Kunitama Shrine: A Sacred Sanctuary of Nature, Heritage, and Tradition in Fukuoka’s Countryside

Where Timeless Spirituality Meets Living Tradition

Tucked away on the forested slopes of Mount Kubote in Buzen City, Kunitama Shrine offers an extraordinary blend of spiritual tranquility, natural beauty, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Revered as a guardian of the local community for centuries, the shrine invites sophisticated travelers seeking authenticity and peace far removed from Japan's urban bustle.

A Shrine Embraced by Nature and History

Mount Kubote has long been a sacred site associated with Shugendo, the ancient Japanese mountain ascetic tradition.
Midway up this revered mountain, Kunitama Shrine stands gracefully amidst towering ancient trees and seasonal beauty.
In spring, cherry blossoms frame the shrine; summer brings vibrant greenery; autumn sees fiery foliage; and winter blankets the grounds in serene stillness.

Every visit offers a different, mesmerizing landscape—a perfect setting for contemplation, spiritual connection, or leisurely exploration.

A Cultural Treasure: The Otaue Rice Planting Festival

One of Kunitama Shrine’s most fascinating highlights is the Otaue Festival, held annually on the last Sunday of March.
This event, designated as a Fukuoka Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, is an integral part of Matsue (松会), Mount Kubote’s grandest ritual.

The festival is a vibrant pre-harvest celebration known as a Yosokusai (予祝祭), where local performers—referred to as Matsuyaku—and children humorously reenact the entire rice planting process.
It’s a living tradition passed down for generations, capturing the essence of Japan’s agrarian roots, community spirit, and joyful reverence for nature’s cycles.

Witnessing this festival offers a rare, intimate look into Japan's rural heritage, untouched by commercialization.

Why Visit Kunitama Shrine?

For discerning travelers seeking more than surface-level tourism, Kunitama Shrine offers an immersive experience of Japan’s spiritual and cultural depth.
Here, history, faith, and the rhythms of nature converge, providing a tranquil yet enriching retreat.
Attend during the Otaue Festival to see firsthand how ancient rituals continue to thrive within the community, offering not just spectacle, but a heartfelt connection to tradition.

Rediscover serenity and authenticity at Kunitama Shrine—where sacred landscapes and living heritage await.

◆Address

202, Daijikubote, Toyomae city, Fukuoka, 828-0086 Japan