Hidden in a grove of tree in Fukuoka Prefecture's second largest city, Kitakyushu, is the Shohachiman Shrine (荘八幡神社) of Kokuraminami-ku. Given its location in a rather rural area the shrine is mostly known by locals, however its most notable feature is a sight that is familiar amongst fans of the hit anime and manga series, Demon Slayer. The Suzuiwa (鈴石) meaning "bell stone", is a split boulder that is almost exactly identical to the one seen in Demon Slayer. Thanks to the popularity of the anime, the shrine has become a popular hotspot attracting people of all ages from all over Kyushu to come visit.
According to the managers of the shrine, the Suzuiwa flew from Mount Aso (in Kumamoto) over 90,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption that sent massive boulders flying all over Kyushu and Western Japan. Tests were even conducted on the boulder and found that the boulder was indeed from Kumamoto. The shrine however, was built in the 9th century to worship the Shinto god of war, Hachiman-sama, a revered deity throughout Kitakyushu, after a precession from the Usa Shrine (in Oita) had stationed the mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the god on the Suzuiwa. The shrine was originally named the "Suzuiwa Hachiman Shrine" but was later renamed to its current name. While there is no record of when or how the boulder was split, patrons often pray to the Suzuiwa for safe child-birth and a long life ahead.
There is not much information about the author of Demon Slayer, however, it is a fact that they are from Fukuoka Prefecture and there are rumors amongst the locals that the Suzuiwa of Shohachiman served as the inspiration of the boulder in the series.
At the shrine you can buy an omamori (good-luck charms), ofuda (wooden tablet) and even get a goshuin (red stamp) but my personal favorite is a handmade ceramic bell of the Suzuiwa (maybe to protect you from demons at night). When wanting to make a purchase be sure to use the doorbell to the left and politely let the obaachan know what you are looking to buy (saying omamori or goshuin followed by onegaishimasu should get the message across). If you are in the Fukuoka or Kitakyushu area and are looking to go be surrounded by nature for the day or a die-hard Demon Slayer fan, I highly recommend checking this shrine out.
Please do remember that this is a place of worship for people so be sure to enjoy and be respectful at the same time.
