Mitake Shrine

In Kiyokawa, Bungo-ono, Oita Prefecture, in a quiet corner surrounded by fields and mountains, sits Mitake Shrine. It is an old shrine said to have been established in 1449, when Otomo Chikataka, the governor of Bungo Province, invited its spirit from a sacred mountain in Hyuga. It rarely appears in tourist guides and is a lesser-known power spot that local people have carefully protected. Resting at an elevation of about 560 meters, it has long drawn faith as a deity of victory in contests.

Bungo-ono is a land of grand plateaus and gorges created by the eruptions of Mount Aso. Standing quietly in the midst of this nature, Mitake Shrine has grounds embraced by greenery that hold a mysterious atmosphere, and its history-laden bearing calms the hearts of those who visit.

Highlights

• Grounds wrapped in greenery — Surrounded by trees, the grounds have clear air and form a healing space full of the energy of nature.
• The view from Senodake behind the shrine — From Senodake at the rear of the halls, you can take in the mountains of Kuju, Sobo, and Katamuki at a glance.
• Ontake Kagura — The sacred dance handed down at this shrine has a history of over five hundred years and is designated an intangible folk cultural property of Oita Prefecture. If you are lucky on a day of dedication, you may witness its performance.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, fresh greenery colors the grounds with vitality, and in summer the tree shade brings cool repose. In autumn the surrounding mountains turn to red foliage, and you can enjoy worship alongside the natural beauty of Bungo-ono. In winter you can offer your prayers wrapped in a tightened stillness amid perfectly clear air. In every season, the appeal is a refreshing feeling of becoming one with nature.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kiyokawa-machi, Bungo-ono, Oita Prefecture
• Access: About 15 minutes by car from JR Bungo-Kiyokawa Station. The Ono interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway is also relatively close. Public transport is infrequent, so access by car is convenient.
• Parking: Available
• Visiting: Grounds open freely

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time of day: The tree-ringed grounds are especially striking in the soft light of morning and the stillness of dusk. During the day the tree shade stays cool, so it is comfortable even in summer.
• Season to aim for: The fresh green of spring and the red leaves of autumn are especially beautiful, to be enjoyed together with the nature of the Kiyokawa area. Visiting around a time when Ontake Kagura is dedicated lets you also touch the region's traditional culture.
• Time needed: Worship and a stroll around the grounds take about 20 to 30 minutes. To also enjoy the view from Senodake, allow about 40 minutes.
• Nearby spots: Kiyokawa has a kagura hall where regular performances of Ontake Kagura and other kagura are held. Bungo-ono is also dotted with natural sights such as Harajiri Falls, well suited to a touring drive.
• Budget sense: Worship is free. As the surroundings are mainly nature, bringing a drink and a light snack is reassuring.

A Quick Tip

Bungo-ono is an area dotted with natural power spots such as waterfalls and gorges. A drive touring the nearby sights combined with a visit to Mitake Shrine is also recommended. On the quiet grounds, take your time and breathe deeply without rushing. As you are wrapped in the scent of greenery and the clear air, you should feel your everyday fatigue ease away.

📚 Sources

For information on Mitake Shrine, the main references are the shrine's own guidance and the tourism guidance for Bungo-Ono City and Kiyokawa-machi. Its history, in which Chikataka Otomo invited the deity in 1449, the Ondake Kagura (an intangible folk cultural property of Oita Prefecture), and the view from Sen-no-take behind the hall can be traced through such guidance and on-site explanations. Kagura offering days and performances at the Kiyokawa-machi kagura hall may change, so please confirm the latest details through official sources before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Worshiping and strolling the grounds takes about 20 to 30 minutes; adding the view from Sen-no-take, allow about 40 minutes.
• What to bring: The tree-shaded grounds are cool even by day, and worship is free. As the surroundings are mostly nature with few eateries, bring drinks and light food; with limited public transport, access by car is convenient.
• Suggested route: Worship on the green-shrouded grounds and take in the Kuju, Sobo, and Katamuki peaks from Sen-no-take behind the hall; timing a visit to a kagura offering day lets you experience local tradition, and a drive combined with Bungo-Ono nature spots such as Harajiri Falls noted in the article is also fitting.
• Crowd tips: A quiet shrine rarely in guidebooks, it allows a relaxed visit in the soft morning light or the calm of dusk.