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Cute photo spots and charms are the talk of the town! Genjin Shrine (Nakagawa City), the god of career luck and lovemaking
Hello. I'm Ucchi, who loves delicious food and going out.
This time, we will introduce Arahito Shrine in Nakagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, which is also attracting attention as a tourist spot.
Arahito Shrine (Nakagawa City), the guardian deity of luck in business and love
Genjin Shrine is located in a residential area of Nakagawa City, about 30 minutes by car from the center of Fukuoka City. This shrine enshrines the "Sumiyoshi Sanjin" (the three gods of Sumiyoshi), Sokotsutsuwo-no-mikoto, Nakatsutsuwo-no-mikoto, and Uwatsutsuwo-no-mikoto, who are known as gods who purify impurities and guide people.
Founded about 1,800 years ago, it is said to be the birthplace of Sumiyoshi Shrine, which enshrines the three Sumiyoshi gods and has over 2,000 branches across the country.
Image: Ucchi
It is said that when Empress Jingu was on an expedition to the Three Kingdoms of Korea, the Sumiyoshi Sanshin appeared to her in human form, calmed the raging waves during the voyage, and encouraged her to ensure the success of the expedition. To express her gratitude, the Empress built a shrine here. It is said that the origin of the shrine is that the Sumiyoshi Sanshin were enshrined as "Arahitogami" (living gods) who appeared in the present world.
Image: Ucchi
In honor of Empress Jingu's achievements, the Sumiyoshi Sanjin Shrine is known as the "god of career luck" that helps people accomplish their work. It is revered for its benefits in improving career luck, business prosperity, and prayers for finding employment.
Image: Ucchi
In addition to business, it is also known for its benefits in helping with love, as it connects people together.
A popular photo spot on social media! A corridor that changes with the seasons
The corridor in front of the main hall, decorated with various seasonal decorations, has been a hot topic on social media for its photo-taking potential. Windmills in spring, wind chimes in summer, and lanterns in autumn - all so cute they'll bring a smile to your face. The corridor is lit up from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., creating a fantastic atmosphere that's a little different from the daytime.
Please check the official Instagram for details on the event dates.
Spring (usually late April to late June): "Giraffe"
Approximately 1,000 colorful pinwheels appear in the corridor every year from late April to late June. When the wind blows, they spin around in a flash, which is a spectacular sight! The sound of them rattling around is also very pleasant.
Image: Genjin Shrine
Summer (usually from early July to mid-September): "Wish-making Wind Chimes"
Every year from early July to mid-September, the "Negai Musubi Wind Chimes" event takes place. Hundreds of colorful wind chimes are hung in the corridors. As the name "Negai Musubi" suggests, you can write your wish on a strip of paper and hang it on the wind chimes (300 yen).
It is an especially popular decoration in the corridor, and is bustling with people taking photos in yukata and jinbei during the "Nagoshi Festival" (July 31st), when people entrust their sins and impurities to the dolls, which are then purified and prayers are made for good health, and during the summer holidays.
Image: Genjin Shrine
When the wind blows, a pleasant chime resonates in the temple grounds. It's amazing how just hearing it makes you feel cooler. Apparently, the sound of wind chimes has been used to ward off evil spirits since ancient times.
It's nice during the day, but when it's lit up at night, the sight of the wind chimes floating in the darkness is breathtakingly beautiful.
Image: Genjin Shrine
The color of the wind chimes changes every year, but the color for 2025 is planned to be pastel. We're looking forward to it!
Image: Genjin Shrine *Photo from a past event
Autumn (usually late October to early December): "Koi Bonbori"
The "Love Bonbori" festival is usually held from late October to early December. Pink, lavender, red, and white lanterns are hung in the corridors as a guide to finding a good match, and in hopes of bringing "new happiness" into your future.
Like the "Wish Wind Chimes," you can write your wish on a strip of paper (300 yen) and hang it up.
As this coincides with the Shichi-Go-San festival period, you can often see adorable children having their photos taken under the lanterns.
Image: Ucchi
Although you can't enjoy the sound of the lanterns like you can with pinwheels or wind chimes, watching them sway gently in the breeze is very soothing.
Image: Genjin Shrine
The atmosphere changes completely when it is lit up, so be sure to check out both.
Image: Genjin Shrine
Winter (usually late January to late February): "Oni-kuguri"
Although it is not a corridor, an "oni-kuguri" (demon passage) is set up in front of the main hall every year from late January to late February to coincide with Setsubun.
There are many "Otafukumon" gates, but this one is unusual, with a demon waiting with its mouth wide open.
This is based on the legend of the Japanese folk tale "Issun-boshi."
Image: Genjin Shrine
An elderly couple who were unable to have children prayed to the Sumiyoshi Three Gods and were granted the child "Issun-boshi". When he grew up, he boldly jumped into the ogre's mouth and rescued the imprisoned princess. The ogre then dropped a "mallet of good fortune" which caused him to grow into a fine young man, marry the princess, and achieve high status and happiness... It is said that the "demon-passing" is a ritual to help people achieve the same good fortune as Issun-boshi.
The 2025 event will run until Friday, February 28th. Why not try going through the demon's mouth?
The gorgeous and eye-catching "flower water fountain"
"Hana-chozu" is a chozu (water basin) used to purify the hands and mouth, with flowers floating in the basin.
Genjin Shrine is decorated with flowers purchased from Flower Design Adonis, which is also located in Nakagawa City.
Image: Ucchi
The exhibits change regularly, so it's always fun to visit!
Image: Genjin Shrine
It would also be a gorgeous idea to take a photo with your amulet or temple seal as the background.
Image: Ucchi
Collaboration with popular illustrators! Goshuin and omamori charms are also popular
Genjin Shrine is also known for the wide variety and designs of goshuin and amulets it offers.
Among the most popular designs are those by Naoya Isayama, a popular illustrator from Nakagawa City! This is the "Koi Bonbori Goshuin Book" (2,500 yen with inscribed Goshuin) which can be purchased all year round.
Image: Genjin Shrine
This is the "Gold Leaf Illustration Goshuin" (initial offering fee: 1,500 yen) that appears twice a year (June and January) in limited quantities. The photo shows the one that appeared in January 2025, limited to the Year of the Snake. It is lavishly decorated with three types of gold leaf and is meant to bring good luck and fortune.
*Distribution will end once stock runs out.
Image: Genjin Shrine
The original charms are also extremely cute, such as the "Marriage Charm" (1,000 yen) designed with a red thread of thread, and the "Happiness Charm" (1,000 yen) designed with a love lantern.
Also worth checking out is the newly released "Nami Usagi" (2,000 yen) amulet that will help you ride all the waves smoothly and bring you good luck and success.
Image: Genjin Shrine
There are also "Zodiac Fortunes" (500 yen). There is also a spot where the zodiac fortunes are lined up in a cute heart shape!
Image: Ucchi
Genjin Shrine is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature, with cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, and ginkgo trees in the fall.
Image: Genjin Shrine
Everyone, please come and visit. (Text by Ucchi)
＜Click on the facility name for more information about the facility ↓＞
■ Arahito Shrine
Address: 3-6-20 Naka, Nakagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Shrine office hours: 9:00-17:00
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
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※Text and images:
*Photo: Genjin Shrine
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