Saga | The 3000-Year-Old Sacred Tree and the Chino-wa Ritual to Ward Off Evil at Takeo Shrine in the Hot Spring Town. Get a Love Umbrella Fortune at Takeo Shrine.

From Hakata to Takeo, it takes about an hour. Besides being a famous hot spring town, there is also Takeo Shrine, which enshrines the god of longevity, Takeuchi Sukune. The way to worship here is a bit different from other shrines. Upon entering, you first pass through the Chino-wa (a large ring made of grass). Bow, step through the ring with your left foot, circle to the left and return to the starting point, then switch to your right foot and circle to the right, and finally, use your left foot again to circle to the left. This completes the worship, symbolizing the infinity ♾️, and it is said to ward off evil. In addition to its famous fortune slips, Takeo Shrine also has special umbrella fortunes, which use the weather to represent good or bad luck. These fortunes can predict love, travel, and other fortunes. For those seeking love or marital harmony, there is also a couple tree to worship. This 1200-year-old Takeo Shrine is the oldest shrine in Takeo, and behind it is a sacred tree that resembles the one in Totoro. This giant camphor tree is said to be 3000 years old, making it the seventh largest sacred tree in Japan. If you visit Takeo Shrine, don't forget to climb a bit of the mountain to see this long-lived sacred tree. On your way back, you can also visit the Takeo Library, which is said to be the most beautiful library in Kyushu. Since photography is not allowed, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and soak in the literary atmosphere. 📍Address: 〒843-0022 Saga Prefecture, Takeo City, Takeo Town, Oaza Takeo 5327