Kushida Shrine: Guardian of Hakata
Discover Fukuoka's spiritual heart at Kushida Shrine, a historic landmark and vibrant center for traditional festivals.
Kushida Shrine, or Kushida-jinja, stands as a testament to Fukuoka's rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in 757 AD, the shrine has been a spiritual center for the people of Fukuoka, playing a vital role in the region's cultural and religious life. Dedicated to the gods Ohatanushi-no-mikoto, Amaterasu-omikami, and Susanowo-no-mikoto, it is believed to share a deity with the Kushida Shrine of Ise province. The shrine is famous for hosting the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, a thrilling summer event recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Throughout the year, except in June, a decorative 'yamakasa' float is on display, offering a glimpse into the festival's grandeur. Visitors can admire the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture, including intricate wood carvings and vibrant torii gates. A 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree stands majestically in the forecourt, revered as a sacred tree. Another point of interest is the large Otafuku mask, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. Kushida Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It's a place to appreciate Fukuoka's seamless blend of tradition and modern urbanization.
Local tips
- Visit during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in July to witness the thrilling float races.
- Pass through the mouth of the giant Otafuku mask during the Setsubun festival in early February for good luck.
- Admire the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, a designated cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture.
- Explore the shrine grounds to see the decorative yamakasa float, a symbol of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
A brief summary to Kushida Shrine
- 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Fukuoka, Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, JP
- +8192-291-2951
Getting There
-
Walking
From Canal City Hakata, walk east along the main street. Turn right at the first major intersection and continue straight. The shrine entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 8 minutes. No costs involved.
-
Public Transport
Take the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line to Gion Station or Nakasu-kawabata Station. From Gion Station (Exit 2), walk west for about 5 minutes. From Nakasu-kawabata Station, walk southeast for about 7 minutes. Subway fare is around ¥210-260 depending on the distance.
-
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Fukuoka. From Hakata Station, a taxi ride to Kushida Shrine takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥700-¥900. From Tenjin area, the taxi ride is around 10-15 minutes and costs approximately ¥1200-¥1500.
