Sumiyoshi Jinja, Fukuoka Travel Guide

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Discover Fukuoka's oldest Sumiyoshi Shrine, a serene oasis of maritime history and traditional architecture near Hakata Station.

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Sumiyoshi Jinja

Sumiyoshi Jinja, located in Fukuoka, is considered the oldest of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. Dating back approximately 1,800 years, it enshrines deities of the sea and is a significant cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Sumiyoshi Jinja

3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Fukuoka, 3 Chome Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sumiyoshi Jinja.

Visit during the first three days of January for Hatsumode to experience traditional New Year's customs.
Touch the hands of the sumo god statue to receive strength and power.
Purchase a good luck charm (omamori) for safe travels.
Take a stroll through the shrine grounds to appreciate the traditional architecture and serene atmosphere.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Sumiyoshi Jinja on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sumiyoshi Jinja, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Hakata Station, take the West 21 Exit and walk straight down Sumiyoshi Dori for about two blocks. The shrine will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From Hakata Station, take a Nishitetsu bus from Bus Stop A or B to Sumiyoshi bus stop. The shrine is a short walk from the bus stop. The bus fare is around ¥190-230.

Discover more about Sumiyoshi Jinja

Sumiyoshi Jinja, nestled in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, is a Shinto shrine with a rich history spanning over 1,800 years. It is considered the oldest Sumiyoshi Shrine in Japan and one of the Three Great Sumiyoshi Shrines, along with those in Osaka and Shimonoseki. The shrine is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Sanjin, deities revered as protectors of seafarers, safe voyages, prosperity, and good catches.Legend states that Empress Jingu, upon her return from Korea, established the shrine to honor the Sumiyoshi Sanjin. The shrine's architecture reflects the unique Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, predating Buddhist influences and characterized by straight roofs adorned with forked finials and horizontal billets. The main hall, reconstructed in 1623, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.Throughout its history, Sumiyoshi Jinja has been a vital spiritual center for travelers and merchants, who would pray for safe journeys. The shrine complex includes a Noh theater, built in 1938, and a statue of the God of Sumo, believed to bestow strength upon those who touch its hands. Visitors can also find packages of Oshioi sand at the entrance, used for purification. The shrine hosts seasonal events, including the Hatsumode New Year's visit and a festival in October celebrating Empress Jingu's return.