Sumiyoshi Shrine (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sumiyoshi Shrine?
What makes it 71% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy counting koi, fortune slips, and October children’s sumo, yet there is no playground, interactive display, or kid-friendly café, and restrooms are basic without child seats.
Positives:
- Free entry: Shrine grounds open 9:00–17:00 with no admission fee.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Most walkways are paved and level for strollers or young legs.
- Interactive activities: Kids can draw omikuji, touch the statue, and watch carp.
Challenges:
- Limited onsite amenities: No dedicated nursing rooms or diaper-changing stations are available.
- Festival crowds: October events attract many visitors and can feel busy around the gates.
What is Sumiyoshi Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine that honours the Sumiyoshi Sanjin—gods of sea navigation and waka poetry—dating back to ancient Chikuzen province
- Showcases Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture through its straight-roofed main hall, which the government protects as a national treasure
- Nestles within a tree-filled park that once formed a cape at the mouth of the Nakagawa River, underscoring its historical role as a tutelary shrine for sailors
What is so special about Sumiyoshi Shrine for with kids?
- Free admission and stroller-friendly paved paths.
- Interactive activities: omikuji, statue touch, and carp watching.
- Explore 17th-century Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture.
- Photo spots under vermilion torii and by ancient camphor trees.
- Family-friendly seasonal events around October 13.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can explore the main hall, carp pond, torii gates, and hands-on activities at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sumiyoshi Shrine
Count carp at Tenryu Pond:
Let kids watch and count the large carp in the pond.
Tip: Visit early when pond is calm for better viewing and photos.
Touch the sumo wrestler statue:
Have children touch the statue’s right hand for a fun “power” ritual.
Tip: Ask kids to mimic the pose for playful photos.
Draw and tie omikuji:
Each family member can draw a fortune slip and tie it to the rack.
Tip: Bring ¥100 per person and show kids how to tie their omikuji knots.
Walk under vermilion torii gates:
Stroll along the shaded path of red gates and ancient camphor trees.
Tip: Point out the straight-roofed main hall visible at the end of the gates.
Ride a rickshaw to the shrine:
Take a ten-minute rickshaw ride from Hakata Machiya to the shrine grounds.
Tip: Book at the rental stand in advance; kids under 3 often ride free on a lap.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sumiyoshi Shrine
- Visit at opening: Arrive around 9:00 to enjoy quieter paths and photo spots.
- Book rickshaw early: Reserve your ride before arrival to secure a family seat.
Reviews of Sumiyoshi Shrine
Hà Minh Dũng
a must visit shrine in fukuoka. a bit restricted on taking photo but to enjoy the scenery, the shrine and observing the quietness. it is highly recommended
Michelle Yeung
Big inner city shrine with grounds. Not too busy so you can have a calm walk around. Hand written Goshuin available.
Siu Y Lo
I visited the shrine on 7 May 2025, which was just one day after the public holidays in Japan, therefore there were only a few visitors in the shrine. It is a small shrine located not far from Hakata station. There is not much to offer for tourists as the shrine looks a bit typical and local. However, it provides a certain degree of tranquility in the city of Fukuoka, which can be a good refreshin...
Natthakit Yodrach
This shrine offers a spacious, peaceful retreat under a towering sacred tree, right in the middle of the city. Surrounded by modern buildings, it’s not hidden, yet it holds a deep sense of sanctity. Ceremonies are held here, and many people come to pray, adding to its spiritual atmosphere. I also took a walk to the nearby river, which has a fascinating historical story. The shrine is not only bea...
Julio Isaac
This is probably one of the most serene places that I have ever been to out here in Japan. It is not huge but it’s big enough that it will take you at least an hour to really see everything. The main shrine was meticulously manicured almost to perfection. In contrast to that, I think the water garden needs a little more love but it wasn’t an eyesore by any means. It has parking exclusively for the...
When is the best time to visit Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka, Japan)?
Plan your visit around October 13 to catch the free children’s shrine procession, archery demos, and local sumo matches.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Omikuji draw (per person) | JPY 100 |
| Rickshaw ride (per person) | JPY 1,000 |
| Sumo charm (per piece) | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 6,400 |
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 Sumiyoshi Shrine
Address: 3-chōme-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
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About Sumiyoshi 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 92-291-267010 BEST nearby Activities
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