A Muromachi Shrine Hall in the Hills of Hita
The Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Former Main Hall (大野老松天満社旧本殿) is the former main hall of a shrine of 1488 in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on May 31, 1978 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a three-bay nagare-style hall roofed in boards, with its ridge tablet designated alongside; designation number 02070.
A Three-Bay Hall Under a Shelter
The Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Former Main Hall is a three-bay nagare-style hall, now protected by a covering shelter (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Its members are fairly stout and its style orthodox, yet some details are unusual.
The Hita City Tourism Association says the shrine honours Sugawara no Michizane and, by shrine tradition, was founded by Ōkura Nagasue in 1071. It describes the old hall as one of the few full-scale Muromachi-period buildings in Kyushu.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency notes features shared with shrine buildings found from Yamaguchi to Fukuoka. With its ridge tablet of 1488, it was designated an Important Cultural Property on May 31, 1978.
What to Look For
Through the shelter, look for the stout timbers and the three-bay front of the nagare-style hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The Hita City Tourism Association says offerings are by donation, with enquiries to the city's Maetsue branch office. According to Hita City, the Maetsue local culture centre beside the old hall displays hanging Buddhist plaques and costumes of the Ōno-gaku festival music; it opens free on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closing on weekends, public holidays and over the New Year.
Q&A
- When was the Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Former Main Hall built?
- In 1488 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who is enshrined at Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine?
- Sugawara no Michizane (Hita City Tourism Association).
- What is special about the Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Former Main Hall?
- A sheltered three-bay hall sharing features with shrines from Yamaguchi to Fukuoka.
- Is there a museum near the Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha old hall?
- Yes, the Maetsue local culture centre, free on weekdays (Hita City).
- When was the Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Former Main Hall designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On May 31, 1978 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Former Main Hall (大野老松天満社旧本殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hita City, Oita Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1978/05/31 (Showa 53) |
| Quantity | 1 building (with 1 ridge tablet) |
| Dimensions | Three-bay nagare style, board roof |
| Owner | Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine |
| Public Access | Shrine precinct open (offerings by donation) |
References
- Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Former Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/3617
- Ono Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine (Hita City Tourism Association, Japanese)
- https://oidehita.com/archives/550
- Cultural heritage facilities (Hita City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.hita.oita.jp/soshiki/29/2202.html
Last verified: 2026.10.15