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Thursday, August 28, 2025

A Peaceful Morning Exploring Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata, Fukuoka

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社) in Hakata, Fukuoka

In last year's trip to Hakata, my husband and I stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka—a spot familiar to those who’ve read my earlier posts. I'd heard that several shrines were within walking distance of JR Hakata Station, so I made it a point to include a few in our itinerary.

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社) was just a five-minute walk from our hotel and about eight minutes on foot from Hakata Station itself. With its peaceful atmosphere and rich history, the visit became one of our most memorable moments in Fukuoka.

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社)
3-1-51 Sumiyoshi

Hakata-ku, Fukuoka

Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata is one of the oldest shrines in Kyushu, dating back over 1,800 years. It was a sacred place where sailors used to pray for safe travels before heading overseas.

Torii Gate (鳥居)

Before passing through the entrance torii gate, bow respectfully, then proceed into the shrine grounds.

Temizuya (手水舎)

Purify your body and mind using the water at the temizuya (purification fountain).

Take the ladle in your right hand and pour water over your left hand.
Switch the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
Hold the ladle in your right hand again, pour water into your left palm, and gently rinse your mouth (without touching the ladle to your lips). Then pour water once more over your left hand.
Hold the ladle upright to let the remaining water flow down the handle, cleansing it, then place it back face down.

It was very quiet and peaceful in the morning. A little black cat was chilling by a stone monument—such a calm scene.

The Honden of Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社御本殿)

This is the honden, the main hall of Sumiyoshi Shrine where the gods are enshrined. The bright red building and quiet surroundings give it a really peaceful vibe.

The Honden of Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社御本殿) and Komainu (狛犬)

This stone lion-dog at Sumiyoshi Shrine is called a komainu—it stands guard to keep bad spirits away.

The Statue of Ancient Sumo Wrestler (古代力士像)

This statue at Sumiyoshi Shrine shows an ancient sumo wrestler. People say the wrinkles on his right hand look like the kanji for “strength” (力), so touching it might give you a power boost!

The Statue of Ancient Sumo Wrestler (古代力士像)

Ema (絵馬)

These are ema (絵馬), which are little wooden plaques you see at shrines like Sumiyoshi Shrine. People write their wishes on them—stuff like good luck, health, or passing exams—and hang them up hoping the gods will help out.

Torii (鳥居)

Inari Shrine (稲荷神社)

At Sumiyoshi Shrine, there’s a smaller Inari Shrine (稲荷神社) with rows of red torii gates and fox statues wearing red bibs. It’s a quiet spot where people pray for good luck, success, and prosperity—foxes are said to be messengers of the god Inari.

Inari Shrine (稲荷神社)

　　 Visiting Sumiyoshi Shrine in the morning was super relaxing—quiet paths, cool spots, and a nice peaceful vibe all around. If you're ever in Hakata, it's definitely worth a calm walk through.

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.

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A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants

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Thursday, August 21, 2025

A 6.85-Mile Stroll Across Fukuoka: Nishijin Street, Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle & Yanagibashi Market

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

As I mentioned in a previous post, my husband and I visited Hakata in Fukuoka last year. One of the things I most looked forward to was walking through Ohori Park (大濠公園) and the Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地) as part of our fitness routine—we both love walking and hiking. I had only visited this area once before as a teenager during the Nishinihon Ohori Fireworks Festival, so it had been many years. Revisiting it felt nostalgic and refreshing.

We began our walk from Fujisaki subway station (藤崎駅), since I had a check-up appointment with an ophthalmologist nearby. From there, we passed through Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街), Ohori Park, the Fukuoka Castle Remains, and finally the lively Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), ending our journey at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka by IHG, where we stayed just a short walk from JR Hakata Station. In total, we walked 6.85 miles (11 km)—a lovely urban hike through some of Fukuoka’s most charming neighborhoods. If you’d prefer a more direct route to Ohori Park, starting at Ohori Park Station may be more convenient.

My Walking Summary

Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭) in Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

While walking along Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街), we stopped by Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭), a shop specializing in a beloved Japanese dessert known by several names: Imagawayaki (今川焼), Kaitenyaki (回転焼), and Obanyaki (大判焼). These treats are made by baking a batter filled with sweet azuki bean paste in a round iron mold, creating a warm, fluffy cake with a rich, comforting center.

