Receive Various Blessings for Safe Childbirth, Protection from Evil, and Matchmaking
“Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine,” nestled in a lush green area in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, boasts a history of over 1,400 years and is known to the people of the region as “Hachiman-sama of Kitakyushu.” This time, we will introduce the history, blessings, and highlights of Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine.
History of Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine
It is said that Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine was founded during the reign of Emperor Kinmei (540-571). Later, in the Tenpyo era (729-749), a deity was transferred from Usa Hachimangu Shrine, and it became the present-day Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine.
During the Edo period, it received deep veneration from the Kokura Domain lords, the Hosokawa clan and the Ogasawara clan, and it continues to gather the faith of the people of the region even today.
Blessings of Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine
It is said that Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine has various blessings.
- Safe Childbirth and Child Growth: The main enshrined deity, Emperor Ojin, is believed to have gone to war and won while still in the womb of Empress Jingu, and is thus worshipped as a deity of safe childbirth.
- Protection from Evil: There is a legend that a large serpent was saved from a village, and it is also known as a deity of protection from evil.
- Traffic Safety: Since it enshrines the three deities of Munakata, who are famous as deities of traffic safety, you can also expect the blessing of traffic safety.
- Matchmaking: There is a legend of a snake that fell in love at Yakumo Shrine on the grounds, and it is worshipped as a deity of matchmaking.
Highlights of Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Zuijin-mon (Guardian Gate): A gate with a beautiful bright vermilion color, which is a symbol of the shrine.
- Honden (Main Hall): A quiet and solemn atmosphere surrounded by green trees.
- Yakumo Shrine: A shrine with blessings for matchmaking, where cute snake ema (votive picture tablets) are offered.
- Shinboku (Sacred Tree): The camphor tree, said to be over 400 years old, is designated as a city natural monument.
Access to Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine
| Item | Content |
| Address | 1-7-1 Shinozaki, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 803-0861 |
| Access | Approximately a 10-minute walk from the East exit of JR Minami-Kokura Station.<br> Approximately a 7-minute walk from the Nishitetsu Bus stops “Daiichi Takada-cho” or “Shinozaki Bashi” |
| Parking | Available |
| Phone Number | 093-561-6518 |
| Business Hours | Free to worship (Prayer reception 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) |
At Shinozaki Hachimangu Shrine, let’s worship quietly and receive various blessings.