Kushida Shrine

Kushida Shrine is the oldest and most important shrine in Fukuoka, dedicated to the deity who protects Hakata's merchants and is the guardian of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival — the defining cultural event of the city. The shrine's main hall dates from the Momoyama period, though the grounds have been rebuilt many times. The front gate is flanked by large sumo-related decorations, reflecting the shrine's connection to one of the Kyushu sumo tournaments.

In the outer precinct, one of the enormous Yamakasa festival floats is displayed year-round — a 14-metre tower of lacquerwork, fabric, and carved figures depicting historical and legendary scenes. These floats are remarkable objects that can take months to construct. The shrine is in the Hakata district, near the Canal City complex and a short walk from Hakata Station, making it an easy stop before or after transport connections.

things to do sight shrine
A story
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, held each July, is organised entirely from Kushida Shrine. Seven competing districts build enormous decorated floats up to 15 metres tall, and teams of men race 5-kilometre courses through the narrow streets of Hakata carrying the floats on their shoulders at a sprint. The race on July 15th begins at 4:59am and is watched by tens of thousands. The festival is one of Japan's most physically demanding and has been running continuously since the 13th century.