Ukishima Hachiman Shrine

It is said that Ukishima Hachiman Shrine was established in 1198 during the ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a major Shinto shrine in Sagami Province, now Kamakura. This shrine had a deep connection to the Otomo Clan. It was repaired in 1238 by the second generation lord of the clan, Chikahide Otomo. His son, Yoriyasu, completely rebuilt the shrine in 1277. In the shrine's treasure house, Hiji's tangible assets are stored. These include an iron sword believed to have been forged in the Yayoi Era (a cultural asset) and a deity mask called "Amatago", dating back to the Muromachi Era (a tangible folk cultural asset). In a corner of the shrine grounds, there is also a strangely familiar statue of Nio, a Buddhist guardian deity, that was created in 1737.