Shrines and Temples

Fukuoka is home to a remarkable collection of shrines and temples, each holding a special place in the city's history and spiritual landscape. From grand complexes like Kushida Jinja and Tochoji Temple to hidden gems like Miyajidake Shrine, you'll find a diverse array of architectural styles, deities, and traditions represented. Delve into the stories behind these sacred sites and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and spirituality.

Kushida Jinja

Nestled in the heart of Hakata, Kushida Jinja is a vibrant and historic Shinto shrine revered as the guardian deity of the district. Founded in 757, the shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and Susanoo, the god of storms. This spiritual haven exudes a captivating ambiance, with its iconic red torii gate beckoning visitors into a world of tradition and spiritual significance.

The shrine complex encompasses a collection of captivating structures and features:

• Main Hall (Honden): A magnificent edifice with intricate carvings and a vibrant red facade, where worshippers offer prayers and pay respects.

• Ginkgo Tree: A majestic, thousand-year-old ginkgo tree stands as a symbol of longevity and resilience within the shrine grounds.

• Kazariyama Float: An impressive festival float, known as a kazariyama, is on permanent display, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Hakata's renowned festival traditions.

• Power Stones: Throughout the grounds, you'll find large stones dedicated by sumo wrestlers, symbolizing strength and determination.

Shofukuji

Shofukuji holds a significant place in Japanese history as the country's first Zen temple. Founded in 1195 by the monk Eisai, who brought Zen Buddhism from China, Shofukuji played a pivotal role in introducing and establishing Zen practices in Japan.

The temple complex showcases traditional Zen architecture, characterized by its simplicity and harmonious integration with nature. While visitors cannot enter the buildings, the temple grounds offer a serene and contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection and appreciation of Zen aesthetics.

• Sanmon Gate: A grand wooden gate that marks the entrance to the temple grounds.

• Butsuden (Main Hall): Houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and other important Buddhist figures.

• Hatto (Dharma Hall): A spacious hall where Zen meditation and teachings are conducted.

• Belfry: An elegant wooden structure housing a large bell that resonates throughout the temple grounds.

Nanzoin Temple

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sasaguri, Nanzoin Temple is renowned for housing the largest bronze statue of a reclining Buddha in the world. This impressive statue, measuring 41 meters (135 feet) long and 11 meters (36 feet) high, exudes a sense of tranquility and spiritual grandeur.

Beyond the iconic Reclining Buddha, Nanzoin offers a captivating blend of religious and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, adorned with intricate statues and serene gardens, while immersing themselves in the peaceful atmosphere.

• The Reclining Buddha: Marvel at the sheer size and intricate details of this iconic statue, which symbolizes the Buddha's passing into Nirvana.

• Fudo Myoo Hall: A hall dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a wrathful deity believed to protect against evil and misfortune.

• 500 Arhats Statues: A collection of 500 unique statues representing the Buddha's disciples, each with its own distinct expression and character.

• Shichifukujin Tunnel: A tunnel adorned with statues of the Seven Lucky Gods, believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

• Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage: Nanzoin is the first temple on the Sasaguri Shikoku pilgrimage route, a popular 33-kilometer circuit of 88 temples

Tochoji Temple

Founded in 806 by the renowned monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), Tochoji Temple stands as the oldest Buddhist temple in Kyushu. As a testament to its historical significance, the temple complex has been designated as a National Historic Site.

Tochoji is a sprawling complex with a captivating blend of architectural styles and spiritual treasures. The temple's main hall, with its imposing wooden pillars and serene atmosphere, houses a variety of Buddhist statues and artifacts. However, the highlight for many visitors is the Fukuoka Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, a towering 10.8-meter (35-foot) wooden statue that ranks among the largest seated wooden Buddha statues in Japan.

• Five-Story Pagoda: An elegant structure that adds to the temple's picturesque landscape.

• Rokkakudo (Hexagonal Hall): A unique building housing a rotating sutra library and intricate statues of the Six Kannon Bodhisattvas.

