Nestled within Fukuoka’s bustling cityscape, Kushida Shrine stands as a testament to time. Established in the year 757, it proudly holds the title of Fukuoka’s oldest and most revered shrine.
As the sun graces the months of June and July, its warm rays cast a gentle glow upon the shrine grounds. The natural light dances through ancient trees, creating an enchanting backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
This iconic tree, known as the “indicator sakura”, bursts into bloom, signaling the arrival of cherry blossom season throughout Fukuoka. But this tree is more than a mere spectacle; it embodies the spirit of Kushida Shrine.
Founded in 757, this sacred place reveres three vital deities: Amaterasu (the radiant sun goddess), Susanoo (the tempestuous god of storms), and Okuninushi (the benevolent kami of agriculture and medicine). Their presence infuses every petal, every branch, and every whispered prayer.
Every July, the air around Kushida Shrine crackles with excitement as it hosts the dazzling and grand Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. This vibrant celebration draws locals and visitors alike, transforming the shrine into the epicenter of Fukuoka’s cultural fervor.
And then, the crescendo: the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. From July 1 to 15, the streets come alive with color, rhythm, and towering floats. These magnificent structures, measuring over 10 meters high, parade through the city, each representing a different neighborhood.
As you stand at the entrance of Kushida Shrine, your gaze sweeps past the vibrant hydrangeas, their petals like delicate watercolor strokes. But there’s more to this sacred place than meets the eye.
For generations, it has been the spiritual anchor of the local community—a guardian deity watching over the vibrant heart of Hakata.
As we wander through the enchanting grounds of Kushida Shrine, these blooms—the hydrangeas , known as ajisai in Japanese, create a delicate spectrum of color.
As spring unfurls, visitors gather to witness the delicate hydrangeas in full bloom.
The pedals deepen into peach, like the warmth of a summer evening. Together, they form a harmonious symphony that dances across the shrine’s landscape.
As we step into the sacred precincts of Kushida Shrine, a hush settles over the air. Here, the vermilion torii gates stand like sentinels, their arches overlapping in silent reverence. Each gate whispers tales of devotion, generations of footsteps, and the weight of tradition.
Here, the hydrangea petals exhibit a delightful array of forms, each representing a different cultivar.
Intricate layers of petals exude an ethereal charm, akin to a gem-studded garden crafted by nature itself.
Each petal seems to hold a secret—a whisper of romance. Some blush a soft pink, reminiscent of a first love’s blush.
Like a painter’s palette dipped in blue hues.
As evening approached, we arrived here, and surprisingly, there weren’t many tourists. The atmosphere was serene, solemn, and remarkably pristine.
The iconic Torii stands as a testament to spiritual devotion. As we wandered through this sacred space, the vermilion hues creates an atmosphere charged with divine energy.
Sanmon (Main Gate)
Before entering the temple gate or “SANMON”, place your palms together and bow once. 
If there’s a bell, you can ring it to get the attention of the gods.
Place your palms together and bow once at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Offer your prayers silently. Unlike at shrines, there’s no hand clapping at temples.
Beside the place of worship, there stands a guardian cat—a symbol of warding off evil and dispelling misfortune.
- Address: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 812-0026, Japan
- Phone: +81 92-291-2951
- Opening Hours: Shrine gates open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Shrine office hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Parking: Available for up to 100 cars (¥100 for 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, ¥100 per hour from 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM)
- Access:
- Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Gion Subway Station (Exit 2) or Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station
- Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Nishitetsu Bus Terminal Hakata
- About 5 minutes’ drive from Fukuoka Urban Expressway Wu Fukucho Exit
Since time immemorial, it has been revered for bestowing blessings of longevity, safety within the home, and prosperity in business.
So, step beyond the threshold, where history intertwines with devotion. Kushida Shrine isn’t just beloved; it’s a living legend.
If you find yourself in Fukuoka, don’t miss this spiritual journey!
As evening descends, a refreshing breeze accompanies your stroll, making it the perfect setting for families to walk hand in hand—young and old—amidst centuries-old history.
