Hakata Fukuichi, a shrine where even the locals come to worship

Every time I visit Japan, I always make it a point to visit the local shrines. This time in Fukuoka was no exception. I heard that Kizukisumiyoshi Shrine is quite famous in Fukuoka, so I made a special trip there. ⛰【Travel Guide】 📍Detailed address: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward 🚗Transportation guide: About a 15-minute walk from Hakata Station 🕙Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 💰Admission fee: 🆓 🌟Highlights: Kizukisumiyoshi Shrine is the main guardian shrine of Hakata in Fukuoka, not far from Hakata Station. Besides tourists, many locals also come here to worship. As soon as you enter, you'll see a huge Yamakasa festival float, which is very impressive and extremely luxurious! Also, local newlyweds often hold their weddings here. If you're lucky, you might see a traditional Japanese wedding! 📌Tips for visiting: ⭕️The correct way to worship at a shrine: Wash your left hand with spring water - wash your right hand - use your left hand to scoop water to rinse your mouth - after rinsing, wash your left hand again - clean the bamboo ladle handle. Have you learned it? ⭕️At the end of January and the beginning of February each year, the main gate of the shrine will display a big smiling face, also known as 'Tafuku-men' by the locals. It is said that passing through here will bring happiness for the whole year! ⭕️The 'Gion Yamakasa Festival' is held at Kizukisumiyoshi Shrine every July, a major annual event not to be missed. Come here to experience the authentic local culture! ⭕️The amulets from Kizukisumiyoshi Shrine are very pretty, costing 800 yen each. They are irresistible to girls, and I bought several to take home. However, the quality is really not that great. ⭕️The shopping street that leads out from Kizukisumiyoshi Shrine is called 'Kawabata', lined with various souvenir shops and izakayas. It's quite quiet with fewer tourists, making it a nice place to stroll and take photos.