Religious sites in Kyushu

Kyushu's Sacred Sites

Kyushu’s religious landscape features ancient Shinto shrines like the 8th-century Kushida Shrine and UNESCO-listed Munakata Taisha, alongside Buddhist landmarks such as the Zen temple Kofukuji. The region's unique history is preserved in Nagasaki’s Oura Cathedral and the brick architecture of Tabira Church. From the cave-set Udo-jingu to the record-breaking 3,333 stone steps leading to Shakain, these sites reflect a blend of indigenous beliefs, continental influences, and the heritage of hidden Christian communities.

Kyushu's Sacred Sites — Map

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Oura Catholic Church

The Oura Church or Oura Cathedral, officially the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, is a Catholic minor basilica and co…

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Munakata Taisha Hetsu-gū

Munakata Taisha is a collection of three Shinto shrines located in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Atsasebo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Tabira Church

Completed in 1918 by architect Tetsukawa Yosuke, this red-brick Catholic church is a National Important Cultural Property overlooking the Hirado Strait.

Pontafon / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Kushida Shrine

Founded in 757, the shrine is considered to be the oldest Shinto shrine in the city.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Sōfuku-ji

Sōfuku-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Yokodakezan.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Visit this Shinto shrine which is considered to be the oldest one on the Kyushu island. It is dedicated to gods of safe seafaring.

ぱちょぴ（投稿者）撮影

G

Urakami Cathedral

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral also St. Mary's Cathedral, often known as Urakami Cathedral after its location Urakami, is a Roman…

Fg2 / Public domain

H

Kofukuji Temple

This Zen temple is the oldest Chinese-founded temple in Nagasaki. It was erected in the 17th century, and serves as one of the most…

User:Sanjo / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Udo jingu

Udo-jingū is a Shinto shrine in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan, south of Aoshima.

JKT-c / CC BY 3.0

J

Aoshima Shrine

Aoshima-jinja is a Shinto shrine located on Aoshima Island, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

K

Kirishima Shrine

Kirishima-Jingū is a Shinto shrine located in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

L

Aoi Aso Shrine

Aoi Aso Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is colloquially known as Aoi-san.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

M

Kagoshima Shrine

Kagoshima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kirishima, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan.

Siwamura / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

北岡神社

This Shinto shrine is distinguished by two ancient camphor trees, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, which form a natural sacred gate.

STA3816 / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

釈迦院

A Tendai Buddhist temple famous for its approach via Japan’s longest stone stairway, consisting of 3,333 steps climbing the slopes of Mount Omine.

P

地蔵寺

Buddhist temple located in Oita Prefecture dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu.

Q

月浦キリスト教会

Christian place of worship located in the coastal area of Minamata.

R

Kurosaki Catholic church

A prominent red-brick church completed in 1920, built by the local community on a hill overlooking the sea in Nagasaki's Sotome district.

Other Lists

Kyūshū's Absolute Essentials Editor's Choice: Japan Highlights Kyushu Museums Journey Kyushu Castles Kyushu Heritage Sites Kyushu Parks and Gardens Kyushu's Best Viewpoints and Peaks Kyushu's Natural Wonders