
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Kitakyūshū, Japan
1. Katsurahime Shrine
An ancient shrine dedicated to the sea goddess Katsurahime, offering stunning views of Kagoshima Bay.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most famous shrines in Kitakyushu, dating back to the 8th century.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a unique combination of historical architecture with breathtaking sea views.
- Legendary Tale: Connected to the legend of Katsurahime, a mythical figure who protected fishermen and sailors.
2. Kuma-kurodani Temple
A serene Zen temple nestled in the lush forests of Yufuin, famous for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere.
- Zen Philosophy: Represents the tranquility and simplicity that is central to Zen Buddhism.
- Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
- Historic Importance: One of the oldest Zen temples in Kyushu, with a history dating back over 400 years.
3. Hojo-ji Temple
A beautiful temple with a unique floating garden, known for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
- Floating Garden: Features a traditional Japanese 'floating' garden on its pond.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
- Historical Significance: Established over 400 years ago, it holds a significant place in Kitakyushu's history.
4. Motoyama Shrine
A sacred shrine located on top of Mount Motoyama, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a breathtaking view of the entire Kitakyushu city.
- Spiritual Experience: A place of spiritual significance and offers a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Historic Value: Dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest shrines in Kitakyushu.
5. Sengen Shrine
A picturesque shrine located at the foot of Mount Aso, famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Mount Aso, it offers a unique blend of nature and spirituality.
- Cultural Significance: Is associated with the Aso Shrine Group, which is one of Japan's Historic Sites.
- Seasonal Attractions: Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
6. Hetsunomiya Shrine
A unique shrine with a thatched roof, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
- Architectural Style: Features a traditional thatched roof, making it a distinctive sight.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a tranquil and peaceful environment for visitors to relax and reflect.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 1,300 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
7. Shin-Yakuin Temple
A modern temple with a unique open-air architecture, providing a different perspective on traditional Japanese temples.
- Modern Design: Features an open-air design that offers a fresh take on traditional temple architecture.
- Spiritual Experience: Offers a unique and peaceful spiritual experience for visitors.
- Community Involvement: Actively involved in the community, offering various cultural events throughout the year.
8. Fujisaki Shrine
A serene shrine located near a beautiful pond, known for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful greenery and a tranquil pond, offering a peaceful setting.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest shrines in Kitakyushu.
- Seasonal Attractions: Famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring.
9. Jingo-ji Temple
A historic temple located on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a breathtaking view of the entire Kitakyushu city and its surroundings.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest temples in Japan.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique cultural experience through its historical architecture and artifacts.
10. Shokoku-ji Temple
A beautiful temple famous for its stunning autumn leaves and peaceful atmosphere.
- Natural Beauty: Famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage, creating a beautiful spectacle.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the 13th century and is one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyushu.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy.
11. Katano-gongen Shrine
A small but beautiful shrine located near a waterfall, known for its serene atmosphere and spiritual power.
- Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by beautiful greenery and a stunning waterfall, offering a peaceful setting.
- Spiritual Experience: Known for its spiritual power and offers a unique spiritual experience for visitors.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Kitakyushu.
12. Takatsu Shrine
A beautiful shrine located on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and a spiritual experience.
- Panoramic Views: Offers a breathtaking view of the entire Kitakyushu city and its surroundings.
- Spiritual Experience: Known for its spiritual power and offers a unique spiritual experience for visitors.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 1,200 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Kitakyushu.
13. Ho-on-ji Temple
A beautiful temple known for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring and peaceful atmosphere.
- Natural Beauty: Famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful spectacle.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 500 years, making it one of the oldest temples in Kitakyushu.
14. Tsubasa Shrine
A unique shrine located on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the sea and a spiritual experience.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a stunning view of the sea from its clifftop location.
- Spiritual Experience: Known for its spiritual power and offers a unique spiritual experience for visitors.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Kitakyushu.
15. Kinrin-ji Temple
A beautiful temple famous for its stunning autumn leaves and peaceful atmosphere.
- Natural Beauty: Famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage, creating a beautiful spectacle.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy.
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 400 years, making it one of the oldest temples in Kitakyushu.