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Thursday, September 4, 2025

Hakata’s Hidden Railway Shrine: Just Above the Bustle of JR Station

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子) at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)

During last year’s trip to Hakata, my husband and I stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka—a familiar spot for those who’ve followed my previous posts. Knowing that several shrines were within walking distance of JR Hakata Station, I made it a point to include a few in our itinerary.

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社): About an 8-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
Railway Shrine (鉄道神社): Tucked away on the rooftop of JR Hakata Station

This time, we chose to visit the Railway Shrine (鉄道神社) for the first time. I hadn’t known that such a place existed—nestled quietly atop the bustling JR Hakata City building. You’ll find it at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば), a rooftop plaza that feels worlds away from the station’s busy concourse below.

Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)
Rooftop of JR Hakata City

1-1 Hakataekichūō-gai,
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City,
Fukuoka, Japan

Hour: 10 am to 11 pm

Railway Shrine (鉄道神社) at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)

The Railway Shrine honors Sumiyoshi Ōkami, a deity known for protecting travelers and transportation. His spirit was transferred from Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata Ward, giving this rooftop spot a special connection. Today, it’s loved by railway workers and train fans alike—many see it as the main shrine for all things railway-related.

The Third Gate (Dream Gate), 夢門

There are three torii gates here, each with its own special meaning:

Star Gate (星門): Said to ward off bad luck and clear away misfortune.
Gate of Good Fortune (福門): Believed to invite blessings and keep you safe on your travels.
Dream Gate (夢門): Symbolizes forming meaningful connections and attracting good relationships.

Walking through each gate feels like a quiet ritual—like you're setting intentions with every step.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

After walking through the third torii, you’ll come across a ring of torii gates arranged in a circle. Right in the middle stands the Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)—a statue of seven lucky gods who are said to help people form special bonds.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

The ‘Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi’ is a sculpture depicting children playing train atop a map of Kyushu Island.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

It’s said that if you gently pat the heads of the little ones in the sculpture, your wishes might just come true.

Honden (本殿), The Main Shrine

The main shrine, called Honden (本殿), enshrines Sumiyoshi Ōkami, the deity of the Railway Shrine.

The relief of Hermann Rumschöttel, a German railway engineer

Near the shrine, you’ll spot a bronze relief of Hermann Rumschöttel—a German railway engineer who helped shape Japan’s railway system during the Meiji era. He’s often called the “Father of Railways” in Japan for the big role he played in modernizing train technology.

Rooftop Farm

Rice Paddy

Tsubame no Mori Hiroba has a tiny rooftop farm with a rice paddy tucked into the greenery. The golden rice ears shimmered in the sunlight—simple, quiet, and beautiful.

Tsubame Train (つばめ電車)

Kuro Train (くろ電車)

One of the cutest parts of the rooftop garden is the little Tsubame Train that loops around the Sky Plaza. There are two versions—one bright red and one black with the rooftop mascot, Kuro-chan, riding along. Depending on the day, you’ll see either the red “Tsubame Train” or the “Kuro Train” chugging by.

Observation Deck

The View from the Observation Deck

At the top of JR Hakata City, there’s an observation deck 60 meters up where you can soak in wide views of Hakata. It’s a great spot to pause and take in the city from above.

Just below the edge where people stand and take in the view, solar panels catch the sunlight—quietly powering the station’s green future and reflecting Hakata’s push toward clean energy.

The View from the Observation Deck

If you’re ever at JR Hakata Station, make sure to swing by the Railway Shrine. It’s a quiet little spot with history and charm tucked right into the rooftop garden.

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.