Sakurai Shrine

A shrine located at the tip of the Itoshima Peninsula in Fukuoka. It consists of “Sakurai Shrine,” founded in 1632 during the early Edo period by Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka Domain, and “Sakurai Daijingu,” adjacent to the shrine grounds, where divided spirits invited from the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu are enshrined.

Itoshima prospered since ancient times as a gateway for exchange with the Asian continent, and many ancient burial mounds still dot the area today. Sakurai Shrine also has Iwato-gu, which enshrines a sacred cave burial mound said to be where a divine spirit appeared, and it is known for its distinctive layout, with the worship hall and main hall lined up in front of it. At Iwato-gu, worship inside the sacred cave is possible only on July 2 each year, the day of the “Iwato Biraki Shinto Ritual.” In 2023, the main hall built at the time of the shrine’s founding, as well as the worship hall and tower gate believed to have been built at nearly the same time, were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Sakurai Futamigaura, located on the coastline about 3 km from the shrine, is worshipped by Sakurai Shrine as its Ura-gu shrine. The Meoto Iwa, enshrined as sacred objects of worship, and the white grand torii gate standing in front of them create a truly magnificent view. The sunset hours, when the area is filled with a solemn atmosphere, are also not to be missed.