Atago Shrine (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Atago Shrine?
What makes it 69% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enjoy festival games, bean-throwing and panoramic decks reached by the easier Onna-zaka slope. Lack of playgrounds and many stairs mean parents must supervise every moment.
Positives:
- Family-friendly access: Gentler “female slope” route and free elevator ease the climb.
- Free parking and open space: Large car park and plaza let kids stretch or picnic outdoors.
Challenges:
- Basic restrooms: Facilities lack baby seats or changing tables; bring portable supplies.
- Steep main stairs: The direct torii gate route is steep and can tire young children quickly.
What is Atago Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine perched on Atagoyama hill that serves as Fukuoka’s oldest shrine and a principal center for fire-protection and disaster-prevention worship
- One of Japan’s three major Atago Shrines, originally established as Washio Shrine to enshrine deities such as Tenjin and Izanagi and rededicated in 1901
- An architectural complex featuring ornate sculptures, steep stone stairways and a classical main hall that exemplifies traditional Shinto shrine craftsmanship
What is so special about Atago Shrine for with kids?
- Gentle uphill route with elevator access for kids.
- Rich shrine grounds featuring pagoda, Inari shrines and ema board.
- Seasonal events: cherry blossoms, summer festival, bean-catching.
- Free admission, simple budget for charms and stamps.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a gentle climb, exploring pagoda and small shrines, and breaks for kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Atago Shrine
Climb via the “female slope”:
Use the gentler steps from Muromi Station to avoid tiring little legs.
Tip: Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Ride the small elevator:
Skip part of the steep stairs by using the free elevator between parking levels.
Tip: Ask the shrine office staff for directions to the elevator entrance.
Explore the five-story pagoda and Inari shrines:
Let kids discover the small shrines and statues around the main hall.
Tip: Bring a small flashlight for shady corners under the pagoda.
Write and hang an ema prayer plaque:
Buy a wooden plaque and let each child draw or write a wish.
Tip: Share crayons or colored pencils to make it a family art project.
Picnic under cherry blossoms:
Late March–mid April offers 2,000 Kawazu cherry trees around the plaza.
Tip: Pack a blanket and snacks; evening illuminations start after sunset.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Atago Shrine
- Pack snacks and water: No on-site vending; keep kids hydrated and fueled during the climb.
- Visit off-peak times: Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid crowding on narrow paths.
Reviews of Atago Shrine
Hun Sern Tan
One of my favorite shrines to visit in Fukuoka! Nestled on top of a hill, it provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city by providing you time to relax and reset your mind. The main highlight was the beautiful panoramic view of the ocean with the buildings below surrounding the coast. You could also get some regular and limited edition goshuin here as well. Overall, highly reco...
L
You can enjoy beautiful view of Fukuoka. They have lots kind of 'omikuji'! there's access for an elevator if someone need it.
Vitalii Chumak
It's about 200 steps lead to the temple. Torii gates were under reconstruction last Saturday, so no chances to visit. But now it's obviously have refreshed torii gates. Nice city view. Some remains of the old temple or something on the top.
Manpreet Singh
Atago Shrine, located in the middle of Fukuoka City, promises to be a magnificent retreat. Atago Shrine is a magnificent example of how history and modernity can be harmoniously combined. It is situated on a hill in the middle of Fukuoka City, which is a bustling city. The most recent time I went to this cultural paradise, which offered a mesmerizing combination of Japanese history and a stunning...
Volodymyr H
Great views over the city and on good day you can make really nice photos. We had plenty of time in Fukuoka and visited this shrine twice to make some photos and to enjoy the scenenry. This is one of Japan's most potent deities is the fire deity, who lives on mountains, they serve as the residents' guardians as well as the cities' protectors. Both in the past and the present, fire has been used fo...
When is the best time to visit Atago Shrine (Fukuoka, Japan)?
Visit in early spring for cherry-blossom picnics and night lights. In July join the Hōzuki Summer Festival with lantern displays and festival games. On Feb 3 bring children to catch beans at the Setsubun ceremony.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Subway round-trip fares for family | JPY 1,440 |
| Child omamori charms (¥800×2) | JPY 1,600 |
| One wooden ema plaque | JPY 600 |
| Goshuin stamps for family (¥300×4) | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,840 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Atago Shrine
Address: 2-chōme-7-1 Atago, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0015, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Atago Shrine (Fukuoka)?
About Atago Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 92-881-010310 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities