Ushijima Tenmangū

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane.
• Founded in 1151 by Ushijima Norimasa and later moved to its current site.
• Built to protect the northeastern direction of Saga Castle.
• Designated by the city as an Important Urban Landscape.

What to see

• A massive camphor tree estimated to be over 1000 years old.
• A mid-19th century two-story gate and a three-bay main hall with copper roofing.
• Traditional Hizen-style stone torii gates and guardian dog statues.
• Stone lanterns that show damage from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.
• The Hagakure Taiko Preservation Society practicing on the shrine grounds.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.