Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)

Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, is the ichinomiya (chief shrine) of the old Chikuzen province. It enshrines the three Sumiyoshi deities together with Amaterasu and Empress Jingu, and has long been revered as a protector of seafarers. It stands only about eight minutes on foot from Hakata Station, yet the grounds are quiet, with tall trees and ponds. Together with Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka and Sumiyoshi Shrine in Shimonoseki, it is counted as one of the "Three Great Sumiyoshi" shrines.

The main hall dates from 1623, when the Fukuoka domain lord Kuroda Nagamasa restored the shrine, and it is an Important Cultural Property. Built in the Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, one of the oldest shrine architectural forms, it has a cypress-bark roof, vermilion pillars and white walls.

The grounds also have a Noh stage built in 1938, Tenryu Pond and eight auxiliary and minor shrines. The main autumn festival, the Sumai-e Taisai on October 13, features a procession of children, horseback archery and boys' sumo. A visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Kushida Shrine and the Nakasu food stalls are nearby.