Sumiyoshi Shrine

It was a quiet weekday morning visit to the shrine. The shrine staff were cleaning the grounds, and the shrine office was accommodating. They offer a goshuin for ¥500. We visited during the last week of September 2025. It’s a walkable shrine within the Canal City area.

Sumiyoshi Shrine, located just a short walk from Hakata Station, is a peaceful and compact shrine with serene grounds that offer a welcome break from the city. While small, it holds cultural significance as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Fukuoka, dedicated to the protection of sailors. Entry is free, and when we visited on a weekday afternoon, it was pleasantly quiet with few other visitors—ideal for a calm, reflective stop.

This shrine offers a spacious, peaceful retreat under a towering sacred tree, right in the middle of the city. Surrounded by modern buildings, it’s not hidden, yet it holds a deep sense of sanctity. Ceremonies are held here, and many people come to pray, adding to its spiritual atmosphere. I also took a walk to the nearby river, which has a fascinating historical story. The shrine is not only beautiful but also easy to find—a perfect spot for a quiet moment amid the urban landscape.

a must visit shrine in fukuoka. a bit restricted on taking photo but to enjoy the scenery, the shrine and observing the quietness. it is highly recommended

Big inner city shrine with grounds. Not too busy so you can have a calm walk around. Hand written Goshuin available.

It was a nice and quiet sinsa. No ticket required. There are some people who are praying so you need to be quite when you visit.

quiet atmosphere, the oldest Sumiyoshi Shrine among the three in Japan. minus 1 star for the ugly calligraphy 🤫

This is probably one of the most serene places that I have ever been to out here in Japan. It is not huge but it’s big enough that it will take you at least an hour to really see everything. The main shrine was meticulously manicured almost to perfection. In contrast to that, I think the water garden needs a little more love but it wasn’t an eyesore by any means. It has parking exclusively for the Shrine and a couple of entrances/exits in various directions.