Bettō-Ōdai Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of prosperity, fortune, and maritime safety located in Fukuoka Prefecture. Built on the site where the Fukuoka River meets the sea, it has been an important pilgrimage site for fishermen and sailors since ancient times. The shrine's name, meaning 'River of Eight Bridges,' is said to refer to the eight bridges that span the Fukuoka River.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Ryujin
- Coordinates
- 33.5467539, 130.3796494
Visitor tip
To ensure safe passage at sea, visitors should tie a red string around their wrist and toss it into the shrine's waters, making a wish for good fortune on their journey.
Cultural notes
Bettō-Ōdai Shrine is often visited during the Bon Festival to honor the spirits of the dead who have passed over to the sea. The shrine's architecture is typical of Fukuoka's Higo-zuka style, with a wooden main hall and a sacred pond. Bettō-Ōdai Shrine has strong connections to the sea god, Ryujin.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Nara period (794-794 CE) as a minor shrine, but its significance grew with time.