• Hell and Heaven Cave: A dimly lit passage behind the Great Buddha statue that symbolizes the journey from suffering to enlightenment.

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Dazaifu Tenmangu is a revered Shinto shrine located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian Period. After his death in exile, Michizane was deified as Tenjin, the god of learning, and enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu.

The shrine complex, established in 919 AD, is a place of historical and cultural significance, drawing millions of visitors annually, particularly students seeking blessings for academic success and good fortune in examinations.

The shrine grounds are a picturesque haven of traditional architecture, serene ponds, and verdant gardens.

• Honden (Main Hall): Currently under renovation until 2026, a temporary hall has been constructed for visitors. The original structure dates back to 1591 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

• Kyōzō (Sutra Repository): A treasure trove of ancient Buddhist scriptures and texts.

• Treasure House (Homotsuden): Showcases artifacts and artworks related to Sugawara no Michizane and the shrine's history.

• To-bi-ume (Flying Plum Tree): A legendary plum tree said to have flown from Kyoto to Dazaifu to be with Michizane in exile, symbolizing his enduring spirit.

• Shinkyo (Sacred Bridge): A vermillion arched bridge leading to the main hall, representing the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

• Heart-Shaped Pond (Shinji-ike): A serene pond designed in the shape of the Japanese character for "heart," symbolizing love and compassion.

The shrine is especially famous for its plum blossoms, which burst into bloom in February and March, creating a breathtaking spectacle of delicate pink and white flowers. During this season, the shrine hosts the "Plum Blossom Festival" with various events and festivities.

Miyajidake Shrine

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Genkai Sea, Miyajidake Shrine is a Shinto shrine steeped in history and natural beauty. It is dedicated to Empress Jingū, a legendary figure in Japanese mythology who is said to have conquered Korea in the 3rd century.

The shrine is renowned for its "Three Biggest in Japan" attractions:

• O-shimenawa (Great Purification Rope): This massive rope, weighing over 5 tons, is the largest of its kind in Japan and hangs above the main hall, signifying a sacred boundary.

• Daiko (Great Drum): The enormous drum, measuring 2.2 meters in diameter, is also the biggest in Japan and is used in traditional ceremonies.

• O-kane (Great Bell): This colossal bell, weighing 45 tons, is the third-largest in Japan and its deep, resonant tones can be heard throughout the shrine grounds.

Miyajidake Shrine is also famous for its "Road of Light" phenomenon, which occurs twice a year in February and October when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the shrine's main path, creating a breathtaking sight.

Visitors can explore the shrine's many other attractions, including the Okumiya (inner shrine), the eight smaller shrines known as Oku-no-Miya Hachisha, and the museum exhibiting artifacts related to Empress Jingū.

Hakozaki Shrine

Hakozaki Shrine, one of Japan's three major shrines dedicated to the god Hachiman, stands as a symbol of protection and good fortune. Founded in 923, the shrine is believed to ward off evil influences and bring blessings to its visitors.

• Main Hall (Honden): A majestic structure with vibrant red pillars and a traditional gabled roof, housing the enshrined deities.

• Romon Gate: An imposing two-story gate adorned with elaborate carvings and guardian statues, marking the entrance to the inner shrine area.

• Tekikoku Kōfuku: A large calligraphic plaque displayed on the tower gate, bearing the inscription "Surrender of the Enemy Nation," a reminder of the shrine's role in protecting Japan from foreign invasions.

• Sacred Trees: Ancient camphor trees grace the shrine grounds, believed to possess spiritual energy and grant wishes.

• Festival Grounds: The spacious grounds host various vibrant festivals throughout the year, including the Tamaseseri Festival in January and the Hojoya Festival in September.

Sumiyoshi Jinja

Located in the heart of Hakata, Sumiyoshi Jinja is a serene Shinto shrine steeped in history and dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Sanjin, the three gods of the sea and safe travels. As the oldest shrine in Hakata and one of the three great Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, it holds a significant place in the city's cultural and spiritual landscape.

