This is the shrine of the Shinto deity that watches over Nokonoshima Island, a type of deity called “ubusunagami”, known by the names Sumiyoshi-no-Okami, Jingu Kogo, and Shikamyojin. It is said that the name of Nokonoshima Island is derived from the belief that Jingu Kogo left (nokosu in Japanese) the spirit of “sumiyoshi” here on the island (shima in Japanese), which was contracted to “nokono shima”, and the spirit became enshrined in the Shirahige Jinja Shrine.

The “Okunchi” festival held annually on October 9 is designated as an intangible cultural property by Fukuoka city.