10 Best Temples in Fukuoka

Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, is built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, a famed poet and politician of the Heian Period. Millions of people visit this sanctuary of learning and culture for its expansive art events and exhibits. Learn about the shrine’s architecture, the Shinto faith and the legacy of the deity they celebrate.

We recommend reserving a full day for your visit so you have ample time to explore the stunning grounds awash with plum trees, shingyu ox statues and various art installations. There’s too much to do to mention in this guide, but don’t forget to purchase an amulet for good fortune and sample the famous umegaemochi candies.

One of the oldest in the Fukuoka region, the Kushida Shrine’s history goes all the way back to 757. You can get there easily, as it’s in the bustling Hakata district in downtown Fukuoka, though once you pass the torii gates into this beautiful sanctuary it’s not hard to forget you’re in the city centre.

Marvel at the symbolic ginkgo tree, test your strength with the Chikara Ishi stone, and drink from the sacred well surrounded by 3 cranes – its mineral-rich water is said to grant a long life. The summer Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival starts here, but don’t worry if you miss it, as its awe-inspiring festival float is displayed at the shrine all year round.

Hetsu-gū, Nakatsu-gū and Okitsu-gū are a collection of Shinto shrines known as Munakata Taisha and are situated on different islands. Hetsu-gū is the trio’s biggest and the most easily accessible, located in the Fukuoka region on the Kyushu mainland. You get a sense of awe as you wander the impressive 12th-century buildings, though ancient rituals took place outdoors here long before that.

Though the shrines are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hetsu-gū complex includes the 3-storey Shinpokan Museum, which houses national treasures and important exhibits so be sure to check it out during your visit. You can easily get to Munakata from Fukuoka city: trains leave frequently and the trip from Hakata Station is only 30-40 minutes.

Step inside the beautiful park grounds of the Sumiyoshi Shrine and you’ll be transported from the hectic city to an ancient sanctuary surrounded by natural beauty. Admire the main hall with its unusual straight roof, the traditional Noh theater and the vibrant torii gates before stopping to watch the koi in the lovely pond.

Entrance is free, it’s near public transportation and hidden inside central Fukuoka so Sumiyoshi Shrine is the perfect spot to escape from busy urban life for an afternoon. Many events are held over the year, including new year celebrations, moon-viewing and sumo wrestling. Speaking of sumo, make sure you wish for strength by rubbing the hands of the intimidating sumo wrestler statue by the main hall.

The Miyajidake Shrine, home to 3 enormous sacred objects, looks over the town of Fukutsu from a hill, about an hour by train from Fukuoka. A straight road leads to the sea from the grand temple and forms a gorgeous sight with the sunset, making it ideal for pictures.

Take time to marvel at Japan’s “best three” – a 3 ton shimenawa straw rope, a 450 kg copper bell and a huge taiko drum that’s only struck once at midnight on New Year’s Day. Visit in autumn to join the dancing at the Senza Memorial festival or on the first of every month for their Tsuitachi Mairi ritual. Also, visit the 8 inner shrines to be blessed with positive healing energy.

After crossing a xylophone bridge to Nanzoin Temple, you can’t help but think big, especially when faced with the humongous 41-metres-long Nehanzo, supposedly the world’s longest bronze reclining Buddha statue. Built to honor the sacred ashes of the Gautama Buddha and 2 Buddhist adherents, visitors pray for strength by holding the cords attached to it. Other interesting sights around the temple complex include figures of deities, chapels and a gorgeous rocky waterfall and pond.

It’s easy to get to Nanzoin, in the countryside town of Sasaguri, from Fukuoka’s Hakata train station. Time your visit with a meditation class and throw darts for good fortune. Who knows, maybe you’ll be as lucky as its former chief priest, who allegedly won the lottery.

When you enter the grounds of Tochoji Temple, your eyes are immediately drawn to the majestic red 5-storey pagoda, recently built but in an ancient architectural style. Another impressive sight is housed in a side building of the main hall: an enormous wooden statue of Buddha, known as the “The Great Buddha of Fukuoka.”

Visit Tochoji Temple in spring to admire the Sakura cherry blossoms or in early February for the Setsubun festival for good fortune. You can also time your trip with the monthly showing of the Rokkakudo structure with its shelves of sutra. Set in the heart of Fukuoka, a subway station is next to the temple and the Hakata train station is only a 10-minute walk away.

The ancient Nyoirinji Temple is not as large as other items in this guide but it does offer something truly unique: frogs. Approximately 5,000 frog figurines are littered throughout the grounds. You can even slip through the huge mouth of one of these amphibians to improve your luck, or at least to bring a smile to your face. Those of you less able to dive can simply pray to the wishing frogs at the entrance.

If you can, try visiting during one of the local festivals. June to September sees thousands of Japanese wind chimes filling the temple grounds with their soothing melodies. January brings a fire festival for health and happiness, where priests walk barefoot over smoldering bonfire ashes.

The Kego Shrine and adjoining Kego Park offer an oasis in the commercial Tenjin district, central Fukuoka. The shrine grounds are compact, but the centuries-old trees and tranquil settings provide a moment of peace from the surrounding shopping district. Take a moment to admire the sacred water fountain and dip your tired feet in a foot bath full of invigorating hot spring water.

Those seeking good fortune should pet the rare smiling fox statue found at an Inari shrine in the grounds or purchase an Omamori charm for protection against disasters. Next door, Kego Park often hosts events throughout the year and if you’re lucky enough to visit in the wintertime, check out the beautiful Christmas light installations.

The Kashiigu Shrine, built by an empress to honor the soul of her fallen emperor in the year 200, is one of only 17 holy spots visited by an imperial envoy once every decade. Built using a unique and exclusive architectural style named Kashii-zukuri, this nationally important cultural property contains many stunning structures and subordinate shrines to view.

Visit the huge cedar tree (said to be planted by Empress Jingu herself), then take a short walk from the main shrine to drink from the well of eternal youth. Should you visit in autumn, you can observe Japanese horseback archery at one of the shrine’s most popular festivals. Alternately, visit early summer and witness the traditional gardens in full bloom.