A Peaceful Morning Exploring Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata, Fukuoka

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.