Sakiyama Hachiman Shrine, Fukuoka | A train passes right between the torii gates! A rare shrine sight you can only find in Japan.
🚃 On the pathway of the gods, a train rushes by
Hidden away in the peaceful countryside of Miyako Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an incredibly unique shrine—Sakiyama Hachiman Shrine. There are no noisy tourist crowds here, but there is a spectacular sight that is rare even across all of Japan: an active train line runs straight between the shrine’s torii gates!
Between the first torii gate and the second torii gate, trains on the Heisei Chikuho Railway pass by at scheduled times. When a train rolls through, modern transportation and ancient faith meet along this “pathway of the gods,” creating a surreal scene that feels like something out of a movie ✨
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📍 Basic Info | Read before you go
· Spot name: Sakiyama Hachiman Shrine (さきやまはちまんじんじゃ)
· Address: Sakiyama, Saigawa, Miyako Town, Kyoto District, Fukuoka Prefecture (between Sakiyama Station and Genjinomori Station on the Heisei Chikuho Railway)
· Access: Get off at Sakiyama Station on the Heisei Chikuho Railway, then walk about 500 meters toward Tagawa
· Best time to visit: Great year-round; it’s recommended to check the train timetable in advance
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✨ Highlights | Why it’s worth the trip
1. The magical moment when a train passes through the torii 🚃⛩️
This is an extremely rare sight even in Japan! The railway line runs directly between the shrine’s first and second torii gates, and when the train passes through, the contrast between modern rail transit and the centuries-old shrine setting is striking. Many train enthusiasts and shrine lovers make a special trip here just to capture this one-of-a-kind moment.
💡 Tip: Check the Heisei Chikuho Railway timetable in advance and arrive early to wait by the torii so you can catch the best shot of the train passing through!
2. Upside-down komainu | A rare stone guardian statue in Japan 🐾
Most komainu are standing on all fours or sitting upright, but the komainu beside the shrine’s second torii is actually upside down! This unusual design is very rare in Japan, and it makes many visitors smile the moment they see it. It’s also one of the most popular photo spots here.
3. Ceiling and roof paintings | Hidden art in the shrine architecture 🎨
Beyond the train and the upside-down komainu, the shrine’s painted decorative artwork is another highlight. These paintings add an artistic touch to the solemn shrine grounds, so don’t forget to look up and take a closer look.
4. A peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature 🌿
The shrine is wrapped in lush natural scenery, and the grounds are quiet and serene. Sitting within the shrine precincts, listening to the sound of trains passing and the wind moving through the treetops, brings a uniquely soothing feeling.
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📸 Photo tips | How to get the best shots
· Train passing through the torii: Stand to the side of the torii and capture the moment the train passes between the two gates
· Upside-down komainu: Crouch down for the shot to create a fun image of the guardian lion-dog “welcoming visitors upside down”
· Main shrine hall: The traditional wooden architecture paired with the surrounding greenery gives off classic rural Japan shrine charm
· Train + torii + nature: Step back a little and frame the tracks, torii, and surrounding mountain scenery together
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🚗 Getting there | How to go
· By rail: Take the Heisei Chikuho Railway to Sakiyama Station, then walk about 500 meters toward Tagawa after getting off
· By car: Exit from Tokuriki IC or Kokuraminami IC on the Kyushu Expressway, then drive about 30–40 minutes via local roads
💡 Friendly reminder: This is a rural area with limited public transportation service, so it’s best to check the return timetable before you go.
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🗺️ Suggested one-day itinerary
Route (for train fans + shrine lovers):
Morning: Ride the Heisei Chikuho Railway and enjoy the charm of a local rail line → Arrive at Sakiyama Station → Walk to Sakiyama Hachiman Shrine (photograph the train passing through the torii + the upside-down komainu) → Noon: Lunch in central Miyako Town → Afternoon: Stroll through the surrounding countryside → Evening: Take the train back
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💡 Practical tips | Read before you go
1. Check the train timetable: If you want to photograph the train passing through the torii, it’s best to look up the Heisei Chikuho Railway schedule online in advance
2. Weekdays are better: There are usually more people on weekends, while weekdays let you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere more fully
3. Be respectful: The shrine is a place of worship for local residents, so please keep quiet while taking photos and do not enter restricted areas
4. What to wear: There may be more mosquitoes and insects in this rural area, so wearing long pants and bringing insect repellent is recommended
5. Bring water: There are few shops nearby, so it’s a good idea to bring your own drinking water