From the end of January for about two weeks until Setsubun on February 2nd, large Otafuku masks are displayed on the Torii gates of Kushida Shrine in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture.Many locals and tourists walk under the gate, into the Otafuku's mouth for good fortune and prosperity. The Otafuku mask displayed on the front gate is the largest in Japan.
Kushida Shrine in Hakata, Fukuoka
Located in Hakata ward, the center of Fukuoka city, the Kushida Shrine is a historical and important shrine to the people of Fukuoka, where locals go to pray for business prosperity and a good year. Originally founded in the year 757, Kushida Shrine has been an integral part of many Fukuoka locals since ancient times. Called the “Okushisan” by locals with love and respect, the shrine is famous for hosting a major summer festival called the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, where a group of men race around Fukuoka while pushing forward tall and heavy floats.
However, that’s not the only interesting event that Kushida Shrine hosts. Before the beginning of spring, they display large Otafuku masks on the shrine’s Torii gates. Otafuku, which translates to “lots of happiness,” is a Shinto goddess, often depicted with a large joyful smile and big round cheeks. The design of Kushida Shrine’s Otafuku masks was made an image of a plump woman that is used in Japanese performing arts.
With a height of 5.3m (17.3 ft), and a width of 5m (16.4 ft), the Otafuku mask at the front gate of Kushida Shrine is the largest in Japan. From a distance, people look at her wide smile, and can’t help but smile themselves. Walking under the Otafuku’s mouth of the front gate is said to bring good luck and prosperity. There are three other gates to Kushida Shrine, and those too are covered with Otafuku masks.
However, that’s not the only interesting event that Kushida Shrine hosts. Before the beginning of spring, they display large Otafuku masks on the shrine’s Torii gates. Otafuku, which translates to “lots of happiness,” is a Shinto goddess, often depicted with a large joyful smile and big round cheeks. The design of Kushida Shrine’s Otafuku masks was made an image of a plump woman that is used in Japanese performing arts.
With a height of 5.3m (17.3 ft), and a width of 5m (16.4 ft), the Otafuku mask at the front gate of Kushida Shrine is the largest in Japan. From a distance, people look at her wide smile, and can’t help but smile themselves. Walking under the Otafuku’s mouth of the front gate is said to bring good luck and prosperity. There are three other gates to Kushida Shrine, and those too are covered with Otafuku masks.
The Otafuku masks are only on display for two weeks from the end of January to February 2nd, the day of Setsubun. Setsubun is a day that signals the beginning of spring in Japan, and there is a ritual where children throw roasted beans-- in the house for good fortune, and out of the house to ward off evil spirits.
On Setsubun, there is a large festival at Kushida Shrine. A large stage is set up in front of the main shrine where selected young men and women and kabuki actors from the Kabuki theater nearby stand on the stage and throw roasted beans at the crowd. It’s good luck if you catch the beans. Setsubun also marks the end of the Otafuku mask displays.
Kushida Shrine’s Otafuku masks serve as a friendly reminder to locals that Setsubun is coming up and spring is just around the corner.
On Setsubun, there is a large festival at Kushida Shrine. A large stage is set up in front of the main shrine where selected young men and women and kabuki actors from the Kabuki theater nearby stand on the stage and throw roasted beans at the crowd. It’s good luck if you catch the beans. Setsubun also marks the end of the Otafuku mask displays.
Kushida Shrine’s Otafuku masks serve as a friendly reminder to locals that Setsubun is coming up and spring is just around the corner.
3 Best Things to Do at Kushida Shrine
Before you step into the shrine, keep in mind that the shrine is a holy and special place for many Fukuoka residents, and you will find many locals praying there. Remember to act with respect while you are there. Having said that, the below are the three best things to do when you are there.
1. Draw an Omikuji fortune paper
The Omikuji is a piece of paper with a fortune written on it. Unlike most temples and shrines where Omikuji is only available in Japanese, Kushida shrine has them available in English, Korean and Chinese. Omikuji is considered a message from God and some people keep it in their wallets as a reminder to themselves. Many others tie the paper to a nearby tree to leave the bad luck behind or for good fortune to come true.
2. Drink well water for long life
After paying a visit to the main shrine, stop by the Sacred Crane well to drink some water. Located right beside the main shrine, the well is surrounded by three cranes. Referred to as “birds of happiness,” cranes represent longevity in Japan as they are believed to live for a thousand years. By drinking water from this well, people believe you will be young eternally, live long, and have great fortune.
3. Check out this year’s Kazariyama floats (renewed every July 1st)
For the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival that takes place in July, Hakata’s puppet craftsmen build large kazariyama floats that are all dedicated to the Kushida shrine. Puppet craftsmen say they look best 10 m (32 ft) away so stand back and find the details on the floats and try to work out the story the puppet craftsmen tried to tell.
1. Draw an Omikuji fortune paper
The Omikuji is a piece of paper with a fortune written on it. Unlike most temples and shrines where Omikuji is only available in Japanese, Kushida shrine has them available in English, Korean and Chinese. Omikuji is considered a message from God and some people keep it in their wallets as a reminder to themselves. Many others tie the paper to a nearby tree to leave the bad luck behind or for good fortune to come true.
2. Drink well water for long life
After paying a visit to the main shrine, stop by the Sacred Crane well to drink some water. Located right beside the main shrine, the well is surrounded by three cranes. Referred to as “birds of happiness,” cranes represent longevity in Japan as they are believed to live for a thousand years. By drinking water from this well, people believe you will be young eternally, live long, and have great fortune.
3. Check out this year’s Kazariyama floats (renewed every July 1st)
For the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival that takes place in July, Hakata’s puppet craftsmen build large kazariyama floats that are all dedicated to the Kushida shrine. Puppet craftsmen say they look best 10 m (32 ft) away so stand back and find the details on the floats and try to work out the story the puppet craftsmen tried to tell.
Other things to do in Hakata, Fukuoka
After your visit to Kushida Shrine, fill up your stomach with a cup of Hakata ramen- a local ramen dish made of thin noodles, thick tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and chashu (roasted pork fillet).
Other things you can do in Hakata are, visiting the highest building in Fukuoka city, the Fukuoka tower, that is 234 meters (about 767 ft) tall. Visiting the Momochi Seaside Park, an artificial beach with an artificial island in the middle with restaurants and cafes. You can also visit Canal City, which is one of the most popular shopping malls in Hakata, with about 250 shops to see.
Other things you can do in Hakata are, visiting the highest building in Fukuoka city, the Fukuoka tower, that is 234 meters (about 767 ft) tall. Visiting the Momochi Seaside Park, an artificial beach with an artificial island in the middle with restaurants and cafes. You can also visit Canal City, which is one of the most popular shopping malls in Hakata, with about 250 shops to see.
How to Visit
The plane ride is about 2 hours from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Gion Station, which is the closest station to Kushida Shrine, is three stops by subway from Fukuoka Airport.
Address: 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0026
Tel:+81-(0)92-291-2951
Address: 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0026
Tel:+81-(0)92-291-2951
