The most terrifying power spot! A forbidden cave where the skulls of beasts are piled up!

Shishigongen, located in Nishikanno, Notsu-cho, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, is a mystical place of worship and an important sacred site for people who hunt for a living. It is a place of mystical worship and a sacred place for people who hunt for a living. The custom of hunters dedicating the skulls of deer and boars they have killed on their first hunt and praying for good hunting is especially characteristic of this place.
Features and Highlights
(1) Cave where skulls are piled up
The most distinctive feature of Shiroshika Gongen is that a large number of deer and boar skulls are dedicated in a cave within the shrine grounds. This is a unique custom closely linked to the hunting culture and religious beliefs, and leaves a strong impression on visitors.
(2) The inner sanctuary of Kumano Shrine
Shiraga Gongen is positioned as the inner sanctuary of the nearby Kumano Shrine. It is believed that by visiting the shrine together with Kumano Shrine, visitors can feel a deeper spiritual connection.
(3) Rough route to the shrine
The route to the shrine is steep, with steep cliffs and chains to climb along the way. Therefore, climbers need to be equipped and careful when visiting.
(4) Tradition of no women allowed
Shiraga Gongen was once a place with a “no women allowed” tradition. Although the current treatment is unknown, it is important to respect local customs and rules when visiting.
Background and History of Beliefs
The shrine developed as a place to express gratitude for the bounty of nature and to express devotion to the mountain gods. For hunters, Shiraga Gongen is a sacred place, and the custom of dedicating skulls to show respect for their prey continues.
Conclusion
Shiroshika Gongen is a very unique sacred place that combines hunting culture and Shinto beliefs. It is considered an important sacred site, especially for those involved in hunting, because it has features that distinguish it from ordinary shrines, such as a cave with piles of skulls and a steep worship route. Visitors should take safety precautions and respect local rules when visiting.
■Sha-Den
According to the Kumano Shrine's shrine legend, “Toward the end of the Heian Period, there were two brothers who were hunters living in Umoku-go, Ono-gun (present-day Saeki City). One day, the brothers saw a magnificent white deer in the mountains on the border between Bungo and Hyuga Provinces, and they approached the mountains of Kamino. However, they lost sight of the deer near Nishikamino. While still searching for the deer, he saw a light on a rocky area. As he approached, a deity appeared and said, “I am the deity of Kumano, the protector of the land. He said, “I am the Kumano god who protects the land and should be reverently worshipped. The white deer was an incarnation of Kumano Gongen, and the place where this deity was enshrined is today's Kumano Gongen, which, according to shrine legend, dates back to 1146 (Kyuan 2).