Naritasan Kurume Temple
Kyushu's Sacred Connection to Narita-san
Naritasan Kurume Bunin was established in 1958 as an official branch temple of Narita-san Shinsho-ji, one of Japan's most visited Buddhist temples located near Tokyo. The temple was founded to serve the growing population of Kyushu who sought the blessings of Narita-san's principal deity, Fudo Myoo (Acala), without traveling to distant Chiba Prefecture. The temple quickly became a regional spiritual center.
The temple's massive main hall, rebuilt in 1988, houses a sacred statue of Fudo Myoo consecrated by the head priests of the main Narita-san temple. The architectural style combines traditional Japanese temple design with modern construction techniques, creating an impressive structure that accommodates thousands of worshippers during major festivals. The temple grounds expanded throughout the decades to include multiple halls, gardens, and facilities.
Today, Naritasan Kurume serves as one of Kyushu's most active Buddhist centers, conducting daily fire purification rituals (goma) and hosting annual festivals that attract over 200,000 visitors. The temple is particularly renowned for its New Year's celebrations and setsubun (bean-throwing) festival. It has become an integral part of Kurume's cultural identity, bridging ancient Buddhist traditions with contemporary community engagement.
Key Highlights
- Impressive main hall housing sacred Fudo Myoo statue
- Daily goma fire purification rituals open to public
- Major setsubun festival in February with celebrity guests
- Extensive temple grounds with gardens and smaller halls
- New Year's hatsumode attracts over 100,000 visitors
- Free admission and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors
Access Information
Location
934 Jonan-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0047, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Nishitetsu-Kurume Station (Nishitetsu Omuta Line) - 10 min walk
- • JR Kurume Station (Kagoshima Main Line) - 20 min walk or 10 min by bus
Opening Hours
Temple grounds: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Main hall: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Goma fire ritual ceremonies: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM daily (additional sessions during festivals). Office/amulet sales: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Admission Fee
Free admission. Optional: prayer participation ¥3,000+; amulets/talismans ¥500-1,500; goshuin stamp ¥300
How to Get There
From Fukuoka (Tenjin)
Take Nishitetsu Omuta Line to Nishitetsu-Kurume Station (30 minutes, ¥620). Walk west for 10 minutes to temple. Or take JR Kagoshima Line to JR Kurume (35 min, ¥690), then walk 20 minutes or local bus.
40 minutes
From Fukuoka Airport
Take airport subway to Hakata Station (6 min), then JR Kagoshima Main Line to JR Kurume (25 minutes, ¥690). Walk or take bus to temple. Total journey approximately 1 hour.
1 hour
From Hakata
Take JR Kagoshima Main Line (Rapid or Local) to JR Kurume (25-30 minutes, ¥690). Walk 20 minutes or take Nishitetsu bus #25 to Naritasan-mae stop (5 minutes, ¥170).
35 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Goma Fire Ritual
The goma (fire purification) ceremony is the temple's signature ritual performed four times daily. Visitors can observe from the main hall as priests chant sutras and burn wooden prayer sticks in sacred flames. For ¥3,000+, you can have personal prayers offered during the ceremony. The ritual combines mesmerizing fire, chanting, and drums - a powerful spiritual experience even for non-Buddhists.
Festival Calendar
New Year (Jan 1-3): Over 100,000 visitors for hatsumode first prayers. Setsubun (early Feb): Bean-throwing ceremony with celebrities and sumo wrestlers. O-takiage Fire Festival (Feb 28): Burning of old amulets and talismans. Summer Festival (late July): Evening lanterns and food stalls. Each festival offers unique cultural experiences.
Amulets and Talismans
The temple sells various o-mamori (protective amulets) blessed during goma rituals: traffic safety, academic success, business prosperity, health, and relationships (¥500-1,500 each). The Fudo Myoo amulets are particularly powerful according to Shingon tradition. Goshuin stamp collectors can receive beautifully calligraphed stamps (¥300) - bring your goshuin-cho book.
Prayer Participation
Visitors are welcome to participate in goma rituals by purchasing prayer sticks (gomagi) at the office before ceremonies. Write your wish on the stick (staff can help with Japanese); priests will burn it during the ritual while chanting your name. Sitting through the complete 45-minute ceremony is encouraged but not required. Respectful observation from the rear is acceptable.
Temple Grounds Exploration
Beyond the main hall, explore the peaceful garden areas, smaller worship halls, and the three-story pagoda. A pond with koi fish offers tranquil reflection spots. Seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year: plum blossoms (February), cherry blossoms (March), hydrangeas (June). Allow 60-90 minutes to experience the full grounds at a leisurely pace.
Photography Guidelines
Photography is permitted in temple grounds and gardens. Photos of the main hall exterior are welcome. Interior photography during goma rituals is typically prohibited - ask permission first. Respectful distance from worship activities is expected. The three-story pagoda and garden pond make excellent photo subjects. Best lighting: early morning or late afternoon.
Nearby Dining
Kurume is famous for tonkotsu ramen - it's the birthplace of this beloved style. Numerous ramen shops surround the temple area. Try Taiho Ramen (walking distance) or Kurume Ramen Street near the station. Temple festivals feature food stalls selling takoyaki, yakisoba, and amazake. No food sold within temple grounds except during special events.
