Kushida Shrine is the tutelary shrine of the old merchant district of Hakata and one of the most beloved shrines in Fukuoka. Founded over a thousand years ago and affectionately called ‘O-Kushida-san’, it is the spiritual centre of Hakata life and the starting point of the city’s greatest festival, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Even outside the July festival, you can see a towering, elaborately decorated kazariyama float on permanent display in the grounds, giving a sense of the festival’s scale year-round. The atmospheric precinct also holds a huge ginkgo tree, an ema hall, and a stone said to reveal your fortune. Central and easily reached, Kushida is a window into the traditions and community spirit of old Hakata.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hakata-ku, Fukuoka |
| Hours | ~Daylight; grounds open |
| Admission | Free (donations) |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Year-round; July for the festival |
What to See
- The guardian shrine of old Hakata (‘O-Kushida-san’).
- A towering Yamakasa festival float on year-round display.
- A huge sacred ginkgo tree and ema hall.
- The spiritual heart of the Yamakasa festival.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in July.
- Pair with the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum opposite.
- Read our Fukuoka overview .
Getting There
- By subway: Gion or Nakasu-Kawabata stations are nearby.
- On foot: in the heart of Hakata near Canal City.
Tips
See the permanent kazariyama float in the grounds for a taste of the Yamakasa festival any time of year, and cross the street to the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum to learn about old Hakata. It’s a quick, central stop easily combined with Canal City and Hakata’s food, and comes fully alive during the July Yamakasa festival.
