Jun 24, 2013 - 1 min read

Fukuoka's Gokoku Shrine

Japan's largest raw wood torii gate

By Anonymous

Community writer

The impressively tall torii gate made of Japanese cypress.

The chōzubachi (the place where you wash your hands before entering the shrine).

A view from the front of the shrine.

A statue near the entrance of the shrine. I think this statue is dedicated to peace, given that the girl is releasing a dove from her hands.

I really liked this angle although it make the statue seem a bit creepy.

A lovely stone path leads up to the shrine.

The front of the shrine is beautifully decorated in white and gold.

Gokoku Shrine is simple yet beautiful.

These are known as ema. They are purchased at shrines and often feature beautiful artwork. People write prayers on them and hang them up in the space provided.

At the shrine you can buy an assortment of charms to take with you.

Gokoku Shrine is found close to Ohori Park, the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and the Fukuoka Art Museum. I came across this shrine while walking to Ohori Park. The torii, or gate, outside of the shrine towers up above, among the lush trees. This torii happens to be the largest one in Japan made of raw wood. It is approximately thirteen metres in height. The shrine itself is dedicated to the war dead from the Meiji Restoration. It’s a nice place to visit on the way to the park. The shrine is small in size and ideal for a short visit.

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