Visitor Etiquette
Bow at the temple gate before entering. Purify hands and mouth at the temizuya water basin. Remove hats in worship halls. Silent or quiet conversation during rituals. Dress modestly (covered shoulders/knees). Smartphones on silent mode. Temple is active religious site - respectful behavior essential. English information limited but welcoming staff assist foreign visitors.
FAQ
What is Naritasan Kurume Temple?
Naritasan Kurume Temple is a branch temple of the famous Narita-san Shinsho-ji near Tokyo, established in 1958 to serve Kyushu. It's one of the region's most important Shingon Buddhism centers, known for its impressive main hall and daily fire purification rituals.
What are the goma fire rituals?
Goma are fire purification ceremonies performed four times daily (9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM) where priests chant sutras and burn wooden prayer sticks in sacred flames. The 45-minute ritual combines mesmerizing fire, chanting, and drums—a powerful spiritual experience open to all visitors.
Can I participate in the goma ritual?
Yes, for 3,000 yen or more, you can have personal prayers offered during the ceremony. Purchase prayer sticks (gomagi) at the office before ceremonies, write your wish on the stick (staff can help with Japanese), and priests will burn it while chanting your name.
How long should I spend at the temple?
Allow 60-90 minutes to experience the full temple grounds at a leisurely pace, including the main hall, smaller worship halls, gardens, three-story pagoda, and koi pond. Add 45 minutes if you wish to participate in a complete goma ceremony.
Is admission to the temple free?
Yes, admission to the temple grounds is free. Optional services include prayer participation (3,000 yen and up), protective amulets (500-1,500 yen), and goshuin stamps (300 yen). You can enjoy the temple and observe rituals without any cost.
How do I get to Naritasan Kurume from Fukuoka?
From Tenjin in Fukuoka, take the Nishitetsu Omuta Line to Nishitetsu-Kurume Station (30 minutes, 620 yen), then walk 10 minutes west. Alternatively, take JR from Hakata to JR Kurume (25-30 minutes, 690 yen), then walk 20 minutes or take bus.
What are the temple's operating hours?
Temple grounds are open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The main hall is accessible 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The office and amulet sales operate 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Goma ceremonies run at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
What festivals does the temple hold?
Major festivals include New Year hatsumode (January 1-3) attracting over 100,000 visitors, Setsubun bean-throwing in early February with celebrities and sumo wrestlers, O-takiage Fire Festival on February 28, and the Summer Festival in late July with lanterns and food stalls.
Can I take photos inside the temple?
Photography is permitted in temple grounds and gardens. Photos of the main hall exterior are welcome, but interior photography during goma rituals is typically prohibited. Always ask permission first and maintain respectful distance from worship activities.
What amulets are available at the temple?
The temple sells various o-mamori (protective amulets) blessed during goma rituals including those for traffic safety, academic success, business prosperity, health, and relationships (500-1,500 yen each). Fudo Myoo amulets are particularly powerful according to Shingon tradition.
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
The temple grounds are generally accessible with paved paths to major areas. However, some smaller halls and elevated sections may have steps. Contact the temple office in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
What should I know about temple etiquette?
Bow at the temple gate before entering, purify hands and mouth at the temizuya water basin, remove hats in worship halls, maintain silence or quiet conversation during rituals, dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and keep smartphones on silent mode.
Where can I get goshuin stamps?
Goshuin stamps are available at the temple office for 300 yen. Bring your goshuin-cho (stamp book) to receive a beautifully calligraphed stamp commemorating your visit. If you don't have a book, you can purchase one at most temple shops.
What is Fudo Myoo?
Fudo Myoo (Acala) is the principal deity enshrined at Naritasan Kurume Temple. In Shingon Buddhism, Fudo Myoo is a wrathful deity who protects practitioners by destroying obstacles and negative forces with his sword and rope, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.
Are there gardens to explore?
Yes, beyond the main hall, peaceful garden areas feature seasonal flowers including plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms in March, and hydrangeas in June. A pond with koi fish offers tranquil reflection spots throughout the temple grounds.
Can visitors who don't speak Japanese participate?
Yes, the temple welcomes all visitors regardless of language. English information is limited, but the welcoming staff assists foreign visitors. The visual and spiritual nature of the goma ceremony transcends language barriers, making it accessible to everyone.
Where can I eat near the temple?
Kurume is famous as the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Numerous ramen shops surround the temple area, including Taiho Ramen within walking distance. Kurume Ramen Street near the station offers multiple options. Temple festivals feature food stalls, but no food is sold within grounds normally.
Is the temple crowded during New Year?
Yes, the temple attracts over 100,000 visitors during the first three days of January for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year). Expect large crowds, long waits, and limited parking. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on weekdays outside festival periods.
What's unique about this temple compared to others?
As Kyushu's major branch of the famous Narita-san, it brings the blessings of one of Japan's most powerful temples to the region. The daily goma fire rituals are more frequent and accessible than at many temples, offering visitors regular opportunities to experience this ancient ceremony.
Can I observe rituals without participating?
Absolutely. Visitors are welcome to observe goma rituals from the rear of the main hall without purchasing prayer services. Sitting through the complete 45-minute ceremony is encouraged but not required. Respectful observation is perfectly acceptable and offers a meaningful cultural experience.
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