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭) in Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

My husband adores sweetened red bean paste, and the Houraku Manju were baked fresh on-site—the warm aroma drifting through the street was impossible to resist. We bought one for 110 yen and later enjoyed it while relaxing at Ohori Park (大濠公園).

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭)

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭)

4-9-18-1 Nishijin

Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-City

Fukuoka

My Walking Summary (Ohori Park to Fukuoka Castle Remains)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園) is a historic and scenic oasis in the heart of Fukuoka, featuring a large pond, islands, bridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

The centerpiece, Ohori Pond (大濠池), is expansive and serene. A walking path encircles the pond, stretching just over two kilometers—popular among joggers, pet walkers, and those enjoying a peaceful stroll by the water.

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

We spotted a graceful egret expertly catching small fish, adding a touch of nature’s drama to the calm surroundings.

Kangetsu Bashi (観月橋) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

In the center of the pond lies Naka no Shima, a small island accessible by bridge. As we crossed Kangetsu Bashi (観月橋), we admired the vibrant Nishikigoi (錦鯉)—large, colorful Japanese koi carp gliding through the water below.

Nishikigoi (錦鯉) in Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Our destination was Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂), one of the park’s most iconic features. This elegant structure sits on an island and is connected to the shore by four bridges: Kangetsu (観月), Shogetsu (松月), Chamura (茶村), and Satsuki (皐月).

Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

After exploring, we continued along the path to Starbucks Coffee Fukuoka Ohori Park, where we ordered a Matcha Cream Frappuccino (抹茶クリームフラペチーノ) and took a restful break. We watched runners pass by as we relaxed—it really looked like a great place to jog. Ohori Pond is actually one of the most popular running spots in Fukuoka, with peaceful water views and a well-maintained loop that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Starbucks at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Starbucks Coffee – Fukuoka Ohori Park
1-8 Ohorikoen
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園)

From Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園), we made our way to the Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地), a historical site that preserves the remnants of one of Kyushu’s largest castles, originally built in the early 17th century.

Najimamon (名島門)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Nestled within the park’s greenery, the area felt serene and almost hidden—we saw only a handful of visitors, likely fellow tourists. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy peaceful walks surrounded by history and nature.

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

The views from the castle grounds were breathtaking. From the elevated walkway, we could see the cityscape of Fukuoka stretching out before us, with landmarks like Fukuoka Tower (福岡タワー) and the Fukuoka PayPay Dome (福岡PayPayドーム) clearly visible in the distance. The contrast between ancient stone walls and modern architecture was striking.

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

The View from Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

We snapped this photo from the Fukuoka Castle Remains—an incredible view of Fukuoka city unfolding beyond layers of summer greenery and a wide, open sky.

After soaking in the scenery, we continued our walk toward Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), ready to explore another layer of Fukuoka’s vibrant culture.

Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

By the time we arrived at Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), we were starving—perfect timing for lunch. This market is one of the most popular in Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its compact layout and vibrant stalls. Some vendors specialize in fresh seafood, while others offer dried goods and local groceries, creating a lively mix of sights and smells.

Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

As I mentioned in a previous entry, the market is home to several seafood restaurants, and we chose to eat at Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚)—a fishmonger that also runs a small restaurant. That means the seafood they serve is incredibly fresh, often sourced straight from their own stall.

Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚) in Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

📍 Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚) 1-6-4 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (Last order: 2:30 PM)

Kaisen don (海鮮丼)

We ordered a Kaisen don (海鮮丼) for 1,100 yen, a Makanai don (まかない丼) for 900 yen, and a Deep-Fried Horse Mackerel (アジフライ) for 350 yen. Each dish was beautifully prepared and bursting with freshness. It was easily one of the best lunches we had during this trip—so satisfying after walking for nearly four hours.

Makanai don (まかない丼)

Deep-Fried Horse Mackerel (アジフライ) Half Size

After that satisfying meal, we made our way back to the hotel feeling full, happy, and a little tired from all the walking. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring Fukuoka on foot.

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