FukuokaLeisure

Kashii Shrine (香椎宮), Shrine of the Divine Couple

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Enjoy the sea breeze and lawns at a park on a man-made island overlooking Hakata Bay, previewing the fireworks venue of Kashiihama in daylight

About this spot

This is the head shrine of all Kashii Shrines nationwide, dedicated to Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu as its principal deities. It is just a short walk from JR Kashiimiya-mae Station, and about a 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Kashii Station. The approach is lined with towering camphor trees several hundred years old, and the air of the forest, vivid with fresh spring greenery, makes for a refreshing start before the lively fireworks festival. The main hall is built in a unique architectural style called Kashii-zukuri, a precious structure found nowhere else in Japan. The grounds are spacious, and you can take a leisurely walk around them, including the auxiliary shrines and pond. If you would like a goshuin (shrine stamp), it is available at the shrine office, so allow yourself plenty of time to stop by.

Tips

About a 3-minute walk from Kashiimiya-mae Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line, and also about a 3-minute walk from Kashiimiya-mae Station on the Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line. Visiting is free. The grounds are spacious, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. April is also a beautiful time for flowers, making it ideal for photos. It is not very crowded, so you can visit at a relaxed pace.