Furanomiya Shrine, located in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a historic shrine with a history of over 1800 years. It is counted as one of the three great shrines of Chikugo and enshrines Sukunahiko no Mikoto, known as the god of the sea.
The history of Furanomiya Shrine is old, and it is said that it began when a white egret flew to the area when Empress Jingu returned from Silla, and a shrine was built at the place where it stopped.
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1560 by Akimori Kamachi during the Sengoku period and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is a valuable building that retains the architectural style of the Kamakura period, and its dignity overwhelms viewers.
Highlights
- Main Hall: The main hall, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is a sanken-sha nagare-zukuri, cypress bark-roofed structure, which well represents the architectural style of the Kamakura period. The simple yet skillful construction technique is a highlight.
- Great Camphor Tree: The great camphor tree, a sacred tree said to be about 2000 years old, is located in the place where the white egret, which became the origin of the founding of Furanomiya Shrine, is said to have stopped. Its magnificent appearance makes you feel the history of withstanding the wind and snow for many years.
- Shohei Pagoda: A stone pagoda with a five-story main structure and roof stacked on top of a double base, commonly known as the “Shohei Pagoda.” It is also designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is known as a masterpiece of stone sculpture art from the Kamakura period.
- Shinen (Sacred Garden): In the precincts of Furanomiya Shrine, there is a beautiful garden with flowers blooming in each season. There are also walking paths, where you can spend a relaxing time.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Address | 726-1 Miyauchi, Sakami, Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture 831-0016 |
| Phone Number | 0944-87-2154 (Furanomiya Shrine Office) |
| FAX Number | 0944-87-8543 |
| Business Hours | Free Temple Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Prayer Reception: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Different hours apply from New Year’s Day to January 3 |
| Parking | 30 spaces, 5 large parking spaces |
| Access | About a 10-minute walk from the Nishitetsu Bus “Nakahara Takagi Byoin-mae” stop About 30 minutes by car from the Kyushu Expressway “Yame IC” |
Furanomiya Shrine is an attractive shrine where you can feel history and nature. Please visit once and experience its solemn atmosphere.