and Monday (Marine Day) come from the introduction page of the Miyoshi Tourism Organization (Miyoshi DMO), while the schedule on the day of the festival, the parking and the contact details were confirmed on the official website of the Hichi Gion Festival. The address and access (travel times from the Konu IC, the Miyoshi IC and Konu Station), the designated cultural properties in the precincts and the Matosai in January come from tourist information sites, and the location of the car park, the uphill approach and the appearance of the shrine buildings come from visitors' records. Dates and conditions on site are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.