Kego Jinja (警固神社) is a Shinto shrine with over 400 years of history, located next to Kego Park in Tenjin, the commercial district of Fukuoka. It enshrines three deities: Yasomagatsuhi-no-kami, Kannaobi-kami and Oonaobi-no-kami, who are revered for protecting people from disasters and misfortunes.
According to legend, these gods once protected Empress Jingu’s fleet during her campaign to conquer the Korean Peninsula, helping lead her to victory. Later, in the 9th century, when pirates from Korea invaded northern Kyushu, a military base called Kegosho was established in the area.
In 1601, when daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa was building Fukuoka Castle, the shrine was temporarily established at Kogarasu Shrine . In 1608, a shrine was built and moved to its current location. In 1916, Kego Jinja was designated a prefectural shrine (though that status ended in 1946).
The shrine is a 3-minute walk from Tenjin-minami Station.
Photos: Junko Nagata ©Japanbyweb.com
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