Sacred Serenity: A Journey Through Fukuoka’s Most Stunning Shrines

Pond in the Dazaifu Shrine

Fukuoka, one of the largest cities on the northern tip of Kyushu Island in Japan, is not only a bustling modern metropolis but also a place where nature and tradition seamlessly intertwine. From its stunning landscapes to its historic shrines, Fukuoka offers a wealth of beauty and culture for travellers. During my recent trip, I had the privilege of exploring some of the city’s most beautiful shrines, each one offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage. This post is dedicated to those magnificent places of worship that left an indelible mark on my soul.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: A Sacred Journey Through Time

Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines and the head of over 12,000 Tenjin shrines across the country. With a history spanning nearly 1,100 years, it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. We boarded a local train at Hakata Station and, after an interchange at Tenjin Station, embarked on a scenic 50-minute journey through picturesque villages. The train ride was an experience in itself, offering views of serene landscapes and charming towns.

The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

A short walk from the train station led us to the bustling Dazaifu Tenmangu market, where locals and visitors alike were shopping for curios, souvenirs, and local delicacies. As we passed through the massive Torii gates that mark the entrance to the shrine, we noticed a large crowd of students—apparently, many people visit this sacred site to pay their respects to the "Goddess of Knowledge" who resides here.

The Ox at the Shrine

Among the shrine’s many unique features are the brass oxen statues, believed to grant wisdom to those who rub their heads and embrace them. The surrounding camphor and cherry blossoms add to the shrine’s beauty, making it a peaceful oasis. Crossing three vermilion bridges representing the past, present, and future, we arrived at the main sanctuary, where visitors practice traditional purification rituals before praying. The serene atmosphere, combined with the sight of over 6,000 plum trees in bloom, made this a truly unforgettable experience.

Umegae Mochi,

Before heading back to Fukuoka, we stopped by a market stall to taste Umagae Mochi—a grilled rice pancake filled with red bean paste. The combination of flavors was absolutely heavenly!

Kushida Shrine: Where Tradition Meets Culture

The Kushida Shrine

Next, we visited the Kushida Shrine, just a short walk from Hakata Station. This shrine is dedicated to the gods Ohatanushi-no-mikoto, Amaterasu-omikami, and Susanowo-no-mikoto, and plays a central role in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, one of Fukuoka’s most iconic summer events. 

The Gion Festival Tablet

The shrine grounds are home to a majestic ginkgo tree, under which stand two monumental tablets commemorating 

The Torii Gates

Japan’s defense against Mongolian invaders. The vibrant colors of the structures around the shrine reflect the culture of the era, making this an immersive experience in Japan’s rich history.

Tochoji Temple: The Heart of Shingon Buddhism

A short distance from Kushida Shrine lies Tochoji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist Kushu sect. Among its many treasures is the Rokkakudo, a unique Buddhist sanctum with revolving bookshelves containing sacred sutras. Inside, we encountered the Great Buddha, Japan’s largest seated Buddha statue. 

The GiantBuddha at Tochoji Shrine

The ring of light behind the Buddha stands an impressive 16.1 meters tall, and the intricate carvings of other Buddhas on the ring add a layer of tranquillity to the atmosphere.

Nanzo-in Temple: A Grand Finale with the Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha

Our journey culminated with a visit to Nanzo-in, a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Sasaguri, Fukuoka. Famous for its monumental reclining Buddha, this temple boasts the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The statue measures 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height, weighing nearly 300 tons. Depicting Buddha at the moment of his entrance into Nirvana, the statue is awe-inspiring in both its size and spiritual significance.

The Lotus Feet of Reclining Buddha

Inside the temple, the ashes of Buddha, along with relics of two Buddhist disciples, Ānanda and Maudgalyayana, are enshrined. These relics were a gift from Myanmar, given as thanks for the sect’s medical aid to children in Nepal and Myanmar. The statue's unveiling in 1995 was a momentous occasion, attended by 1,300 monks from Myanmar and Nepal. The intricate lotus carvings on the Buddha’s feet are a testament to the craftsmanship and devotion behind this incredible work of art.

A Soul-Enriching Experience

Each shrine and temple in Fukuoka offered a deeper understanding of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. From the serene beauty of Dazaifu Tenmangu to the imposing grandeur of Nanzo-in’s reclining Buddha, these sacred places filled me with a profound sense of peace and reverence. The journey was a soul-enriching experience that brought me closer to the heart of Japan’s ancient history and religion.

Stay tuned for my next posts, where I’ll share more of my adventures in Japan and Korea!

PS- All pics are mine