Fukuoka is home to a lot of ancient shrines and temples way back from Heian Period (794 to 1185 AD) and I wouldn't missed it for anything, so my first stop is Kushida Shrine, few minutes walk from my hostel.
1.) Kushida Shrine (Shinto) - One of the oldest shrine in Fukuoka, that holds its famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. This Shrine is also the place to pray for eternal youth. Clap! Clap! Clap! Here's to forever young!!! LOL
* Open from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm
* Entrance Fee: FREE
* Nearest Station : Gion and Nakasukawabata Station
* Walking distance from The Gate Hostel
2.) Tocho-ji Temple - Built in 806 AD, making it the oldest Shingon Temple in Kyushu region. This temple is the repository of the remains of the second and third feudal lords of the Chikuzen Province (The Kuroda Family).
* Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
* Entrance Fee: FREE
* Nearest Station : Hakata Station
* Walking distance from The Gate Hostel
3.) Hakozaki Shrine - According to history this shrine is believed to have been built in the year 923 AD but was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1274. Most of the structures were reconstructed in the 15th Century. Hakozaki Shrine is one of the major Hachiman in Japan, together with the Oita's "Usajingu" and Kyoto's "Iwashimizu Hachiman". There is a large statue of Emperor Daijo Kameyama beside the main shrine and there is also an 800 year old tree near the entrance so make sure to check that out.
* Open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
* Entrance Fee: FREE
* How to get here from Tocho-ji Temple
- walk (10 minutes) going to Gofukumachi Station (Enter via Gate or Number 5)
- align the Hakozaki Line bound for Kaizuka, 3 stops
- get off at Hakozakimiya-mae station (Exit via Gate 1), 5 minutes walk you will arrived in Hakozaki Shrine (Fare: 210 YEN)
4.) Nanzoin Temple - is the home of the famous Reclining Budda statue with an impressive dimension of 41 meters in length, 11 meters in height and weighing at 300 tons. There is so much more to see in Nanzoin Temple aside from the Reclining Budda. The place is a large complex with many chapels and shrines scattered over the hillsides. There is the large Fudo Myo-o statue and the Inari shrine dedicated to the Shichifukujin, the seven lucky gods of Japan. If you have limited days in Fukuoka, I suggest you may skip all three site and just prioritize this one. Super worth it!!!
* Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
* Entrance Fee: FREE but (500 yen if you enter the prayer room)
* How to get here from Hakozaki Shrine
- walk (15 minutes) going to Yoshizuka Station (Enter via West Exit Gate)
- align the JR Fukuhokuyutaka Line Rapid bound for Nogata (Please make sure to check the time of the train departure as this is very confusing, there are a lot of trains on this platform, so make sure you board the right one. I almost took the wrong train here, glad I was able to find someone, who's a local in Nanzoin, so I tagged along with him.
- 4 Stops away. Get off at Kidonanzoin-mae Station.
- From the station, on your left side walk over the bridge, keep walking turn right in the intersection and you will arrived in Nanzoin Temple. (FARE: 280YEN)
