"4 Things You'll Know About Kushida Shrine in Hakata , Fukuoka" People tend to go through the mouth of the Otafuku mask

1. Locals affectionately call it "Okushida-san"

 

Kushida Shrine , located halfway between Tenjin Station and Hakata Station, is the oldest shrine in Hakata and serves as the main guardian deity of the area.

 

He is affectionately known as "Okushida-san" by locals and is widely loved.

 

This is a familiar phrase from the commercial for the Fukuoka souvenir "Torimon," but it seems that people who are living in Fukuoka for the first time or Tourism sometimes wonder, "Who is O-Kushida? Where is he from?"

 

Kushida Shrine is also famous as the shrine where Hakata's summer festival, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, is dedicated. A 13m tall decorated Yamakasa is on display all year round (except June ) , making it a popular Tourism spot.

 

This is a shrine that locals take pride in, as it is said to grant blessings such as prosperity in business, matchmaking, marital harmony, and eternal youth and longevity.

2. Try to lift the Chikaraishi test stone

 

Lined up to the south of the main hall of Kushida Shrine are the "Chikaraishi" (power stones). These large oval stones were once used by men who boasted of their strength to test it out.

 

At Kushida Shrine, it is said that the "chikaraishi" (power stones) show that many people during the Edo period made sumo show business their occupation, and there are also power stones donated by yokozuna wrestlers such as Hakuho and Asashoryu.

 

Below it is a touchable strength stone called a "test stone," and once you see it, Familiar want to try lifting it.

 

It's quite heavy, so if you're confident in your strength, please give it a try.

 

 

3. I tend to go through the mouth of the Otafuku mask

 

Around the time of Setsubun at Kushida Shrine, an "Otafuku mask" that brings good fortune is placed at the main gate.

 

It is the largest in Japan, measuring 5.3m in height and 5m in width, and is a famous Setsubun attraction.

 

It is said that if you pray through the wide-open mouth, you will be granted blessings of prosperity in business and safety in your home, and the shrine is bustling with visitors every year.

 

Many Tourism visit the place, but it's also Familiar for locals to feel the urge to go through the mouth of the Otafuku mask at this time of year. I am one of them.

 

Passing through the giant mouth and praying for blessings and good fortune has become a seasonal sight in February in Fukuoka.

4. Jealous people tend to buy things even when they are full

 

In front of the gate on the Kawabata-dori shopping street side is Kushida Teahouse, famous for its Hakata specialty, Kushida no Yakimochi.

 

Each and every yakimochi is handmade, with a crispy, fragrant sticking-out mochi and a delicious texture from the moderately sweet bean paste. We recommend eating it freshly baked.

 

Another reason for their popularity is that they can be easily purchased for around 150 yen each, making them a great snack to snack on while strolling around.

 

After walking around and praying at Kushida Shrine, I almost always buy one when I head towards Canal City Hakata.

 

No matter how full I am after breakfast or lunch, I tend to buy some delicious Kushida Yakimochi as a snack.

 

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Kushida Shrine has been loved by locals for a long time. There are plenty of seasonal attractions, such as the Hakata Matsubayashi festival of the Hakata Dontaku in spring, the Hakata Gion (Hakata Old Town) festival in summer, the Hakata Okunchi festival in autumn, and the Otafuku masks in winter. Why not stop by for a visit while you're out for a stroll?

 

 

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