In Fukuoka City there are two major kanbeisha and two minor kanbeisha shrines, long respected and of high historical value. 

In this article we will be introducing information pertaining to the two minor kanbeisha in two parts: one for Shikaumi Shrine, the other for Sumiyoshi Shrine. 

Either would be perfect places to recharge your batteries amidst your travels. We hope that you will consider visiting both them and the nearby walking routes at your leisure.

<<Sumiyoshi Shrine Edition is here>>[Shikaumi Shrine × Sumiyoshi Shrine] Shrine Itineraries to Help Refresh Your Spirit (Sumiyoshi Shrine Edition)

A shrine with deep connections to Japanese mythology, take a walk through the grounds of the shrine and refresh your spirit at these must-visit spots. 

What kind of shrine is Shikaumi Shrine?

Shikaumi Shrine is an ancient shrine with a long tradition that was built to worship the Watatsumi Sanjin or Three Watasumi gods, the Japanese gods of the sea. 

Once the recipient of offerings from the national government, Shikaumi Shrine was listed as one of the minor kanbeisha shrines. Prayers and ceremonies for safe seafaring and the safety of the country were both carried out here from ancient times. These traditions have been handed down to this day, with many seafarers and a wide variety of worshippers continuing to come and make prayers. 

Located on the shrine precinct is a special sand that is used in time-honored purification rituals called oshioi, affectionately referred to by the name Shikaumi-sama. With an excellent spot that commands a view of Shikanoshima Island, this is a shrine that allows one to peer into the world of Japanese myths and feel the depth of reverence that Japan has for the sea firsthand. 

The sand sitting by the side of the shrine road has been used since ancient times to purify visitors prior to entering. Before we head up, let’s take some sand and help reset our spiritual charge with a small ritual gesture. 

Inside the shrine there is even sand that you can take home with you. A unique Fukuoka tradition in which this sand is laid at the four corners of the front entrance way and home for purificatory purposes is said to have begun here.

The stone bridge you can find in front of the main gate of the shrine is said to symbolically join the mundane and spiritual worlds. As soon as you step through a sacred energy permeates the air, bringing the spirit in harmony with nature.

The solemn romon gate that serves as the main entrance is also a symbolic divider of the spiritual and mundane realms. Offering a small prayer and bow before entering the shrine helps to calm the heart, seemingly bringing it into closer harmony with the god residing there. 

This is the center of the shrine where the gods of the sea, the Watatsumi Sanjin, are worshipped. By offering a prayer, worshippers are filled with cleansing energy and deep tranquility. 

Unlike most shrines, Shikaumi Shrine is unique in that one purifies oneself using the oshioi sand prior to praying. 

A youhaijo refers to a worship site that faces onto a more far-off, distant deity or sacred object. Located on an elevated platform in the shrine, one can get an excellent view of both the Genkai Sea and Shikanoshima from here. Take a deep breath here where nature and divinity intersect and bring clarity to your spirit. 

Located behind the main shrine are these strange, turtle-shaped boulders. In the past they were considered to be lucky, bringing fortune and healing to those who visited. 

Housing roughly 10,000 deer antlers, this type of reliquary building is rare in Japan. The seafaring Ama clan placed the bones here as a means of ensuring their safe passage at sea, and even today a calm energy pervades the vicinity. 

This holy camphor tree towers over the rest of the shrine, and at several centuries old it is a well-known power spot. Its trunk rises towards the heavens from the earth, and is filled with a power both natural and divine. 

The shrine sells a variety of charms and trinkets related to the draconic gods enshrined there. We will introduce them here.

・Dragon God Victory Amulet: An amulet filled with the power and energy of the gods of the sea, who were considered to take the forms of dragons. It will give you the boost you need when push comes to shove. 
・Golden Seal Strap: A charm meant to resemble the famous Golden Seal national treasure. A strap that is filled with divine virtue and a love for history. 
・Purple Safety Charm: A purple colored, card-shaped charm meant to ward off evil and bring peace to its bearers. 
・Kinran Brocade Charm: A beautiful protective charm of golden brocade. A charm filled with prayers for protection that brings peace and security to both body and mind.

The seal stamp offered at Shikaumi Shrine serves as proof of your meeting with the gods of the sea and the divine virtues they represent. The elegant characters written in ink reflect the dignified role of the Shinto priesthood and a respect for history.

The small road leading out from behind the shrine leads to various sub-shrines located next to the sea and in the forests. Why not go on a small refreshing excursion in nature?

