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Kushida Shrine

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Kushida Shrine

Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is dedicated to Hakata’s head shrine “Okushida san.”

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Supervised by :  Fukuoka Jinja Cho

This head shrine is said to have been built in the 8th century. Residents in Hakata call it “Okushida san.” Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival declares the arrival of summer to the City of Hakata in July, and is dedicated to this shrine. On the premises, the impressively decorated yamakasa (float) is on display throughout the year except for June.

Ohatanushi no kami (Kushida Shrine), Amaterasu Omikami, and Susanoo no Mikoto (Gion Shrine) are enshrined here. This shrine is thought to be a transfer from Kushida Shrine in Ise-Matsuzaka. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi gifted the current hall during the reconstruction of Hakata.

After visiting the shrine, stop by at the Reisentsuru no Ido, where its water is believed to give you a long life. (currently, drinking the well water is banned)

On the premises, there is also the Hakata History Museum. You can look back at Hakata's history through a trade permit granted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, masks used for a dance performance in the 8th century, and other valuable historical properties. In the neighborhood, Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is adding the ambience of good old Hakata.

Stop by at Kushida Chaya behind the shrine ground for Hakata’s specialty, Kushida’s Yakimochi. Mild sweet bean filling is wrapped with rice cake, excellent when it is freshly grilled and crisp.

Highlights

  • The head shrine, beloved by the people of Hakata.
  • Even when it is out of season for Hakata Gion Yamakasa, you can see the float.
  • There is water for longevity.
  • Nearby tourist spots are nice to visit.

Photos

  • Not only tourists, but locals also come to worship

    Not only tourists, but locals also come to worship

  • At the entry gate, check the zodiac and find the lucky direction for this year!

    At the entry gate, check the zodiac and find the lucky direction for this year!

  • The sacred tree, Kushida’s Ginkgo, is said to be more than 1000 years old

    The sacred tree, Kushida’s Ginkgo, is said to be more than 1000 years old

  • Reisentsuru no Ido

    Reisentsuru no Ido

  • Kushida Chaya

    Kushida Chaya

Reviews

8

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines. As soon as you enter the grounds, you can feel the strong atmosphere of traditional Japanese culture. The shrine is quiet and peaceful, and the old trees and stately buildings make it feel especially serene.

    While visiting, you can admire the intricate shrine architecture and see the enormous Hakata Gion Yamakasa float on display. Its brilliant colors and imposing presence leave a lasting impression of Fukuoka's famous traditional festival.

    Visiting Kushida Shrine in person this time, I not only prayed for safety but also experienced Fukuoka's local history and culture. After walking around, I felt this was a great place to take your time and appreciate, and it's a worthwhile stop on a trip to Fukuoka.

  • 王小鈞
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    If you're traveling around Fukuoka on your own, I highly recommend adding Kushida Shrine to your itinerary!
    The shrine is in central Hakata, and it's easy to walk there from Kushida Shrine Station on the subway. Afterward, you can continue on to Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Nakasu, so it's easy to combine them into one itinerary.
    Kushida Shrine is an important shrine to the people of Hakata. Once you enter the grounds, it's surprisingly quiet and peaceful, even though the lively downtown area is just outside. Besides praying, it's also a nice place to stroll around and take in the shrine's details.
    What caught my attention most was the enormous, ornate yamakasa float. It was even more impressive than I imagined! The intricate decorations are fascinating up close and give you a better sense of the local culture of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
    There's also an interesting "test stone." I heard that strongmen in the past could lift it, so I decided to take the challenge myself...
    The result, of course, was--**it didn't budge at all!
    There's also a famous old ginkgo tree nearby, and you can see a unique zodiac direction plaque on the tower gate. Every corner has little details of traditional Japanese culture.
    If you're shopping in Hakata, consider stopping by Kushida Shrine. It doesn't take much time, but it lets you experience a very different side of Hakata.

  • Skimuraki Zin
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    Oiyamanara in front of Kushida Shrine

    Oiyamanara begins at Kushida Shrine, Hakata’s guardian shrine. Men in traditional attire carry floats weighing over a ton and race through the streets, shouting “Oisa! Oisa!” The event symbolizes prayers for safety and protection from misfortune and disease, while showcasing Hakata’s strong sense of teamwork.

    With more than 760 years of history, this festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s one of Fukuoka’s most exhilarating summer traditions.

  • 雨妤魚
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    Honestly, I don’t really remember much about this place. I basically only came because everyone said it’s famous and that you should visit, hahaha.
    It was definitely unique, but what I liked was... was it the crane? I thought it was really delicate.
    And there was also one with huge nostrils.
    Uh, is saying that going to offend anyone?
    But the komainu really did have super big nostrils, and it was so cute.
    Don’t you think it’s kind of hilarious?
    I’m calling it the "broken dog."

  • 卉海
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    It has a festival-like vibe. It’s near the shopping arcade, so you can just take a short walk and you’re there.

Details

Name in Japanese
櫛田神社
Postal Code
812-0026
Address
1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone
092-291-2951
Closed
Open every day
Hours
Free to visit any time (4am - 10pm)
Directions
From subway Gion Station, walk 5 min.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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