Sacred Sites of Japan

This collection spans the spiritual landscape of Fukuoka, featuring ancient Shinto shrines and Zen Buddhist temples. It includes the UNESCO World Heritage site Munakata Taisha and Kushida Shrine, the city's oldest sanctuary. Visitors can explore the 91 torii gates of Ukiha Inari, the moss gardens of Komyozen-ji, and the mountain asceticism sites of Mt. Hiko. From grand coastal complexes to secluded hillside retreats, these sites offer deep insights into Japan’s religious architecture and history.

Sacred Sites of Japan — Harita

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Munakata Taisha Hetsu-gū

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

Pontafon / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Kushida Shrine

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

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

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.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Sōfuku-ji

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

Chris 73 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Komyozen-ji

Rinzai Zen temple famous for its "Karesansui" gardens, featuring the moss-covered "Land Garden" and the "Sea Garden" constructed with white pebbles.

F

Ukiha Inari Shrine

Hillside shrine known for its 91 red torii gates that create a tunnel-like path overlooking the Chikugo Plain.

G

Akama Shrine

Akama Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Muyo / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

飯盛神社本社（下宮）

Ancient shrine located at the base of Mt. Iimori, known for hosting traditional festivals and archery ceremonies.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Bairin-ji

Bairin-ji is a Rinzai temple in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Kōnanzan.

ChiefHira / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Chiriku Hachimangu

Chiriku Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Miyaki, Saga Prefecture, Japan.

Ginger1192 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

金富神社

Shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, historically theorized to be the original site (motomiya) of the grand Usa Hachimangu Shrine.

宗教法人英彦山神宮 / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Hikosan Jingū

Hikosan Jingū is a Shinto shrine located in Soeda, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan.

M

高住神社

Mountain shrine located on Mt. Hiko, traditionally serving as a sacred site for Shugendo practitioners and dedicated to the god of agriculture.

N

高妻神社

Small Shinto shrine located on the northern coast of Shikanoshima Island.

O

神宮寺

Buddhist temple situated on Shikanoshima Island, providing spiritual services to the local fishing community.

P

穴観音

Ancient cave site on Shikanoshima Island housing stone-carved images of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Q

恵比寿神社

Small coastal shrine on Shikanoshima Island dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity and fishing.

R

若宮神社

Local Shinto shrine situated on Shikanoshima Island.