A place story by Momo
Shinto shrine
About this place
A 13-meter yamakasa and a 1,000-year-old ginkgo await!
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A decorative yamakasa float about 13 meters tall stands in an open area of Kushida Shrine’s grounds. That’s a big centerpiece to spot on a visit! The shrine is central to the festival rites of Hakata Gion Yamakasa and is known as Hakata’s guardian shrine. Locals also call it “Okushida-san.” 😲
Near the entrance, look for Meoto Icho, the sacred ginkgo tree that’s over 1,000 years old. The main sanctuary, which enshrines the deities Ohatamochi-no-Okami, Amaterasu, and Susanoo, has animal carvings throughout its structure. Take a moment to look for those details as you pay your respects. 👀
Planning around a festival? Hakata Gion Yamakasa takes place in July, and Hakata Okunchi in October. Hakata Matsubayashi processions also traditionally set out from the shrine. Kushida Shrine-mae Station is a 1-minute walk away, so you can easily add a stop here to a stroll through Hakata. Start by looking up at that enormous yamakasa! 🎊
The towering yamakasa
An approximately 13-meter decorative yamakasa is displayed in an open area of the shrine grounds. As a center for the festival rites of Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Kushida Shrine has a special connection to this sight. Get close and look up to take in its scale 🤩
Ginkgo and sanctuary carvings
Near the entrance stands Meoto Icho, a sacred ginkgo tree over 1,000 years old. The main sanctuary enshrines three deities, and animal carvings appear throughout the building. Keep an eye out for both the tree and the carved details as you pay your respects 🌿
Festival dates and access
Hakata Gion Yamakasa takes place in July, and Hakata Okunchi in October. Kushida Shrine-mae Station is a 1-minute walk away; Gion Station is 5 minutes on foot, and Nakasu-Kawabata Station is 8 minutes. The nearest parking is 110 meters away, about a 2-minute walk 🚶
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 09:00–17:00