About
Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社), affectionately known as "Okushida-san" by locals, stands as Fukuoka's oldest and most revered Shinto shrine, established in 757 CE during Emperor Koken's reign. Built to share a deity with Kushida Shrine in Ise Province, this sacred site serves as the guardian shrine of Hakata and remains the spiritual heart of the district. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, with the central hall housing Oohatameshi-no-Mikoto, drawing worshippers seeking longevity and business success. 🔗
The current main building dates to 1585, rebuilt during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's restoration of Hakata. As the epicenter of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, the shrine displays magnificent decorative yamakasa floats year-round (except June), making it accessible to visitors throughout the year to experience this 770-year-old tradition. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
Kushida Shrine represents the spiritual foundation of Hakata's community identity, serving as the guardian shrine for over 1,250 years. The shrine's most significant cultural contribution is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, which transforms the city each July as neighborhoods compete in carrying elaborate floats through the streets. 🔗
The shrine houses the sacred Kushida Ginkgo Tree, a millennium-old tree designated as a Fukuoka Prefecture cultural property and mentioned in the traditional Hakata Iwai Uta celebration song. The tree's golden autumn foliage creates stunning visuals during late October visits, connecting visitors to centuries of seasonal celebrations. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily (Shrine office: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) 🔗 Admission: Free entry 🔗 Access: Direct access via new Kushida Shrine Station (opened March 2023), or 8-minute walk from Gion or Nakasu-Kawabata stations Transportation from Itoshima: JR Chikuhi Line to central Fukuoka (1 hour, ¥580), then subway transfer Parking: Available (100 cars, ¥100 per 20 minutes) 🔗
Special October 31-November 3 Events: The shrine participates in the Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk with dragon-themed illuminations from 17:30-21:00, including cultural programs with jazz concerts, sake tasting, and food trucks (separate admission: ¥2,300 advance/¥2,500 same-day). 🔗
The Experience
Yamakasa Floats Display: Marvel at the towering 13-meter decorative yamakasa floats rebuilt annually on July 1st, featuring intricate scenes of samurai warriors and Hakata history. These UNESCO-designated cultural treasures offer exceptional photography opportunities and insight into centuries-old festival traditions. 🔗
Interactive Cultural Elements:
- Fountain of Youth (Reisen): Participate in the traditional three-sip ritual for longevity, praying for personal health, family wellbeing, and friends' prosperity 🔗
- Strength Stones (Chikara Ishi): Test your strength with stones once used by local sumo wrestlers, including a trial stone visitors can attempt to lift 🔗
- Zodiac Direction Disc (Eto Ehou Ban): Locate the yearly lucky direction on the large circular disc featuring the twelve Chinese zodiac signs 🔗
Sacred Kushida Ginkgo Tree: Visit the millennium-old ginkgo tree displaying golden autumn foliage during late October, along with the "married couple ginkgo tree" (Fūfu ginan) showing its autumn fruit. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Purification Ritual: Follow proper temizuya protocol - rinse left hand, then right hand, then mouth (don't drink directly from ladle) 🔗 Prayer Protocol: Offer coin → bow twice → clap twice → bow once → make wishes 🔗 Photography: Generally permitted except in designated sacred areas; be respectful during any ceremonies 🔗
Optimal Experience Strategy: Morning visits (7:00-9:00 AM) provide peaceful atmosphere for photography and contemplation, while evening returns (18:00-20:00) offer illumination events with fewer daytime crowds. 🔗
Cultural Services: Goshuin collection available with ¥300-500 cash; omikuji fortune slips available in multiple languages 🔗
Weather Preparation: Late October temperatures range 15-20°C; comfortable walking shoes recommended for shrine grounds exploration. Indoor shrine halls provide shelter during weather changes. 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/fukuoka/kushida-shrine.md