Joanna James
While Fukuoka's temples and religious edifices may not command the same attention as Kyoto's iconic shrines, the city's spiritual identity is intrinsically linked with its heritage. From well-known temples to hidden gems frequented by locals, here are the city's most enchanting places of worship.
Dating back to the first half of the 10th century, Hakozaki Shrine is perhaps one of the best-known temples in Fukuoka. Famed for its imposing gate which has the inspirational words "Tekikoku Koufuku" carved on its surface, the venue has also been associated with an epic battle with Mongol forces in the 13th century. If local legends hold true, prayers uttered in the temple are known to have called forth Kamikaze winds that helped defeat the invading army. Considered a formidable spiritual hotspot with great power, most pilgrims head to Hakozaki Shrine to secure blessings of good fortune for their loved ones.
Believed to have been constructed as early as 757 AD, this temple is deemed the guardian of the region alongside the 16th-century temple compound credited to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As the focal point of the Hakata Festival or "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" each year, most visitors come to see the Kazariyamakasa on show at the temple grounds.
As one of the oldest temples in Fukuoka, the Buzenbo Takasumi Shrine was built back in 529 AD. Although devotees in centuries past flocked to this temple to appeal for their horses, and cattle and pray for a good harvest, the locale has become a popular tourist attraction owing to its stunning architectural features. Constructed inside a natural rock crevice, the shrine's roof is awe-inspiring both visually and structurally. The path leading up to the temple is equally captivating as travellers must traverse a mossy stone stairway. The best time to visit Buzenbo Takasumi Shrine is during the month of September when the Shinko Matsuri Festival is in full swing.
Conveniently located close to Hakata Station, tourists based at lyf Tenjin Fukuoka or any other Fukuoka serviced apartments can visit this heritage site without travelling outside the city limits. As an ancient place of worship with an illustrious history that stretches back 1800 years, the temple has also been dubbed the oldest of the more than two thousand Sumiyoshi temples in Japan. Once bordered by the ocean, it is difficult to conceive of this now-landlocked shrine being surrounded by water. Dedicated to the worship of sea gods and goddesses, sailors often paid tribute to this particular temple before embarking on their voyages.
Built in 72 AD, Atago Shrine is one of the oldest structures in Fukuoka, while also being one of its oldest shrines. Towering above the surrounding landscape at a height of 68m, the ocean vistas accessible from Atago Shrine are a big draw for travellers. A well-known spot for viewing the year's first sunrise, Atago Shrine also attracts massive crowds during the annual Hatsumode.
The brainchild of Empress Jingu, Kashii Shrine was constructed in 200 AD to commemorate the memory of Emperor Chūai, her beloved husband. As a temple that's considered a protective spiritual hub for lovers and families, it is also one of the 16 imperial shrines or 'Chokusaisha' in the country.
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