“Hakozaki-gu Shrine,” where many worshipers visit throughout the year to pray for success in competitions and protection from evil. It is a representative tourist spot of Fukuoka and is known nationwide as one of Japan’s three major Hachiman shrines. This time, we will delve deeper into the charm and highlights of Hakozaki-gu Shrine, along with historical background and surrounding information. Let’s stroll through the precincts enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, purify your mind and body, and receive power.
Hakozaki-gu Shrine: History and Highlights
A “Defeat of the Enemy” Shrine With a History of Over 1000 Years
Hakozaki-gu Shrine is said to have been founded in 921 by the order of Emperor Daigo. This place, facing the continent and the Genkai Sea, has long been a base for exchange with foreign countries and, at the same time, an important place for the defense of the country. For this reason, Hakozaki-gu Shrine has been highly revered by successive emperors and warlords as a place of prayer for national protection and even the “defeat of the enemy.” It is also known that Emperor Kameyama prayed for victory during the Mongol invasions (Genko) in the Kamakura period.
Witness to History that Became the Stage of the Mongol Invasions (Genko)
Hakozaki-gu Shrine suffered a tragedy in which the shrine buildings were destroyed by fire during the two Mongol invasions (Genko) in 1274 and 1281. However, after that, thanks to the efforts of Emperor Kameyama and the rebuilding by powerful rulers of the time, such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Nagamasa Kuroda, many valuable buildings that tell its history still remain today. These buildings convey to visitors the turbulent history and the strong will of the people who overcame it.
Full of Highlights! Let’s Take a Careful Stroll Around the Precincts
- Two-Storied Gate: A symbolic presence that can be said to be the face of Hakozaki-gu Shrine. It was rebuilt during the Bunroku era and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The plaque with the words “Defeat the Enemy,” which is displayed on the two-storied gate, is an enlarged replica of the calligraphy of Emperor Kameyama, and its powerful brush strokes overwhelm viewers.
- Main Hall and Worship Hall: After passing through the two-storied gate, the solemn main hall and worship hall appear. These are also designated as National Important Cultural Properties and are valuable buildings that convey the architectural style of the Momoyama period to the present day. The delicate carvings and vivid colors soothe the hearts of visitors.
- Yushutsu Stone: A sacred stone in the precincts. It is said that your luck will increase if you touch this stone, and worshipers touch it one after another. In particular, it can be said to be a must-see spot for those who are about to compete.
- Hakozaki-gu Hama-no-Miya: A detached precinct of Hakozaki-gu Shrine facing the Genkai Sea. The Hojoe (Releasing Living Things) ritual held every year in September is counted as one of the “Three Major Festivals of Hakata” and is familiar as a fall tradition in Fukuoka. The sight of the many food stalls and bustling crowds is overwhelming.
Basic Information About Hakozaki-gu Shrine
| Item | Information |
| Name | Hakozaki-gu Shrine |
| Address | 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Access | About an 8-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line “Hakozaki Station” About a 3-minute walk from Fukuoka City Subway Hakozaki Line “Hakozaki-Gūmae Station” |
| Business Hours | Free access to the precincts |
| Regular Holidays | None |
| Recommended | Prayers for certain victory, protection from evil, amulets, omikuji (fortune slips), Hojoe Festival |
| Other | There are many other highlights within the precincts, such as a great camphor tree that is approximately 800 years old and the “Mongolian Anchor Stone,” which is said to have been active in the battle against the Mongolian army. |