Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka (must see)
Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka鈥檚 most revered Shinto shrines and a vital cultural landmark in the city鈥檚 Hakata district. Founded in 757 AD, the shrine is dedicated to three deities: Amaterasu (the sun goddess), Susanoo (god of the sea and storms), and 艑kuni-nushi (god of nation-building and medicine). As the guardian shrine of Hakata, Kushida plays a central role in community life and spiritual traditions. Its long history, elegant architecture, and deep local ties make it a popular destination for both tourists and worshippers alike.
The shrine鈥檚 entrance is marked by a large torii gate leading into a serene courtyard surrounded by carefully preserved wooden structures. Notable features include the intricate carvings on the main hall, the giant ginkgo tree believed to be over a thousand years old, and a stone fountain shaped like a crane, said to offer blessings to those who drink from it. Visitors can also see decorative floats from the city鈥檚 most famous festival, Yamakasa, which are displayed year-round on the grounds.
Kushida Shrine is best known as the heart of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, an energetic summer festival held every July. Designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, the festival involves elaborately decorated floats being raced through the streets by teams of men in traditional happi coats. The shrine acts as the starting and ending point for the races, and its sacred grounds lend spiritual weight to the high-spirited event.
The shrine鈥檚 entrance is marked by a large torii gate leading into a serene courtyard surrounded by carefully preserved wooden structures. Notable features include the intricate carvings on the main hall, the giant ginkgo tree believed to be over a thousand years old, and a stone fountain shaped like a crane, said to offer blessings to those who drink from it. Visitors can also see decorative floats from the city鈥檚 most famous festival, Yamakasa, which are displayed year-round on the grounds.
Kushida Shrine is best known as the heart of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, an energetic summer festival held every July. Designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, the festival involves elaborately decorated floats being raced through the streets by teams of men in traditional happi coats. The shrine acts as the starting and ending point for the races, and its sacred grounds lend spiritual weight to the high-spirited event.
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Kushida Shrine on Map
Sight Name: Kushida Shrine
Sight Location: Fukuoka, Japan (See walking tours in Fukuoka)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fukuoka, Japan (See walking tours in Fukuoka)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fukuoka, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Fukuoka
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fukuoka is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fukuoka Introduction Walking Tour
Way back in 1241, people on the island of Kyushu believed the best way to chase away a plague was to outnumber the disease. So they stormed the streets, carrying a monk above their heads. Fukuoka is the beating heart of this tradition.
Fukuoka, today the largest city on Japan鈥檚 southern island of Kyushu, has long been shaped by its place on the edge of Japan, looking across the sea toward... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fukuoka, today the largest city on Japan鈥檚 southern island of Kyushu, has long been shaped by its place on the edge of Japan, looking across the sea toward... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles