20 Shrines in Fukuoka worth your time

A historic coastal shrine in Fukuoka featuring 17th-century architecture and a protected forest of ancient trees on Cape Kane.

What it is

• A high-ranking Myojin Taisha shrine dedicated to Takeuchi no Sukune and sea deities.
• Historically recognized as one of the five significant shrines of the Munakata region.
• The hereditary priesthood was traditionally maintained by members of the Iki clan.
• The site is positioned on Cape Kane at the tip of Sayagatayama.

What to see

• The main hall which dates back to its construction in 1695.
• A worship hall built in 1703 located within the shrine grounds.
• A natural forest of Podocarpus macrophyllus trees designated as a prefectural monument.
• A large stone associated with the local legend of a sunken bell.
• Coastal views from the shrine's location on the edge of the cape.

Getting there

• The nearest access point is the Kyodomari bus stop on the Nishitetsu Bus line.

Read more about Orihata Shrine

A historic shrine founded in 724, featuring unique Hachiman-zukuri architecture and potential ties to the origins of Usa Hachiman.

What it is

• Established in 724 as the village shrine of Buzen Ayahata-go.
• Enshrines Emperor Chuai, Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and other Shinto deities.
• The Yahata family serves as the hereditary lineage for this site.
• Some historical theories identify this location as the original site of Usa Hachiman.

What to see

• The main hall is constructed in the traditional Hachiman-zukuri architectural style.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place every year on May 17 and 18.
• The Hatsu-u Festival is held on the first Rabbit Day of February.

Getting there

• The shrine is a fifteen-minute walk from JR Shiida Station.

Read more about Kintomi Shrine

This important Shinto shrine, dedicated to Tenjin, deity of learning, is worth visiting for its cultural treasures.

What it is

• One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines.
• Head shrine of over 10,000 dedicated to Tenjin.
• Dedicated to Tenjin, deity of learning, culture, and arts.
• Founded in 919 at the grave of Sugawara Michizane.

What to see

• Michizane’s calligraphy and other artifacts.
• Main sanctuary (honden) with rich colors and carvings.
• Eleven sacred ox statues around the precincts.
• Shinji-ike Pond, shaped like the character for “heart.”
• Six thousand plum trees of over 200 species.
• The "flying plum tree" next to the main sanctuary.

When to go

• Plum blossoms late January to early March.
• Jinkо̄ Event, a large annual ritual.

Address

〒818-0117　福岡県太宰府市宰府4丁目7番1号 Map

Official site

www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp

Read more about Dazaifu Tenmangū

Nakatsu-miya, a Munakata Taisha shrine on Oshima Island, offers views and a sacred spring.

What it is

• One of three main Munakata Taisha shrines.
• Dedicated to Tagitsuhime no Kami, a Female Deity of Munakata.
• Located on Oshima island, off Kyushu's west coast.

What to see

• Commanding view over the fishing port and harbor.
• Path behind the shrine leads to Mitake Shrine.
• Small spring, Amanomanai, within the grounds.
• Amulets with water from Okinoshima and Nakatsu-miya spring.
• Shrine stamps (goshuin) from Okitsu-miya.

When to go

• Drinking spring water is said to grant long life and improve calligraphy.

Getting there

• Short ferry ride to Oshima island.
• About 20 minutes walk to the top of Mt. Mitake.

Official site

www.munakata-taisha.or.jp

Read more about Munakata Taisha

A historic Fukuoka shrine dedicated to twelve deities, serving as the former guardian site for the local Kuroda lords.

What it is

• Established in 1482 by Shibata Shigenobu as the general guardian of the Sawara area.
• Enshrines twelve deities including Empress Jingu and Emperor Ojin.
• Served as the guardian shrine for Fukuoka Lord Kuroda Mitsuyuki.
• Relocated to its current site in 1913 and designated a prefectural shrine in 1922.

What to see

• The main hall located on the shrine grounds in Takatori.
• The Uga Inari Shrine situated within the complex.
• A separate torii gate standing 380 meters north of the main hall.

Getting there

• An 11-minute walk from Fujisaki Subway Station.
• Located 2.5 kilometers from the Momochi Expressway exit.

Read more about Momiji Hachimangū

A historic samurai shrine in Fukuoka dedicated to Kikuchi Taketoki, built upon a fourteenth-century burial mound.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the samurai Kikuchi Taketoki who died in battle in 1333.
• The site originated from a burial mound containing the torso of the fallen warrior.
• The current shrine buildings were constructed by Lord Kuroda Nagatomo in 1869.
• It was designated as a prefectural shrine in 1933 during the Kenmu Restoration period.

What to see

• The original burial mound where the torso of the samurai was interred.
• A stone monument authorized by Fukuoka domain lord Kuroda Narikiyo in 1831.
• Shrine buildings dating back to the early Meiji era construction.
• The merged Haniyasu Shrine which was moved to this location in 1919.

Read more about Kikuchi Shrine

This historic Fukuoka shrine, moved in 1608, is the guardian deity of the city.

What it is

• A shrine in Fukuoka, Japan.
• Revered as the guardian deity of Fukuoka City.
• Formerly a prefectural shrine.
• Moved in 1608 by Kuroda Nagamasa.

What to see

• Main hall enshrines Emperor Ōjin, Empress Jingū, and Tamayori-hime no Mikoto.
• Also enshrines Ōmononushi no Ōkami and Emperor Sutoku.
• Kurodono Shrine enshrines Takeuchi no Ōomi and Torikai Kuronushi.
• Tenman Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and Ukanomitama no Mikoto.
• Ebisu Shrine enshrines Yaekotoshiro-nushi no Kami and Sayori-hime no Kami.
• Shrine's ossuary received a Good Design Award in 2021.

Address

福岡県福岡市中央区今川2丁目1-17 Map

Read more about Torikai Hachimangū

Hetsu-gū is the most accessible of Munakata's three shrines, with important cultural properties and an ancient ritual site.

What it is

• One of Munakata's three shrines, also called Munakata Taisha.
• Dedicated to Ichikishimahime no Kami, a female deity.
• Main sanctuary and worship hall are Important Cultural Properties.

What to see

• Torii gate and main gate with imperial chrysanthemum seal.
• Worship hall built in 1590.
• Main sanctuary rebuilt in 1578, similar to Itsukushima Shrine.
• Takamiya Saijo, an ancient ritual site.
• View of the sea route to Okinoshima.
• Shimpokan Museum with 80,000 artifacts from Okinoshima.

Getting there

• Located near the Tsurikawa River.

Official site

www.munakata-taisha.or.jp

Read more about Hetsu-gū

Hanyu Shrine: an ancient shrine in a park, rebuilt after wars, with a unique autumn festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine dedicated to a ship deity.
• Founded after Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu prayed for safe voyage.
• Once a grand shrine of the large village of Hanyu-go.
• Rebuilt in 1571 by Aso Takazane after being burned down.

What to see

• Shrine within Habu Park, Nakama City's largest urban park.
• Late Kofun period horizontal cave tombs in Habu Park.

When to go

• October 13 for the annual festival.
• See Chikuzen Goten Kagura dedicated at the festival.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Chikuzen Habu Station.

Address

福岡県中間市大字垣生424 Map

Read more about Hanyū Shrine

Ōtomi Shrine: an ancient shrine with unique architecture and important cultural festivals.

What it is

• Shrine enshrines 10 deities, including Sumiyoshi Okami.
• Formerly known as Munakata Hachiman-sha.
• Has a deep connection with Usa Jingu.

What to see

• Main hall constructed in 1852.
• Main hall has a unique double-eave structure.
• Shrine grounds contain a well called 'Chokushii'.

When to go

• Ancient Spring Festival (Hachiya Gion) is held here.
• Hachiya Gion is a Prefecturally Designated Cultural Property.
• Kanno-raku is a Nationally Designated Cultural Property.
• Kanno-raku is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Address

福岡県豊前市大字四郎丸山田256番 Map

Read more about Ōtomi Shrine

Kushida Shrine is a historic Fukuoka shrine, home to ancient trees and vibrant festivals.

What it is

• Guardian shrine of Hakata, founded in 757 CE.
• Dedicated to Ohatanushi-no-Okami, Amaterasu-Sumi-Okami, and Susanoo-no-Okami.

What to see

• Current shrine building, constructed in 1587.
• Ginkgo tree, approximately 1000 years old.
• Ancient ginkgo tree is a designated natural monument.

When to go

• Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in July.
• Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Hakata Okunchi festival in October.

Getting there

• One-minute walk from Kushida Shrine Station.

Address

812-0026福岡市博多区上川端町1番41号 Map

Read more about Kushida Shrine

Tōgō Shrine honors a naval hero, offering historical artifacts and a monument with scenic views.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Admiral of the Fleet Tōgō Heihachirō.
• Planned in 1922, completed in its current form in 1971.
• Located on a hillside in Genkai Quasi-National Park.

What to see

• Treasure hall displays a battleship Mikasa main gun tip.
• Treasure hall has a model of the battleship Mikasa.
• See Tōgō's letters and medals in the treasure hall.
• A monument on Ōmineyama resembles the Mikasa's bridge.

When to go

• Spring Grand Festival is held on May 27th.
• Admiral's Birthday Festival is held on December 22nd.

Address

福岡県福津市渡1815番地1 Map

Read more about Tōgō Shrine

Ancient shrine in Fukuoka, dedicated to safe childbirth and imperial deities.

What it is

• Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, founded in 574 AD.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ōjin and Empress Jingū.
• Known for prayers for safe childbirth.
• Became a prefectural shrine in 1891.

What to see

• Main hall and worship hall are registered cultural properties.
• Koyasu no Ki tree on the grounds.
• Ubuyu no Mizu, believed to be Emperor Ōjin's first bath water.
• Koyasu no Ishi are small stones for childbirth prayers.
• Yugake no Mori, a designated natural monument camphor tree.
• Koromogake no Mori, a designated natural monument camphor tree.

Official site

www.umi-hachimangu.or.jp

Read more about Umi Hachimangū

Enoki-sha is a historic shrine within Dazaifu Tenmangu, marking the final residence of Sugawara no Michizane.

What it is

• A shrine within Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine grounds.
• Also known as Enoki-dera.
• Sugawara no Michizane lived here from 901 until 903.
• Jomyoin was established in 1023 to mourn Michizane's spirit.

What to see

• Building remains from the late 9th to early 10th century.
• A small shrine dedicated to Jomyo-ni, Michizane's caregiver.
• A shrine believed to be the grave of Michizane's son, Kumamaro.
• A well opened by the legendary Abe no Seimei.

When to go

• Hosts the Shinko-sai festival, also called Donkan Matsuri.

Address

福岡県太宰府市朱雀六丁目 Map

Read more about Enoki-sha

Kashii-gū is an ancient Imperial Shinto shrine with unique architecture and sacred natural features.

What it is

• Shinto shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Imperial-dedicated shrine.
• Originally a mausoleum.
• Enshrines Emperor Chūai, Empress Jingū, Emperor Ōjin, and Sumiyoshi Okami.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall features unique Kashiizukuri architectural style.
• Sacred Ayasugi tree.
• Furō-sui spring, one of Japan's 100 best waters.
• Chokushidō approach road.
• Two auxiliary shrines and ten subordinate shrines.

When to go

• Imperial envoy visits every 10 years.

Address

福岡県福岡市東区香椎4-16-1 Map

Official site

kashiigu.com

Read more about Kashii-gū

Tsunashiki Tenmangū is a scenic plum blossom shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, worth visiting for its natural beauty.

What it is

• A shrine in Chikujo, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane.
• Locals call it Hamanomiya.
• Known as the Dazaifu of the East.

What to see

• About 1,000 plum trees on the grounds.
• Views of the Suo-nada Sea.
• Hamanomiya Beach is next to the shrine.
• The surrounding Chikuhō Prefectural Natural Park.

When to go

• Visit during plum blossom season.
• Shiida Plum Festival is held during peak bloom.

Getting there

• 15 minutes walk from JR Shiida Station.

Address

福岡県築上郡築上町大字高塚794-2 Map

Read more about Tsunashiki Tenmangū

Inadome Shrine is an ancient shrine in Itoshima, dedicated to several deities, with unique Koshin stones.

What it is

• Shrine established during the Kenkyu era of the Kamakura period.
• Dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Also enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto.
• Designated a village shrine in November 1869.

What to see

• Two Koshin-seki (Koshin stones) are enshrined.
• Shrine building has a main hall and a Tenmangu sub-shrine.
• Possesses an autograph of Sugawara no Michizane.

Getting there

• 52-minute walk from Chikuzen-Maebaru Station.
• 3-minute walk from the Inadome bus stop.

Address

福岡県糸島市志摩稲留441番地1 Map

Read more about Inadome Shrine

Kōshin-sha is a unique syncretic shrine in Nogata, famous for its monkey statues and monthly festivals.

What it is

• A syncretic shrine in Nogata, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Shinto deity Sarutahiko Okami.
• Also enshrines Buddhist deity Shomen Kongo.
• Originated from Karatsu Kōshin Shrine.

What to see

• Hundreds of monkey statues on the grounds.
• Statues linked to Kōshin belief and Sarutahiko Okami.

When to go

• Monthly festivals are held on the 5th.
• Annual festival is on December 5th.
• Summer festival is on August 5th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Nogata Station.

Address

福岡県直方市山部601 Map

Read more about Kōshin-sha (Nōgata, Fukuoka)

Fūji Hachimangū is a historic shrine in Tagawa City, easily accessible, known for its grand festival.

What it is

• A shrine in Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to six deities including Emperor Ōjin and Empress Jingū.
• Hachiman-kami was invited from Usa in 861.
• Renamed Fūji Hachimangū in 1688.

What to see

• The crest is a left tomoe.
• Enshrined on Miyama (Takaba-yama).

When to go

• Annual grand festival is the third Saturday and Sunday of May.
• Kawawatari Shinkōsai is a Fukuoka Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 2-minute walk from Tagawa-Ita Station.

Address

福岡県田川市魚町2-30 Map

Read more about Fūji Hachimangū

Sakurai Shrine, founded in 1632, offers historical architecture and scenic coastal views.

What it is

• Founded in 1632 by Kuroda Tadayuki.
• Enshrines Kaminaohi, Oonaohi, and Yasomagatsuhi no kami.
• Also enshrines the spirit of Kuroda Tadayuki.

What to see

• Main hall, worship hall, and tower gate are National Important Cultural Properties.
• Stone bridge is a Fukuoka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• Sakurai Daijingu's torii gates from Ise Grand Shrine.
• Sakurai Futamigaura is a Designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

When to go

• O-shimenawa hanging festival from late April to early May.

Address

福岡県糸島市志摩桜井4227 Map

Official site

sakuraijinja.com

Read more about Sakurai Shrine