While not the largest and most impressive of shrines, Kushida is one of the most famous shrines in Fukuoka, and is the starting point of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. According to tradition it was built in 757 A.D. and Hakata's two major annual festivals, the Yamakasa as well as Dontaku Festival are both dedicated to Kushida Shrine. Inside the shrine you can also see on the roof a picture of the Chinese zodiac as well as an old ginkgo tree, which is a national monument. It is very close to the Gion subway stop.
