[Sakurai Shrine] Limited to 30 per day! A legendary curry bread shop that you should visit as part of your first shrine visit of the year (Itoshima City)

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Hello. I'm Rumirumi, a native of Itoshima and currently living there.

This year is finally coming to an end. This time, we will introduce two things you should visit together: "First visit to Sakurai Shrine" and "The legendary curry bread shop"!

Sakurai Shrine, a shrine with a solemn atmosphere standing amidst greenery (Shimasakurai, Itoshima City)

Sakurai Shrine is the most famous shrine in Itoshima City. It is worshipped as a god of matchmaking and protection from evil, and attracts many worshippers from inside and outside the prefecture.

Image: Rumirumi

It was founded in 1632 by Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka domain, and has a history of nearly 400 years. The main hall, worship hall, tower gate, and drum bridge are all designated cultural properties of Fukuoka prefecture.

Directly behind the main shrine is Iwato Shrine, a sacred cave where the divine spirit is manifested.

Image: Rumirumi

If you climb the stone steps on the left side of the approach to the shrine, you will come to Sakurai Daijingu, a Shinmei-zukuri shrine that combines the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine.

Image: Itoshima City Tourism Association

If you visit a shrine for the first time in the year, many people will draw an omikuji (fortune slip) to find out what fortune they will have in the new year.

Amazingly, Sakurai Shrine has fortune slips that you can draw for just 20 yen! You'll definitely want to try one.

Image: Rumirumi

Be sure to check out the "flower water fountain" too!

The chozuya (purification fountain) is designed as a flower chozuya (purification fountain), which has a healing effect on our souls.

Image: Rumirumi

This flower water fountain is organized by the JA Itoshima Flower Division with the hope that the flowers will soothe the hearts of visitors and bring bright smiles to their faces amid the continuing dark news about the new coronavirus. It is called the "Itoshima Flower Water Fountain."

The flowers are replaced on New Year's Eve, and in the new year, new flower water basins will soothe our hearts.

Image: Sakurai Shrine

You can also visit Futamigaura!

The Meoto Iwa rocks at Futamigaura are known as a spectacular spot for watching the sunset, and are also popular as a power spot for praying for marital harmony and good relationships.

Within the grounds of Sakurai Shrine, there is the Futamigaura Worship Site, where you can offer prayers facing the Meoto Iwa rocks.

Image: Rumirumi

By the way, Futamigaura is about a 5-minute drive from Sakurai Shrine, so we also recommend taking a drive there.

Image: Rumirumi

<Spot information>
■ Sakurai Shrine
Address: 4227 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Right next to the large torii gate of Sakurai Shrine! The exquisite curry bread from Sakuraya

Once you pass through the large torii gate of Sakurai Shrine, you will find Sakuraya on your immediate left.

Image: Rumirumi

This is a curry bread shop that operates on the premises of the owner's home.

Image: Rumirumi

They are only open on weekends and holidays, and only 30 are sold per day! It's the "mythical curry bread."

Image: Rumirumi

Sales start at 11:00, but if you try to go leisurely around 14:00, they are already sold out. I have been turned down many times... (How many times have I seen this sign?)

Image: Rumirumi

I excitedly went there as soon as it opened in order to get my hands on the curry bread I've always wanted!

Image: Rumirumi

"Freshly fried curry bread" (220 yen) lined up in a display case at the store.

Image: Sakuraya

When you eat it, it's crispy and packed with filling! The sweet and fluffy bread dough and the curry is not spicy, so even children can eat it.

Image: Rumirumi

They will also be open from December 31st to January 2nd to coincide with the first shrine visit of the year! They will be flexible and monitor the situation, but they plan to be open until around 2am on the 31st, and open earlier than usual on the 1st and 2nd. They plan to make a lot of them, but it seems that 200-300 people usually visit, so it's recommended that you go early! (Reservations are possible during normal times, but not during the New Year holidays.)

<Store Information>
■ Sakuraya
Address: 4583 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Be sure to visit Sakurai Shrine for your first visit of the year and try the legendary curry bread! (Text by Rumirumi)
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.

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