Located in Fukuoka, Japan, the Toyo Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of war and prosperity, Hachiman. The shrine's name 'Toyo' roughly translates to 'Eastern' and refers to its original location on the eastern coast of Kyushu, near the ancient city of Bungo. As a Shinto shrine located in Fukuoka Prefecture, it is closely tied to the region's history and culture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Kunito-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 33.3446611, 130.766379
Visitor tip
Visitors can try some local specialties at the shrine's food stalls, including mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) and hiyayakko (cold tofu served with grated ginger).
Cultural notes
Toyo Shrine is particularly famous for its festival of Setsubun, which marks the beginning of spring. During this time, visitors can participate in a ritual where they throw soya beans at an enemy shrine's statue to purify themselves and drive away evil spirits.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Toyo Shrine has been an important site for the worship of Hachiman in the region.