Koinoki Jinja

A subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Mizuta Tenmangu in the city of Chikugo in Fukuoka, Koinoki Jinja has stood since the mid-Kamakura era and is known as a shrine of the god of love, enshrining a rare deity called Koi no Mikoto. Tradition holds that it was founded to comfort the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, who is thought to have longed for the wife and children he left in the capital as he ended his life in Dazaifu.

Blessing visitors with success in love, good matches, marriage, and harmony between couples, the shrine features a love approach paved with heart-shaped tiles. Hearts appear on the shrine crest, charms, fortunes, and votive plaques, making it a popular spot bustling with those who pray for good relationships.

Highlights

• The love approach paved with heart-shaped tiles
• Charming offerings such as the heart-motif crest, charms, and votive plaques
• A main hall enshrining the rare deity of love
• A precinct full of romantic air, for those praying for love and harmony

Enjoying the Seasons

The parent shrine, Mizuta Tenmangu, is also a noted spot for plum blossoms, which add color to the grounds in early spring. Koinoki Jinja sometimes offers heart-shaped charms and seasonal decorations, so each visit brings a different mood. Timing a visit to seasons of romance such as Valentine's Day or Tanabata is a nice touch as well.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 62-1 Mizuta, Chikugo, Fukuoka (within the grounds of Mizuta Tenmangu)
• By train: About 5 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from Hainuzuka Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line; Nishitetsu buses are also available
• By car: About 10 minutes from the Yame IC on the Kyushu Expressway. Parking available
• Worship: Free to enter the grounds (the offerings desk operates during the daytime)

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Early spring when the plums bloom, or the seasons of romance-themed events, are recommended. To avoid crowds, weekday daytime is more relaxed
• Avoiding crowds: Weekends, holidays, and the period around Valentine's Day see more visitors; for calm photos, aim for a weekday morning
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour for worship, a stroll along the love approach, and choosing charms; combine it with the parent shrine, Mizuta Tenmangu, for a leisurely visit
• Real nearby spots: The Mizuta Tenmangu in the same grounds is an old shrine counted among the two great Tenmangu of Kyushu. A short trip reaches the Yame area, known for Yame tea, where you can enjoy tea-country gourmet and souvenirs
• Budget sense: Worship is free; even with heart-shaped charms, plaques, and fortunes, a visit fits within a few hundred to about a thousand yen

A Quick Tip

If you are praying for love, place your feelings on a heart-shaped votive plaque or charm. With so many adorable offerings, they also make lovely gifts for someone dear. The heart-shaped tiles of the love approach are photogenic, so be sure to capture a memento shot.

📚 Sources

Information on Koinoki Shrine can be confirmed through public sources for Mizuta Tenmangu within the same grounds and on-site guidance, and public information is also helpful for Mizuta Tenmangu, counted among Kyushu's two great Tenmangu shrines. Worship hours, reception for offerings, and guidance on the nearby Yame area may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to worship at Koinoki Shrine and Mizuta Tenmangu together. Allow half a day if you venture to the Yame area.
• What to bring: Heart-shaped offerings and amulets are popular, so small change is handy when buying them. As worship is mostly outdoors, dress for the season.
• Suggested route: Worship at Koinoki Shrine, take in Mizuta Tenmangu within the same grounds, then combine the Yame area, known for Yame tea, for tea-country dining and souvenir shopping.