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

In this special series we will be introducing the two major kanbeisha shrines, Kashii Shrine and Hakozaki Shrine located in Fukuoka’s eastern Higashi-ku. In this special itinerary we will be focusing on how these shrines may bring you good luck, all while introducing nearby spots that will be worth your while to visit. 

<<Kashii Shrine Edition is here>>[Kashii Shrine and Hakozaki Shrine] A Luck-Boosting Trip Through East Fukuoka’s Most Famous Shrines! (Kashii Shrine Edition)

Hakozaki Shrine is known for housing a god of good luck. Amid the sacred atmosphere plenty of history remains to be found, the perfect little excursion to recharge your batteries for the weekend!

What kind of shrine is Hakozaki Shrine?

Hakozaki Shrine is a hachimangu shrine devoted to Empress Jimgu, Emperor Ojin, and the goddess Tamayorihime. In the past it was listed among the countries major kanbeisha shrines. 

With the oracular words “defeat unto enemy nations” dedicated at the shrine, the shrine is often visited by those seeking success in competitions or business. For this reason, it Is often visited by Fukuoka’s sports teams such as the Softbank Hawks or Avispa Fukuoka, making it a shrine that still regularly attracts devotees and worshippers.

The main shrine, romon gate, and stone torii gate are all considered important cultural properties, and much of the shrine allows you to take a look into the world of Japanese myth and history. Filled with many notable power spots for those seeking success and overcoming challenges, the shrine is deeply beloved by locals. 

Leading to Hakozaki Shrine is the large torii gate known as Ichi-no-Tori. Erected by Kuroda Nagamasa in 1609, this gate is suitably grand for a shrine of Hakozaki Shrine’s standing, and by passing through visitors and worshippers alike receive a welcome power boost, feelings refreshed. 

Hanging above the romon tower gate entering into the shrine are the Japanese characters 敵・国・降・伏 (teki・koku・kou・fuku) which translates to “defeat unto enemy nations”. Originally erected in commemoration of the victory over the Mongolian armies in the Bay of Hakata, this initially belligerent text has come to symbolize luck in victory, and is often visited by Fukuoka’s sporting teams, including the Softbank Hawks and Avispa Fukuoka. In front of this gate there is a dignified shrine hall, and it is said that if you pray here that you will receive a considerable boost to your luck in contests and competitions! 

A peaceful garden filled with seasonal flowers. An area filled with the grounding energy of plant life will help you reset. 

● The Hydrangea Garden

The Hydrangea Gardens are open exclusively in June, when the flowers bloom. There are roughly 3,500 flowers featuring 100 different species dazzling shrine-goers with their varied colors. Within the tranquil shrine grounds the sight of the hydrangeas glistening after rainfall is a classic example of early summer scenery in Japan. In recent years, it has become popular as an Instagram-worthy spot where visitors take photos with limited-edition clear seal stamps. Admission fee: 300 yen.

● Shin-en Flower Garden

This garden is open throughout the year and features flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Lilies, peonies, and Chinese peonies are among the flowers that grace the garden, and they heal visitors with their stunning seasonal blooms. Tucked away within the solemn shrine grounds, by immersing yourself in the floral landscape you can heal yourself. *Entry fee depends on the season, please inquire for more information

When Emperor Oujin was born, the placenta from his birth was placed in a box beneath the ground. The holy pine tree Hakomatsu sprung up from this location. This is said to be the origin of the name of Hakozaki. This sanctified place continues to breathe the spirit of ancient history and will empower you with its energies.

In the small fountain behind the shrine, it is said that if you wash your coins with it that you will be blessed with good luck in business and monetary matters. There are many who come and wash their coins here! A great spot to bring luck into your life.

Oshioi is a long practiced purificatory rite carried out in Hakata. Use the sand to purify yourself and fill your body and spirit with clean energy. 

This stone is said to bring great luck (literally cause it to gush out) to those who touch it. The following mysterious saying is said to be associated with it: “it will appear when the country is beset with an emergency”. Touch it, and let your luck flow! 

The attempted Mongolian invasions of Japan were both repelled here, giving the area a deep historical significance and leading to the myth of the divine winds. You can feel the energy of the past when gazing upon this stone anchor. 

Hakozaki Shrine sells various charms said to be filled with good luck for victory in contests or competitions. We will introduce some of them here. 

