All Reviews of Kushida Shrine

Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines. As soon as you enter the grounds, you can feel the strong atmosphere of traditional Japanese culture. The shrine is quiet and peaceful, and the old trees and stately buildings make it feel especially serene.

While visiting, you can admire the intricate shrine architecture and see the enormous Hakata Gion Yamakasa float on display. Its brilliant colors and imposing presence leave a lasting impression of Fukuoka's famous traditional festival.

Visiting Kushida Shrine in person this time, I not only prayed for safety but also experienced Fukuoka's local history and culture. After walking around, I felt this was a great place to take your time and appreciate, and it's a worthwhile stop on a trip to Fukuoka.

If you're traveling around Fukuoka on your own, I highly recommend adding Kushida Shrine to your itinerary!

The shrine is in central Hakata, and it's easy to walk there from Kushida Shrine Station on the subway. Afterward, you can continue on to Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Nakasu, so it's easy to combine them into one itinerary.

Kushida Shrine is an important shrine to the people of Hakata. Once you enter the grounds, it's surprisingly quiet and peaceful, even though the lively downtown area is just outside. Besides praying, it's also a nice place to stroll around and take in the shrine's details.

What caught my attention most was the enormous, ornate yamakasa float. It was even more impressive than I imagined! The intricate decorations are fascinating up close and give you a better sense of the local culture of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.

There's also an interesting "test stone." I heard that strongmen in the past could lift it, so I decided to take the challenge myself...

The result, of course, was--**it didn't budge at all!

There's also a famous old ginkgo tree nearby, and you can see a unique zodiac direction plaque on the tower gate. Every corner has little details of traditional Japanese culture.

If you're shopping in Hakata, consider stopping by Kushida Shrine. It doesn't take much time, but it lets you experience a very different side of Hakata.

Oiyamanara in front of Kushida Shrine

Oiyamanara begins at Kushida Shrine, Hakata’s guardian shrine. Men in traditional attire carry floats weighing over a ton and race through the streets, shouting “Oisa! Oisa!” The event symbolizes prayers for safety and protection from misfortune and disease, while showcasing Hakata’s strong sense of teamwork.

With more than 760 years of history, this festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s one of Fukuoka’s most exhilarating summer traditions.

Honestly, I don’t really remember much about this place. I basically only came because everyone said it’s famous and that you should visit, hahaha.

It was definitely unique, but what I liked was... was it the crane? I thought it was really delicate.

And there was also one with huge nostrils.

Uh, is saying that going to offend anyone?

But the komainu really did have super big nostrils, and it was so cute.

Don’t you think it’s kind of hilarious?

I’m calling it the "broken dog."

It has a festival-like vibe. It’s near the shopping arcade, so you can just take a short walk and you’re there.

You don't need a ticket to visit, so you can just stop by if you're passing through. Really nice~

I drank water from the 'Reisen Tsurusui Well' and hope it brings me good health!

The nearby shops sell grilled mochi that's crispy on the outside and soft inside—so delicious!