West, Itoshima Area | History & Culture Atago Shrine
This is the oldest shrine in Fukuoka City and one of Japan’s three major shrines dedicated to the god of Atago. It is located on the hill in the west to the mouth of Muromigawa River and used to be called Washio Shrine, which was dedicated to two gods. Other two gods were later newly enshrined and the shrine was renamed as Atago shrine in 1901, which is today dedicated to 4 gods. Every year, many people from inside and outside the prefecture pay visits to this shrine, which is believed to have effects in driving away evil things, bringing in good fortunes and luck to meet someone nice, succeeding in academic performance and business, keeping safe home as well as giving up drinking and smoking habit. It is also known as a good viewing spot of the New Year’s first sunrise and cherry blossoms.
This is the deity of Japan's protection and prayer.