Fukuoka｜From Kegu Station to Kegu Shrine, don’t forget to look for the rare smiling fox in Japan

More than 400 years ago, there was a police station near the Korokan, which was responsible for the defense of Fukuoka. The earliest shrine was actually located in Fukuoka Castle, and successive feudal lords revered it very much. It was moved to Tenjin in the 17th century, and the main deities enshrined here are Yasomagatsu Hinodemi, Kannao Hinodemi, and Oonao Hinodemi. A prosperous commercial district was formed around it, and local people came to worship here to pray for prosperous business and to ward off disasters. More than four hundred years have passed, and now Kego Shrine has become an urban oasis in the Tenjin area. It is backed by Mitsukoshi Department Store, with Kego Park next to it and the Tenjin Egg Yolk District in front of it. It can be said to be the shrine with the most valuable land. It is now operated as a religious corporation. In 2022, a new 9-story building was built next to it, and Blue Bottle Coffee moved in, making Jinggu Shrine a popular destination for fashionable men and women. There are many early cherry trees planted in the area, making Kego Shrine a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. In fact, because of its excellent location, people in Fukuoka like to hold traditional weddings here and receive God’s blessings during the ceremony. The newly built building is also a popular location for meetings and gatherings. During the Yuehua Festival in October every year, it will be combined with surrounding primary schools to allow children to learn history, wear ancient costumes to worship, take photos, and bless the children to grow up safely. There is another Imamasu Inari Shrine in the shrine, which enshrines Uga no Mikami, the god who blesses a good harvest. The most special thing is that there is a smiling fox here, which is rare in Japan. If you have the opportunity to visit the shrine, don't forget to look for the fox. 📍Address: 〒810-0001 Fukuoka Prefecture Fukuoka City Chuo District Tenjin 2-20 🚗Tenjin Subway Station, a five-minute walk away. #MarchGoodPlaces2025