[2025 Kurume Attraction] Travel Guide for Koura Taisha Shrine (Updated Mar)

Kurume City is located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It is situated in the Chikugo region and is the third largest city in Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as the center of the Kurume metropolitan area. Kurume City has many attractions worth visiting. Here's a related introduction: Historical Sites - Kurume Castle: This is the ancient castle of the Kurume clan from the Edo period. The castle's architectural style is unique and holds high historical and cultural value. Currently, there is a museum inside the castle, displaying historical relics and materials related to Kurume Castle. - Kora Taisha Shrine: Located on the hillside of Mount Kora, this is one of the most important historical shrines in the Kyushu region. The complex is built along the mountain and includes the main hall, worship hall, Kaguraden (sacred dance hall), and more. Stone lanterns and ancient trees line the path leading to the shrine, and the scenery is enchanting when lit up at night. - Suitengu Shrine: This is an important shrine in Kurume City. Every New Year's period, a temple fair is held here, attracting many tourists and local residents to pray for blessings and enjoy themselves. There are also various traditional snack stalls and souvenir shops around the shrine. Natural Landscapes - Chikugo River: This is the largest river in Fukuoka Prefecture and flows through Kurume City. Strolling along the riverbank, you can enjoy the beautiful river views, the natural scenery on both sides, and the surrounding cityscape. It's a great place for a leisurely walk. - Asahiyama Park: The park is shaded by lush trees and has large green areas, flower gardens, and recreational facilities. During the cherry blossom season in spring, it attracts a large number of tourists who come to admire the cherry blossoms and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Culture and Arts - Ishibashi Cultural Center: This is a comprehensive venue integrating culture, art, and entertainment. It often hosts various cultural events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. It also has a park and leisure area for people to rest and relax. - Kurume City Art Museum: The museum houses a large collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts, covering various fields such as Japanese traditional art and modern art. It provides visitors with the opportunity to appreciate artworks and learn about art and culture.

#getgoing2025 Located on Mt. Kora at an altitude of 312 metres, Kora Taisha Shrine is popular for its benefits such as warding off bad luck and traffic safety. There are 131 stairs to the shrine, so if you have children or are disabled, use the slope car next to the stairs. The main hall has a ceiling painting painted at the time it was built in 1660, so please take a look inside when you visit. It is said that if you drink the spiritual water called "Mt. Kora Katsusui" that springs up in the Okumiya, you can win the game. At the lantern festival held in August, the stone steps with lights on the lanterns at both ends and the torii at the end create a romantic scene.

Location: Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture Kora Taisha Shrine, located halfway up Mount Kora, is not only a historical and cultural landmark of Kurume City in Fukuoka but also an excellent spot to enjoy sunsets and night views. The shrine's observation deck offers a wide view, and in the evening, the sunset that dyes the sky red and the gradually lighting city create a mesmerizing scene. 🌟 Highlights • Sunset Views: The observation deck is a great place to watch the sunset, with the afterglow illuminating the entire city and the distant Ariake Sea, creating a stunning view. • Romantic Night Views: After nightfall, the lights of Kurume City shine brightly, and the city night view, like a sea of stars, feels like a dream world. • Tranquil Atmosphere: The shrine is quiet and peaceful in the evening, with a cool mountain breeze that relaxes both body and mind. 📸 Photography Tips • Sunset and City: Capture the changing layers of the sky at sunset, perfectly blending the afterglow with the cityscape. • Panoramic Night View: Use a wide-angle lens to photograph the night view of Kurume City, showcasing the beauty of the city lights. • Shrine Silhouette: Use the shrine's torii gate or buildings as the foreground to shoot sunset silhouettes, adding more artistic sense. 🚶♂️ Access and Tips Take a bus from Kurume Station to the Kora Mountain trailhead, and walk about 30 minutes to reach the shrine. It is recommended to visit in the evening to enjoy the sunset and stay until night to view the city nightscape. Remember to bring warm clothing to cope with the mountain's low temperatures. 📷 Equipment: Nikon ZF

Koura Shrine, located at the western end of the Mino Mountain Range at an altitude of 312 meters, was once one of the highest-ranked shrines in Japan. It is the first palace of Chikugo. The creation of Koura Tamataru Shrine is said to have been in the first year of Emperor Richu (400 AD), and in 897 it was granted the highest rank of Shoichii. As a Myojin Taisha (a shrine that enshrines famous gods) registered in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, it holds a very high status. If your schedule allows, it is highly recommended to stay here from evening to night, enjoying the beautiful and endless Chikugo sunset, and then appreciate the surreal and indescribable night view where the ancient and modern blend together, with the red torii, the glowing lanterns on both sides of the stone steps, and the distant modern city lights merging into one. It is definitely worth a visit.