Miyakehachimangu

Miyake Hachimangu goes back to the reign of Empress Suiko. Ono no Imoko is said to have fallen ill on his way to Sui China, prayed to Usa Hachimangu and recovered, then founded this shrine on his return by inviting the Usa deity here in thanks. Later Bingo Saburo Miyake Takanori moved to the area and worshipped here, which gave the shrine its present name. Locals call it the 'insect Hachiman' and pray here for children's illnesses, and the annual festival on 15 September draws a large crowd. The votive-plaque hall and worship hall are hung with a great many ema offered between the Kaei era and the Meiji period, evocative of their time — and collectively designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.