Hakozaki Shrine — Ancient Protector Against Foreign Invasion

Hakozaki Shrine, established in 923, is one of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines and holds the unique distinction of being the shrine that enshrined the Mongol invasion anchors — the iron anchors from Kublai Khan's invasion fleets that were preserved as trophies after typhoons destroyed the invasion armadas in 1274 and 1281. The shrine's outer forest, ancient camphor trees creating a canopy 30 meters overhead, is one of the finest sacred grove (chinju no mori) environments in Kyushu.