Okada Shrine, located in Kitakyushu City, is an ancient shrine said to date back over 2,600 years. The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) mentions that Japan’s first Emperor Jinmu once stayed here during his eastward expedition, and the shrine’s name is also recorded in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). Locally beloved as "Okada-gu," it serves as one of the guardian shrines of the Kurosaki area and hosts the renowned Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival.
Situated within the grounds of Okada Shrine is Arikawa Photo Studio, established in Kurosaki, Yahatanishi-ku, in 1936. Its fully equipped, professional photography studio opened in 2015, located within the shrine's administration building, allowing both indoor and outdoor photography sessions. The studio specializes in capturing life's milestones, including shrine visits (omiyamairi), Shichi-Go-San celebrations, Coming-of-Age ceremonies, and other memorable occasions.
Arikawa Photo Studio offers more than 400 rental outfits, ranging from traditional kimonos to formal dresses and tuxedos, as well as casual wear. Many photography packages include free costume rental, and visitors can even participate in shrine visits while dressed in their chosen attire—a thoughtful service highly valued by customers and encouraging many repeat visitors.
Highlights
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Held every July at Okada Shrine, the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival boasts a tradition of around 400 years and is one of Kitakyushu’s most celebrated summer events.
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The photography studio is located within the shrine’s administration building, allowing seamless transitions from photo sessions to shrine visits.
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A wide range of rental costumes available, from traditional Japanese outfits to formal Western attire.