The shrine complex, while smaller than other prominent shrines in Fukuoka, exudes a tranquil atmosphere and boasts several notable features:

• Honden (Main Hall): This elegant structure, designated as an Important Cultural Property, exemplifies the ancient Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style, characterized by its straight roof and unpainted cypress wood construction.

• Noh Stage: A traditional Noh theater stage is nestled within the shrine grounds, a reminder of the shrine's historical connection to performing arts.

• Stone Torii Gate: The main torii gate, crafted from stone, stands tall and majestic, marking the entrance to the sacred precinct.

• Sub-Shrines: Several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities are scattered throughout the grounds, each offering unique blessings and prayers.

• Ancient Documents: The shrine houses a collection of historical documents that provide insights into the shrine's history and Hakata's development as a port city.

Fukuoka Prefecture Gokoku Shrine

Located near the historic ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Fukuoka Prefecture Gokoku Shrine stands as a solemn and reverent tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country.

The shrine, established in 1940, is dedicated to the spirits of all those who died in service of Japan since the Meiji Restoration. Its tranquil atmosphere and simple yet dignified architecture create a space for reflection and remembrance.

• The Torii Gate: The shrine's most striking feature is its imposing wooden torii gate, the largest of its kind in Japan, standing at 13 meters (43 feet) tall. The gate, crafted from raw wood, symbolizes a threshold between the mundane world and the sacred realm.

• The Main Hall (Honden): A modest yet elegant structure housing the enshrined spirits of the fallen heroes.

• The Memorial Monument: A stone monument inscribed with the names of the war dead, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice.

• The Peace Bell: A bell rung by visitors to offer prayers for peace and tranquility.

Shikaumi Shrine

Perched atop a hill on Shikanoshima Island, Shikaumi Shrine stands as a revered guardian of the sea and a testament to the island's ancient history. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the Watatsumi Sanshin, the three gods of the sea, and holds deep cultural significance for the local community.

Legend has it that Shikaumi Shrine was founded by Empress Jingū in the 3rd century after she successfully invaded Korea. The shrine is also believed to be the ancestral shrine of the Azumi clan, a powerful maritime clan who once resided on Shikanoshima Island.

• Honden (Main Hall): A simple yet majestic structure housing the enshrined deities, overlooking the Genkai Sea.

• Torii Gates: Several traditional red torii gates mark the entrance to the shrine grounds and various sub-shrines.

• Okitsumiya (Rear Shrine): A smaller shrine located behind the main hall, dedicated to the goddess Toyotama-hime, the wife of the sea god Watatsumi.

• Korean Bell: A national treasure dating back to the 12th century, this bell is said to have been brought from Korea by Empress Jingū.

• Yamahome-sai Festival: A unique biennial festival celebrated in April and November, where locals give thanks to the mountains for protecting them from the sea.

Nyoirinji Temple

Tucked away in the Ogōri countryside, Nyoirinji Temple, affectionately known as the "Frog Temple" (Kaeru-dera), is a delightful and quirky destination that charms visitors of all ages. What sets this temple apart is its whimsical collection of over 10,000 frog figurines and statues scattered throughout the grounds. The frogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny ornaments to larger-than-life sculptures, each with its own unique expression and charm.

Beyond the frog-themed decorations, Nyoirinji Temple boasts a rich history and spiritual significance. Founded in 729, it is the oldest temple in the Ogōri area and houses a standing statue of Nyoirin Kannon, a bodhisattva associated with compassion and wish fulfillment. The temple also features several power spots said to grant various blessings, such as traffic safety, longevity, and financial luck.

• Frog Figurines Galore: Explore the temple grounds and discover a vast array of frog-themed decorations, including statues, ornaments, and even frog-shaped amulets.

• Standing Nyoirin Kannon: Pay respects to the unique standing statue of Nyoirin Kannon, a rare depiction of this bodhisattva.

• Power Spots: Seek blessings at the temple's various power spots, each dedicated to different aspects of good fortune.

• Seasonal Beauty: Enjoy the changing scenery of the temple grounds throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.