About
The main hall of Sakurai Shrine, built in 1632 and designated as an Important Cultural Property. Photo from Wikimedia Commons - Category: Sakurai-jinja (Itoshima)
Sakurai Shrine (ζ«»δΊη₯η€Ύ) stands as a remarkable spiritual guardian of the Itoshima Peninsula, established in 1632 by Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka Domain. The shrine emerged from a legendary event in 1610 when a great thunderstorm struck and lightning opened an ancient burial mound, revealing a deity that gave rise to miraculous power. This sacred site represents a unique fusion of ancient burial practices and Shinto spirituality, built directly over the ancient tomb (Iwato-gu) with its covered structure serving as a symbol of the shrine's deep historical roots. π
Cultural & Religious Significance
The shrine complex showcases exceptional Edo period architecture with its main hall (honden), worship hall (haiden), and tower gate (romon) arranged in perfect alignment. Built in 1632, the main hall displays refined architectural details including elaborate bracket complexes and richly colored sculptures that demonstrate the sophisticated craftsmanship of the early Edo period. All three original buildings from the founding period remain intact - an extremely rare occurrence that earned the shrine Important Cultural Property designation in 2023. π
As the spiritual custodian of the Meoto Iwa, Sakurai Shrine plays a central role in preserving the shimenawa rope-making tradition. The shrine is dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami, the creator deities whose divine union is symbolized by the massive 30-meter, 1-ton shimenawa connecting the sacred offshore rocks. π Each late April to early May (April 27, 2025), the shrine oversees the ceremonial replacement of this sacred rope, a tradition requiring 50-80 community members in traditional happi coats to craft the rope using ancient wara-zaiku (straw craft) techniques (8:00-12:00), then carry and install it during spring tide low water (13:00-15:30). π This living tradition preserves the endangered art of sacred rope-making, where rice straw is twisted clockwise and entwined counterclockwise to create self-tensioning structure that maintains integrity. π Throughout the shrine grounds, traditional shimenawa displays mark sacred spaces, demonstrating the rope's role in Shinto cosmology as boundaries between the divine and mundane worlds. π
Adjacent to Sakurai Shrine stands Sakurai Daijingu, which enshrines the divided spirits of both the Inner and Outer Shrines of Ise Jingu. The connection to Ise Jingu is reinforced by the shrine's founding purpose in 1625 to enshrine the spirit of Ise Jingu, and the torii gate that was transferred from Ise Jingu's Outer Shrine during the 62nd regular rebuilding in 2013. π
Visiting Information
Access: From Fukuoka/Hakata take JR Chikuhi Line to KyΕ«dai-Gakkentoshi Station (20 minutes), then Showa Bus Nishi-no-Ura Line to Futamigaura stop. Direct express bus from Hakata Bus Terminal (70 minutes, Β₯1,150) or Tenjin 4-chome (55 minutes, Β₯1,150) to Futamigaura. From Chikuzen-Maebaru Station: Itoshima City Community Bus Nokita Line to Sakurai stop, then 15-minute walk (1.2km). Local access: 15 minutes drive from nearby areas, parking available at Sakurai Futamigaura (80 cars), 40 minutes walking to Sakurai Futamigaura rocks, 3 minutes by car. π
Operating Details: Open 24/7 year-round with free entry and no parking fees. Contact: 092-327-0317. The 2023 Important Cultural Property designation recognizes exceptional historical value with all three original Edo period buildings intact. π
The Experience
The shrine offers a deeply spiritual experience combining architectural heritage with natural tranquility. The massive tower gate creates an impressive entrance surrounded by ancient camphor and cedar trees that enhance the solemn atmosphere. The main hall showcases traditional sangen-yashironagare-zukuri architectural style with a hinoki bark roof, featuring intricate joinery and colorful sculptures that represent some of the finest craftsmanship of the early Edo period. π
The unique Iwato-gu structure built over the ancient tomb provides a tangible connection to the site's pre-shrine spiritual significance. Visitors can appreciate the perfect architectural alignment of the main hall, worship hall, and tower gate, demonstrating the careful planning that went into the shrine's construction. The spiritual centerpiece extends to the nearby Sakurai Futamigaura, where the famous Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks) serve as the shrine's Ura-no-miya (back shrine). π
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Photography Spots: Tower gate entrance with surrounding ancient trees, main hall showcasing colorful sculptures and architectural details, Iwato-gu structure over the ancient tomb, shimenawa displays marking sacred spaces throughout the grounds, and the approach path through the wooded areas. Photography of shrine architecture and shimenawa is generally permitted, but avoid photographing inside buildings, sacred objects behind barriers, or people during worship. π
Cultural Etiquette - Essential Protocols: Bow once before passing under the torii gate, walking on the left or right side of the pathway (never the center, which is reserved for kami). π At the temizuya, complete the purification ritual with one dipperful of water: rinse left hand, right hand, pour water into cupped left hand to rinse mouth (don't swallow), clean left hand again, then lift ladle to rinse the handle. π At the main hall, follow the standard worship procedure: gently place offering (5-100 yen), ring the bell if present, bow twice, clap twice, pray silently with hands together, bow once. π Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, keep conversations quiet, and maintain respectful behavior throughout sacred spaces. π
Shimenawa Sacred Significance: The sacred ropes mark the boundary between sacred space (where kami reside) and the profane world, representing clouds (twisted rope) and thunder (zig-zag paper streamers) indicating the kami's descent from heaven. π Never touch or climb on shimenawa ropes, and recognize that areas enclosed by these ropes are particularly sacred spaces deserving extra reverence. π The massive shimenawa at Meoto Iwa connects maritime spiritual traditions with Shinto cosmology, marking natural features as dwelling places for kami. π
Optimal Timing: Visit on weekdays during November 1-2 stay, early morning or late afternoon provide the most serene experience, avoid weekends when the site becomes "super crowded." π
Seasonal Considerations: November offers ideal autumn weather with pleasant temperatures and golden lighting conditions, fall foliage enhances the natural beauty of the wooded shrine grounds, significantly reduced crowds compared to peak seasons especially on weekdays, and perfect photography conditions with warm autumn light and clear skies.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/itoshima/sakurai-shrine.md