Hakozaki Shrine

Overview

Hakozaki Shrine stands in Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, in Fukuoka Prefecture, and is also called Hakozaki Hachimangu. A Shikinaisha of the highest Myojin Taisha rank and the ichinomiya of Chikuzen Province, it once held the top status of Kanpei Taisha. Together with Usa Jingu in Oita and Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto, it is counted among the Three Great Hachiman Shrines of Japan and has long been deeply revered by the people of Fukuoka.

Highlights

• ●Tower gate bearing the 'subjugation of the enemy nation' tablet
• ●Ranked among the Three Great Hachiman Shrines of Japan
• ●Shrine architecture designated an Important Cultural Property
• ●Stage of the celebrated autumn Hojoya festival

History

According to shrine tradition it was founded in 923. The divine wind that repelled the Mongol forces during the Mongol invasions is regarded as a blessing of Hakozaki Shrine, and after Emperor Kameyama prayed here for the subjugation of the enemy nation, the shrine became an object of devotion for later warlords. Since World War II it has been widely worshipped as a deity of maritime traffic and overseas protection, and its precinct preserves architecture designated an Important Cultural Property.

Map

33.6148, 130.4229 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk the approach and look up at the 'subjugation' tablet on the tower gate
2. 2Pay respects at the main hall and admire the nagare-zukuri architecture
3. 3Learn the history tied to the Mongol invasions and the divine wind
4. 4In autumn, enjoy the food stalls of the Hojoya festival

Did you know?

💡 The tablet reading 'Tekikoku Kobuku' (subjugation of the enemy nation) hung on the tower gate is an emblematic sight of Hakozaki Shrine, its origin tracing back to the Mongol invasions and Emperor Kameyama's prayer. The nagare-zukuri architecture and buildings counted among Important Cultural Properties are not to be missed.

Nearby spots