‧Charm of Certain Victory: Popular for those facing challenges in sports, test taking, and at work. A charm that will give you a push when it is most needed!
‧Luck-boosting Charm: A charm perfect for those seeking to change their fortune. Turning small steps into opportunities for the winds of fortune to begin blowing your way!
‧Charm of Healthy Flowers: An embroidered charm made to resemble the beautiful flowers in the shrine. Filled with prayer for good luck, the flourishing flowers represent your blooming luck. 

Hakozaki Shrine’s clear seal stamp and the prayer written on it bring your mind harmony and clarity. The motif changes based on the event taking place at the shrine, with June featuring Hydrangeas, September featuring the Hojoya festival, and January featuring New Year’s festivities in the design. The perfect souvenir!

At Hakozaki Shrine you can feel nature and the spirit of history with all five senses, as well as the divine power that resides in the shrine. One of the city’s important power spots, the energy here is perfect for us, even in modern times. 

Hakozaki Shrine
■ Address: 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■Access: 3-minute walk from the Hakozaki Subway Station OR 8-minute walk from the JR Hakozaki Station
■ Official Website: https://catalog.hakozakigu.or.jp/ 
■ Details: @hakozakigu.official

After checking the shrine out, we recommended walking over to some of the neighboring stores, restaurants, and cafés to do a bit of shopping in a distinctly retro area.

Hakozaki Kyutaro Shoten is located directly next to Hakozaki Shrine, and is built into a renovated traditional Japanese home, giving it a cute modern retro vibe. They are known for serving a delicious crab dipping noodle during lunch (1,199 yen). 

For those with a sweet tooth the roast-it-yourself brazier dango set (1,100 yen) is quite popular (see above photo). With wooden beams, sunken kotatsu seating, and even a terrace, time passes slowly at this quaint café. From lunch offerings to beer, they have all you need for a day of relaxation. 

Hakozaki Kyutaro Shoten
■  Address: 1-44-20 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City[MAP]
■  Hours: 11:30 ~ 17:00, 17:30 ~ 22:30
※Lunch is served until 14:00
※For up-to-date hours please check with the store.
■  Days off: Mondays
■  Tel: 092-292-9669
■  Details: @hakozakikyutaro

Opened in 1983, Bambino is a retro coffee shop located next to Hakozaki Shrine. The fragrant siphon-brewed coffee (500 yen) is well-known, and time seems to slow down inside the nostalgic interior of this store. The menu is rounded out with other classic offerings such as curry and rice and naporitan (a kind of classic Japanese diner pasta dish), making this perfect for lunch as well. Well-loved by locals for generations, this is the perfect place to take a breather. 

Kissa Bambino 
■ Address: 1-43-17 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■ Hours: 12:00 ~ 18:00 
※For up-to-date hours please check with the store.
■ Days off: Sundays・Holidays
■ Tel: 092-631-0655 

Built into an over 70-year-old traditional Japanese residential home, entering this bakery is like taking a step back in time. They are particularly famous for their sweet and fluffy condensed milk bread (204 yen). Their roasted soybean donuts and onion bread are also highly popular. On the second floor there is dining space where you can enjoy the bread you’ve purchased from 8:00 in the morning until the evening. It’s no wonder locals love this place!

Nagata Pain Hakozaki Store
■ Address: 1-44-20 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City[MAP]
■ Hours: 8:00 ~ 19:00 
※For up-to-date hours please check with the store.
■ Days off: Tuesdays・New Year Holiday
■ TEL: 092-643-8680
■ Details: @hakozaki8739nagata

Hakoichi ~ Hakozaki Handmade Market ~ is a monthly handmade market held on the third Saturday and Sunday of each month at Hakozaki's retro building Hako Building and the adjacent Hako Machiya. Roughly 40 different exhibitors come to display their accessories, trinkets, paper goods, homemade sweets, bread, coffee, and much more. 

Hakoichi ~ Hakozaki Handmade Market ~
■  Days: Open on the third Saturday and Sunday of the Month 
■  Hours: 10:00 ~ 16:00
■  Location: Hako Building & Hako Machiya (2-10-34 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP])
■  Entry: free
■  Details: @hakoichi851

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

<<Kashii Shrine Edition is here>>[Kashii Shrine and Hakozaki Shrine] A Luck-Boosting Trip Through East Fukuoka’s Most Famous Shrines! (Kashii Shrine Edition)