Once you’re done with your visit to the shrine, it’s time to check the rich nature and history of Shikanoshima Island. The spiritual cleanse and energy you have received at the shrine continue to pleasantly linger as you explore the rest of the island. 

Shikaumi Shrine
■Address: 877 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City[MAP]
■Access: 10 minutes from the Shikanoshima Ferry Port, or 10 minutes from the Shikanoshima Bus Top 
■Parking: a large parking lot is available
■Official homepage: http://www.shikaumi-jinja.jp/
■Details: @shikaumijinja_official

After enjoying a walk around the shrine grounds, there is still plenty to see and do around the island, with sightseeing spots, local delicacies, cafés, and more!

In April of 2025 the 1.2-kilometer road that connects Shikanoshima to the mainland had its utility poles removed, allowing for a clear and unobstructed view of the vast expanse of sea and sky. No longer is there the risk of them getting blown over during a typhoon, and walking routes, rest benches, and bike racks have been installed in their place. This has become a new must-visit for those visiting by foot, bike, or even by car. 

The (now unobstructed) road to Shikanoshima
■ Location: The 1.2 kilometer stretch of road between Saitozaki (mainland) and Shikanoshima Islan

The Golden Seal Park is where the national treasure of the same name was discovered in the 1700s. Bestowed upon the ruler of the area in 57 AD by Emperor Guangwu of Han China as a recognition of his status as a vassal, the park is nigh legendary in Japan. Close to the entrance is a small stele known as the place where the seal was discovered, a small replica of the seal itself can be found atop the hill where there is an observation deck, a small poetic dedication to Chinese author Guo Moruo and an ancient stone map can also be found here. All of these various elements come together to give the location a distinctly historical flavor together with the magnificent view the Genkai Sea. A popular place for visitors coming on foot, by bike, or by automobile. 

The Golden Seal Park
■ Address: 1863 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■ Entrance Fee: Free・Open 24 hours, no holidays
■ Parking: 10 spots

The Shiomi Observation Deck features a spectacular view that ranges between both Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea. Normally one can clearly see Fukuoka City and neighboring Nokonoshima Island, and on exceptionally clear days even Tsushima and Iki Island are visible in this beautiful tapestry of sea and sky. The perfect stop for those biking or on a drive about the island, this is one of the best places to take in the true charm of Shikanoshima Island. 

Shiomi Observation Deck
■ Address: 968-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP] (Inside Shiomi Park) MAP
■ Entrance Fee: Free・Open 24 hours, no holidays
■ Parking: 10 spots

Close to the Shikaumi Shrine torii gates is Nakanishi Shokudo. Opened over 50 years ago, this retro diner has quite the reputation, and the autographs of several Japanese celebrities can be found as an illustration of the fact. So, what are they famous for? Their must-have menu is the turban shell, shrimp, and wakame seaweed with egg rice bowl, the sazae-don (1,200 yen). The briny scent of the reefs and the sweet dashi they use are signature touches that are only really possible on an island with supremely fresh seafood. A popular combo is ordering the rice bowl together with the fragrant tsubo-yaki, or turban grilled directly in its shell. 

Nakanishi Shokudo 
■ Address: 583-8 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■ Hours: 11:00 ~ 15:00 
*While supplies last. The store closes when they sell out.
*Please check for updated hours with the store itself.
■ Days off: Tuesdays + irregular days
■ TEL: 092-603-6546

Shikashima Cycle is built into a renovated traditional Japanese-style building, and combines a rental bike store with a café. Hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and even true road bikes are all available for rental here, and they also serve sweets and specialty coffee as well. On the first floor is the rental space, but on the second floor they have a coworking and relaxation space outfitted with electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. It would be perfect for a quick stop in the middle of a cycling trip or during downtime, and ideal for sightseeing or workations.

Shikashima Cycle 
■ Address: 417-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■ Hours: 9:00 ~ 18:00
※For up-to-date hours please check with the store.
■ Days off: Tuesdays + irregular holidays
■ TEL: 050-6874-4398
■ Details: @shikashimacycle

※Store hours, holidays, menu prices, and other details are subject to change. Please confirm directly with the store before visiting.

<<Sumiyoshi Shrine Edition is here>>[Shikaumi Shrine × Sumiyoshi Shrine] Shrine Itineraries to Help Refresh Your Spirit (Sumiyoshi Shrine Edition)