Kushida Shrine is one of the top pilgrimage sites in Kyushu, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from both home and abroad each year to visit, draw omamori (lucky charms), and pray for a successful love life. It is not only a popular tourist destination but also a center of faith for local residents. Let KINNSO take you on a journey to explore the secrets of Kushida Shrine, tell you the detailed worship procedures and transportation tips, adding a wonderful story to your Fukuoka trip!
Kushida Shrine Transportation
Kushida Shrine is located in the eastern part of Hakata Ward and is very convenient to reach from the city center.
**Transportation:**
* **Subway:** Take the Airport Line to "Kushida Shrine Mae Station" and exit from Gate No. 1.
* **Bus:** Many bus routes stop at "Kushida Shrine Mae," such as Hakata 81, 6, 12, 45, and 99.
* **Walk:** From JR Hakata Station, it takes about 25 minutes to walk. The route passes through Kawabata Shopping Street, making for a pleasant stroll.
**Driving:**
For those driving, there are paid parking lots near Kushida Shrine, such as Kushida Shrine West and Chuo Toshitei Parking Lot. It's a 5-minute walk from these lots to the shrine. However, it is recommended to avoid visiting during New Year's (Hatsumode) or festivals as traffic congestion and difficulty finding parking spaces are common.
Origin of Kushida Shrine.
Kushida Shrine was founded in the 8th century and is the guardian deity of the Hakata region. Legend has it that this place is where the descendant of Amaterasu, "Kujita Asudabi no Miko," descended, hence the name "Kujita." The shrine has weathered over 1,000 years of change, witnessing the prosperity and decline of Hakata. Today, the shrine remains popular, especially among those seeking good fortune in love.
Unveiling: Why do shrines help with matchmaking?
According to legend, Kushida Asudome-no-mikoto devoted her life before her death to spreading the skills of silk raising and weaving, helping the people live peacefully and prosperously, making many contributions to society. Her kindness and compassion moved the Emperor of Heaven, who granted her to become the god of protecting love and marriage after her death. Over the centuries, people have come to Kushida Shrine to pray for blessings and find good matches. Over time, the shrine has become a sacred place for lovers.
Ritual of worship or Procedure for paying respects.
Step 1: Wash your hands and mouth at the water basin on the first floor to cleanse your body and mind.
Step 2: Offer incense money, usually a 5 yen or 50 yen coin.
Step 3: Bow twice, join your palms together, and bow once more.
Step 4: Shake the bell on the rope to attract the attention of the gods.
Step 5: Silently pray for your wish.
Step 6: Lower your hands and bow one last time, completing the ritual.
To consult a oracle, one must do it this way.
Fortune-telling (omikuji) is a major feature of Kushida Shrine. You can purchase fortune slips at the shrine office for about 100 yen. If you draw an unlucky slip, you can hang it on a tree branch near the shrine, hoping for divine protection and a change in fate; if you draw a lucky slip, you can take it home and pray for good luck to follow.
Love Essentials: Amulets and Limited Edition Ema Paintings
Besides fortune-telling, you can also purchase limited edition charms and ema (votive plaques) at Kushida Shrine. Charms are amulets that pray for safety, each with different prayer themes such as health, academics, and travel safety. Ema are wooden plaques inscribed with wishes and hung in the shrine. The pink heart-shaped ema of Kushida Shrine is unique and a must-have item for those seeking love!
