Hakozaki-gū
筥崎宮
One of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines, famous for the 'Enemy Nations Subdued' plaque dedicated after the Mongol invasions. Its hydrangea garden in early summer is well known.
Hakozaki-gū was founded in 923. Together with Usa Jingū and Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū, it is one of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines, and it enshrines Emperor Ōjin. When Mongol forces attacked twice in the 13th century, the retired Emperor Kameyama prayed and dedicated the 'Enemy Nations Subdued' plaque, which still hangs on the Rōmon gate. The main hall, the worship hall and the gate are all nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. The Shinen Hanaen garden within the grounds has about 3,500 hydrangeas, and early June is the best time to see them. Admission to the garden is about 500 yen. The Hōjōe festival, held from September 12 to 18, is one of Hakata's three great festivals, with hundreds of stalls lining the approach. Getting there: about 3 minutes' walk from Hakozakigu-mae Station on the Hakozaki Line subway.
Opening hours
Grounds open all day; flower garden open seasonally
Nearby sights
- Shōfuku-ji
- Tōchō-ji
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Kushida Shrine
- Kawabata Shopping Arcade
- Canal City Hakata
- Nakasu Yatai Stalls
- Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)