櫛田神社
Kushida Shrine
Shrine · Hakata
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Kushida Shrine, affectionately called "O-Kushida-san" by locals, is the spiritual center of Fukuoka. Nestled quietly amid Hakata's modern buildings, it is one of Kyushu's most culturally significant shrines, having watched over the city for over 1,260 years.
Kushida Shrine was established in 757 during the Nara period, when Hakata thrived as Japan's primary gateway for trade and diplomatic exchange with China and Korea. According to tradition, the shrine's sacred deities were invited from the original Kushida Shrine in Matsusaka, Ise Province, linking it to Shinto's holiest ground. The current main hall was reconstructed in the 16th century during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's urban redevelopment of Hakata. This sacred connection to Ise, Shinto's most venerable sanctuary, imbues Kushida Shrine with profound spiritual prestige and ceremonial significance, establishing it as a cornerstone of Hakata's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Deities & Spirits
The enshrined deities are three principal kami: Amaterasu Ōmikami (the sun goddess), Susanoo no Mikoto (the storm god), and Tsukuyomi no Mikoto (the moon god)—all of whom are among the most important deities in Japanese mythology. Visitors traditionally offer prayers for longevity and prosperous commerce, which reflects Hakata's historical identity as a merchant city.
Annual Events
Kushida Shrine is famous nationwide, above all, thanks to this festival. Kushida Shrine is the main shrine of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. With a history spanning over 700 years, this festival held every July sees teams of men carrying ornate and magnificent decorated floats as they race through the streets of Hakata.
What makes Kushida Shrine special is that the decorated floats are displayed in the shrine grounds year-round. Standing at approximately 13 meters in height, the front and back feature warrior paintings and narrative scenes depicting the skillful craftsmanship of Hakata doll artisans. Since the yamakasa are remade anew every July 1st, visitors can enjoy different themes with each visit.
See it in action
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Kushida Shrine
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