A short walk from the Saga Castle Ruins is Saga Jinja, established on September 23, 1933 to enshrine Lord Nabeshima Naomasa, the 10th lord of the Saga Nabeshima Provence. There are actually 7 shrines at Saga Jinja, the oldest being Matsubara Jinja which was founded in 1772 to enshrine the first lord, Nabeshima Naoshige. Over the years, other members of the family were either enshrined, or smaller shrines were added. A “South Hall” at Matsubara Jinja was constructed for Naomasa, but as support continued to flow in, the hall was remodeled into the Saga Jinja that we see today. In 1948, the 11th lord of Saga Provence, Nabeshima Naohiro, was enshrined. A visit to all seven shrines is called hasshamairi and is believed to grant your greatest wish.

For the casual: 6. For the educated: 3.

I would say that this shrine is more for the environment than anything else. For sure, the shrine is dedicated to the lords and ladies who governed the people of Saga throughout the Edo Period (1608-1869 C.E.), but I would say that the interest in the shrine is really for the shrine itself. It’s a beautiful piece of traditional architecture and a tangible difference between the main Saga Jinja, and the older Matsubara Jinja. It’s a small shrine compared to others, but I really just enjoyed my time there with a beautiful sky, great sounds, and that wonderful smell of wood. Finally, I have to achknowledge the shrine staff who were so incredibly kind to me and my family. We arrived rather late, I misread my watch and thought it was very close but pass the closing time of the shrine and asked if I could receive a goshuin if possible. While they were writing it, I realized that the shrine had been closed for more than just a little bit and, with a new wave of embarrassment, I apologized immensely to the staff who were so kind to go out of their way for me. It may have been because I’m a white guy in an area where foreigners rarely visit, it could have been simple kindness to end the year, or it could have been anything. Regardless, it was a kindness I won’t forget and I cherish it greatly. Thank you. It really made the moment special.