Hakozakigu Shrine (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakozakigu Shrine?
What makes it 65% Kids-Friendly: Kids can roam safe flat grounds, draw fortunes, and enjoy September festival stalls, but there is no playground or interactive exhibit and festival crowds demand close supervision.
Positives:
- Shaded gravel paths: Children can safely walk and run on flat, tree-lined gravel paths.
- Hands-on crafts: Kids enjoy drawing wishes on ema plaques at the prayer board.
Challenges:
- Limited seating: Bench spots are few; bring a mat for rest breaks.
- Crowds during festivals: Hojoya Festival stalls can get busy; set a meeting spot for your family.
What is Hakozakigu Shrine?
- A 10th-century Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and archery
- One of Japan’s three major Hachiman shrines, alongside Usa Jingu and Iwashimizu Hachimangu
- A cultural heritage site noted for its vermilion torii gate, cypress-bark roofs and designated national treasures
What is so special about Hakozakigu Shrine for with kids?
- Flat paths under trees give kids space to run
- Fun crafts: ema plaques and easy English omikuji
- June hydrangea display and early-September Hojoya Festival
- Short visit fits young children’s attention spans
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Short visit lets kids explore grounds and do omikuji without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakozakigu Shrine
Run along the main approach:
Wide, straight path under trees leads from torii gate to shrine hall.
Tip: Let kids dash safely on the flat gravel and pause for photos at the torii.
Draw and hang ema plaques:
Wooden prayer boards where kids can write or draw wishes.
Tip: Buy 2–3 plaques and bring markers so each child can personalize one.
Try omikuji fortunes:
Traditional paper slips predicting your luck.
Tip: Kids shake the fortune box and read simple English fortunes; tie bad luck on the rack.
Explore Hydrangea Garden:
June event with 3,500 hydrangea blooms.
Tip: Look for butterflies and stop at the photo spots behind the shrine buildings.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakozakigu Shrine
- Visit early: Arrive before 10:00 to enjoy quieter grounds and shorter lines at omikuji.
- Combine activities: See June hydrangeas then head to the omikuji stand near the garden entrance.
Reviews of Hakozakigu Shrine
LA Francisco
The shrine is quiet and spacious. I added it to my list of Fukuoka shrines to visit, and it was a good call. I received the shrine’s limited glass goshuin for ¥1,000. Visited in late September 2025.
Big Dream
Three richly decorated mikoshi are permanently on display at Hakozakigū. They embody the three deities venerated here: Hachiman (Emperor Ōjin), Empress Jingū, and Tamayori-hime, key figures in the Shinto pantheon. These portable shrines are used during festivals to symbolically transport the gods.
Michelle Yeung
Nestled in a residential area is this bustling shrine with a large ground. There are restaurants and cafes opposite the shrine and sometimes you can see the planes overhead. Handwritten Goshuin available.
Anthony P
A very peaceful and amazing historical landmark in Fukuoka to visit. The shrine is very beautiful and mesmerizing. Easy to access via the train rail station near by and it is free to walk the grounds.
Reginald Williams
This is an interesting and beautiful shrine but my visit was distinguished, in particular, by a hydrangea festival. I was fortunate to arrive early enough in the season to avoid the crowds and to benefit from the 100 yen entrance fee as opposed to the 300 yen that it will soon cost (this is May 26, 2024), but just after a rainstorm had cleared and just as the hydrangea were shifting from budding t...
When is the best time to visit Hakozakigu Shrine (Fukuoka, Japan)?
June: Walk the hydrangea trail for colorful blooms. Early September: Attend the Hojoya Festival with 500+ food and game stalls.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hydrangea Garden admission (4×¥300) | JPY 1,200 |
| Omikuji fortunes (2×¥150) | JPY 300 |
| Ema plaques (2×¥800) | JPY 1,600 |
| Festival snacks/games (4 items×¥200) | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,900 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Hakozakigu Shrine
Address: 1-chōme-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0053, Japan
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About Hakozakigu 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 92-641-743110 BEST nearby Activities
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