Enshrined within the heart of Hakata, Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社) stands as a testament to Fukuoka’s vibrant history. “Did you know,” I often begin my tours, “that this shrine has witnessed centuries of Fukuoka’s triumphs and tribulations?” Kushida Shrine, a revered Shinto sanctuary, was originally constructed in 757 AD. It honors Amaterasu and Susanoo, pivotal deities in the Shinto pantheon. The shrine’s history, like Fukuoka’s, is intertwined with periods of both peace and conflict. Destroyed by fire during a period of warring clans, Kushida Shrine was later resurrected in 1587 thanks to samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This resurrected shrine is the one we admire today. Kushida Shrine is deeply connected to the vibrant Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, held annually in early July. It houses the impressive otabuku, Japan’s largest theatrical mask, during the winter months. This pale, rosy-cheeked female mask is said to bestow luck upon those who pass through its open mouth. Kushida Shrine is not just a place of worship. It is a living museum, echoing Fukuoka’s rich past and enduring spirit. It offers a glimpse into the heart of Hakata and the soul of Fukuoka.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to