Top 3 Popular Shrines to Visit for Hatsumode in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a city rich in history and renowned for its vibrant food culture, is a popular destination for year-end and New Year travel. It is also home to many excellent spots for hatsumode, the traditional first shrine visit of the year. With numerous historic shrines throughout the city, visitors can offer prayers for academic success, victory and good fortune, or prosperity in business.

Among them, three shrines stand out as especially appealing for sightseeing, each offering a solemn atmosphere and deep cultural significance. In the New Year, Fukuoka is filled with energy and festive cheer, and one of its charms is the ability to enjoy local cuisine and stroll through the city alongside your shrine visit. Welcoming the new year while experiencing these traditions makes for a memorable travel moment.

For those looking to begin 2026 on a refreshing and positive note, here are three must-visit shrines in Fukuoka for hatsumode.

A Deity of Learning and Matchmaking: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

When it comes to Fukuoka, this is one place you simply can’t miss. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines across Japan and enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship.

The shrine grounds are rich in cultural value, and the current main hall is said to have been built in 1591. Its dignified and solemn appearance warmly welcomes visitors. During the New Year period, large numbers of worshippers come to pray for success in examinations and academic achievement, making it especially popular with students and those in the midst of exam season.

The surrounding grounds are also famous for their plum blossoms, with the legend of the “Tobiume” (Flying Plum Tree) being particularly well known. Along the approach to the shrine, you’ll find many shops selling the local specialty umegae mochi, allowing visitors to enjoy a bit of street food while soaking in the atmosphere after their visit. Offering a blend of history, faith, and local flavors, Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic spots for hatsumode.

Hours	Please note that hours and schedules may differ during the year-end and New Year period. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Address	4-7-1 Dazaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	・Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel: Walk to Gion Station. Take the Kuko (Airport) Line to Tenjin Station. Walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line, and get off at Dazaifu Station. The shrine is about a 5-minute walk from the station.
URL	https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/

Kushida Shrine, Beloved by Locals

Kushida Shrine is the guardian shrine of Hakata and is affectionately known by locals as “Okushida-san.” With a history spanning over a thousand years, it is believed to bestow a wide range of blessings, including prosperity in business, household safety, and longevity.

Within the shrine grounds stands the sacred ginkgo tree known as Kushida no Icho, said to be over a thousand years old and revered as a symbol of prayers for long life. The shrine is also famous as the dedication site of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, one of Fukuoka’s most celebrated summer festivals. Elaborately decorated yamakasa floats are on display throughout the year, except in June, offering visitors a chance to experience local culture up close.

During the New Year period, the grounds are filled with a solemn atmosphere. Despite being located in the heart of the city, the shrine offers a calm setting where visitors can enjoy a peaceful moment of worship. Deeply connected to everyday life in Hakata, Kushida Shrine is an ideal place to offer prayers at the start of the year while experiencing Fukuoka’s unique cultural spirit.

Hours	Please note that hours and schedules may differ during the year-end and New Year period. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Address	1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	・Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel: About an 8-minute walk to the destination.
URL	https://gofukuoka.jp/spots/detail/26906

Hakozaki Shrine, Revered for Victory and Protection from Misfortune

Hakozaki Shrine is counted among the three major Hachiman shrines of Japan and has long been revered as a place to pray for victory and protection from misfortune. It enshrines Emperor Ojin as the primary deity, along with Empress Jingu and Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto, and is also believed to bestow blessings for business prosperity and success in important endeavors.

The shrine grounds are home to impressive historic structures, including its grand romon gate and torii gates, all of which carry significant cultural value. During the New Year period, the atmosphere becomes especially solemn, enhancing the sense of reverence felt by worshippers.

There are also several spots within the precincts associated with good fortune and rising luck, such as sacred trees and the Yushutsuseki (Spring Stone). For those hoping to make the coming year one of new challenges or who are approaching an important turning point in life, Hakozaki Shrine offers quiet encouragement. The stillness and sacred ambiance felt in the crisp winter air help strengthen one’s resolve for the year ahead.

Hours	Please note that hours and schedules may differ during the year-end and New Year period. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Address	1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	・Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel: Walk to Gion Station. Take the Hakozaki Line and get off at Hakozakigu-mae Station. The shrine is about a 3-minute walk from the station.
URL	https://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/pdf/english.pdf