Hakozakigu shrine [筥崎宮]
Entrance gate of approach to Hakozakigu
Photo by Railstation.net
Main gate of Hakozakigu
Photo by Railstation.net
Hakozakigu is a Shinto shrine, and is located about 3 km north of JR Hakata station.
This shrine was founded to enshrine a few Emperor and Empress in Japanese myth in 921.
When Mongol military attacked this area in 1274 and 1281, Emperor Kameyama (1249-1305) prayed for the surrender of the enemy in this shrine.
In the result, "Kamikaze" (Wind of God) blew and Japan was rescued.
Since that, this shrine has been believed as a god of maritime transportation and defense of the country.
The first gate is near the fishing port and by a national road.
The approach runs to the precinct from west to east and the length is about 700 meters.
The precinct is about 200 meters from east to west and about 120 meters from north to south.
Haiden of Hakozakigu
Photo by Rettou Houmotsukan
Honden of Hakozakigu
Photo by Rettou Houmotsukan
There are Honden (本殿, Main hall) and Haiden (拝殿, Worship hall) built in 1546 in the center of the precinct.
There is Roumon gate (楼門) in front of the main shrine and it was built in 1594.
Roumon gate of Hakozakigu
Photo by Railstation.net
Tablet of Roumon gate
Photo by Railstation.net
A tablet is set up under the roof of Roumon.
The four Chinese characters are "敵國降伏" (Tekikoku-Kôfuku) and mean "Surrender of the enemy country".
The tablet was reproduced in 2003, and the characters are the copy of the handwriting of Emperor Kameyama.
How to get here
The nearest station of subway is Hakozakigu-mae (●H05 Hakozaki Line).
The shrine is near the station.
Or, by local train of JR Kagoshima Line, about 6 minutes from Hakata to Hakozaki.
Then, about 700 meters walk from Hakozaki station.
