Envision a Shinto shrine nestled between buildings. That’s \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e. It is easy to miss this small shrine. Some people might walk right past it.
But let’s step inside. The shrine seems to cling to a narrow space. It enshrines Inari. People come here to pray to this deity. Facing the shrine, you would never guess what lies opposite. Across from \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e are Canal City Hakata and Kagami Temmangu Shrine.
\u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e is the guardian of Nakasu. It is also known as a god of business prosperity. Locals deeply revere \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e.
The history of \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e dates back to the Edo period. During the Tenpo era, the shogunate promoted pleasure quarters. In 1834, what was once a small Nakasu Inari Shrine was rebuilt. Its name changed to \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e.
Since then, \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e has watched over Nakasu. It stands as a god of business success. People working in Nakasu come to worship here.
Every October, the Nakasu Festival takes place. A unique mikoshi procession occurs then. It is Japan’s only mikoshi carried exclusively by women. Called “Kokuhiro Girls Mikoshi,” it bears the name of \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e. About 500 women carry it through Nakasu.
\u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e enshrines Ukemochi no Mikoto and Inari Okami. It is said to bring benefits. It ensures Nakasu’s prosperity forever. People offer prayers here for continued protection.
Originally, it was a small shrine. With Nakasu’s growth, it was rebuilt. It became revered as a god of business prosperity.
During the Nakasu Festival, there is something special. The “Nakasu Kokuhiro Girls Mikoshi” appears. The “Kokuhiro” in its name refers to this \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e. This mikoshi is unique. Only women carry it in Japan.
If you look up from an angle, you will see a stunning sight.
So, next time you are in Nakasu, look for the \u4e2d\u6d32\u570b\u5ee3\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e. It stands as a testament to the area’s history and faith. It watches over the bustling streets. It offers a moment of peace amid the city.