Located not too far from the heart of Fukuoka City, Hakozaki Shrine has a rich history dating back over a millennium. Known for its flowers and annual festivals, this site is an easy trip to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Shrine History
Photo by: PIXTA/kei&yot One of the three great shrines dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Ojin.
Hakozaki Shrine is one of the three great shrines dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan, and his mother, Empress Jingu, both of whom enjoy near-legendary status in Japan. The main hall was largely destroyed during the Mongol invasions of 1274 and much of the complex suffered considerable damage in the wars of subsequent centuries.
Several buildings, including the main and worship halls as well as the torii gate (shrine gate), have been designated Important Cultural Treasures by the Japanese government.
Shin-en Flower Garden
Photo by: PIXTA/ ta313 Watch over 2,000 spring peonies blooming during April.
Shin-en Flower Garden is a circuit-style garden that allows visitors to explore sections of trees, moss, flowers and more. If you’re heading to Hakozaki in January or February, you’ll be treated to over 200 winter peonies that come in more than 20 types.
To protect the delicate plants from the wintery elements, each is housed under a wooden roof. Come back a few months later to enjoy over 2,000 spring peonies blooming during April. While many peonies reach full bloom at the beginning of the month, the Chinese varieties will be at their most glorious toward mid-April.
Annual Festivals
Photo by: PIXTA/ DATSUN This sand is believed to be sacred and holds purification powers.
Hakozaki Shrine hosts two Shrine Day Festivals which are held around the spring and autumn equinoxes. On these days, sand is gathered from the beach close to the shrine and made available for attendees to take home with them. This sand is believed to be sacred and holds purification powers that people can use to drive away pests from their property or bless the fields to ensure a good harvest. Visitors will also be able to enjoy food stalls, plants and woven baskets to carry the sand.
In the middle of September, the shrine holds the week-long Hojoya Festival which attracts upwards of a million and a half visitors each year. Along the one-kilometer stretch that leads to the shrine, more than 700 vendors set up their wares and tasty foods for visitors to enjoy. On the final day, birds and fish are released in a ritual that marks the end of the festival.
