Suitengu Shrine, located in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is the head shrine of all Suitengu shrines throughout Japan, known as a god of safe childbirth, conception, and protection from water disasters. This shrine, which stands on the banks of the Chikugo River, has long been attracting the faith of local people, and now many worshipers visit from all over Japan.
Highlights of Suitengu Shrine
- Sacred Place for Safe Childbirth: Suitengu Shrine is particularly famous for its benefits for safe childbirth and conception. In the precincts, ema (votive tablets) and belly bands for praying for safe childbirth are dedicated, and many pregnant women and their families visit for worship.
- Protection from Water Disasters: Because it is located along the Chikugo River, it is also worshiped as a god of protection from water disasters. People who work or engage in leisure activities related to water also visit to pray for safety.
- Historic Shrine: It is a historic shrine that is said to have been founded during the Kenkyu era (1190-1199). The current shrine buildings were built by Tadayori Arima, the lord of the Kurume Domain, in 1650.
- Beautiful Precincts: Located in a scenic spot overlooking the Chikugo River, the precincts are filled with flowers of each season. In particular, cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall are beautiful and entertain many worshipers.
Basic Information about Suitengu Shrine
| Item | Content |
| Name | Suitengu Shrine |
| Address | 235 Seshita-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0037 |
| Phone Number | 0942-32-3207 |
| Business Hours | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Access | About a 15-minute walk from JR Kyudai Main Line “Kurume Daigaku-mae Station” About 10 minutes by bus from Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line “Nishitetsu Kurume Station,” get off at the “Suitengu-mae” bus stop and it’s right there |
| Parking | Available |
How to Enjoy Suitengu Shrine
- Prayers for Safe Childbirth: The “Obi Iwai,” a ritual of wrapping a belly band on the Dog Day in the fifth month of pregnancy to pray for a safe childbirth, is an event that you should definitely do at Suitengu Shrine.
- Hatsumiyamairi: Many people also perform Hatsumiyamairi, a visit to the shrine with gratitude for a baby’s safe birth, at Suitengu Shrine around one month after birth.
- Amulets: Various types of amulets, such as those for safe childbirth, conception, and protection from water disasters, are given.
- Goshuin: The goshuin of Suitengu Shrine is written with beautiful brush strokes.
Conclusion
Suitengu Shrine is a sacred place for prayers for safe childbirth, and many worshipers visit from all over Japan. Please visit once to seek various benefits such as protection from water disasters and conception.