Sumiyoshi Jinja

The Sumiyoshi Jinja in Hakata is considered one of the oldest among the more than 2000 Sumiyoshi Shrines throughout the country. It is said to have been founded when Empress Jingū, returning from her conquest of the Three Han kingdoms, enshrined the three deities of Sumiyoshi at this location to express gratitude for their divine protection. Cherished as "Sumiyoshi-sama" by the people of Hakata, it is particularly famous as the god of maritime safety and sumo wrestling. The impressive Noh theater within the grounds hosts the Yabusame equestrian archery ritual every October, making it an important center of Hakata's culture. As the guardian shrine of Hakata, it continues to gather many devotees.