Sumiyoshi-jinja facts for kids
Sumiyoshi-jinja (住吉神社) is a very old and important Shinto shrine located in Hakata, a city in Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It was built a long, long time ago by Empress Jingū. Shinto shrines are special places where people go to worship kami, who are like spirits or gods in the Japanese Shinto religion.
A Look at Sumiyoshi-jinja's History
For a long time, Sumiyoshi-jinja has been known as one of the most important Shinto shrines in its area. In the past, it was called an ichinomiya, which means it was the "first shrine" or the most important shrine in the old Chikuzen Province. Today, it still holds this special title for Fukuoka Prefecture.
The Deities of Sumiyoshi-jinja
At Sumiyoshi-jinja, people worship three main kami (deities). These kami are believed to protect sailors and travelers, especially those at sea. They are:
- Sokotsutsunoo no mikoto (底筒男命)
- Nakatsutsunoo no mikoto (中筒男命)
- Uhatsutsunoo no mikoto (表筒男命))
These three kami are often called the "Sumiyoshi Sanjin" (Sumiyoshi Three Deities). They are very important in Japanese mythology and are believed to have helped Empress Jingū on her journeys.
