Hōtō Shrine stands on Takashima, a small island in Karatsu Bay, approximately 2 km north of Karatsu Castle in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. It is particularly famous as a place where visitors pray for good fortune and success in the lottery. The shrine is associated with Shioya Shrine, which enshrines the local guardian deity of Takashima.
The origins of Hōtō Shrine date back to 1585, when Tsunayoshi Nozaki, also known as Oki no Kami, died on the island. A small shrine was built at his grave, and the site was initially called Tsunayoshi Shrine. The present shrine was established in 1768, and its name was changed to Hōtō Shrine during the Meiji period.
Tsunayoshi Nozaki, the person closely associated with the shrine’s origins, was born in Shinano Province, in what is now Nagano Prefecture. He was a brave warrior who served Ōtomo Yoshishige, later known as Ōtomo Sōrin, and distinguished himself in numerous battles.
In 1574, he defended Kusano Castle against the large forces of Ryūzōji Takanobu. After this battle, he eventually moved to Takashima for various reasons. While living on the island, he faced an attack by a group of pirates led by Jinkurō Yoshii from Chikuzen Province. Nozaki fought back with extraordinary courage and strength, driving off the attackers and protecting the island’s residents.
Thanks to his actions, Takashima was spared further pirate attacks and enjoyed a period of peace. After his death, the islanders built a small shrine to honor his achievements and enshrined him as a guardian of the island.
Hōtō Shrine became widely known throughout Japan in 1992. That year, residents of Takashima prayed at the shrine for success in the lottery, and one of their tickets won a substantial prize. News of the event spread, giving rise to the belief that praying at Hōtō Shrine could bring good luck in the lottery.
Since then, the shrine has attracted visitors from across Japan, particularly during the sales periods for major lottery draws. Stories of people winning large prizes after visiting the shrine have also been featured on television and in magazines, further increasing its popularity.
Before Hōtō Shrine became famous, the boat route between Karatsu and Takashima was used mainly by island residents and people visiting the area for fishing. As the shrine’s reputation as a place for lottery prayers grew, a local island-development organization established visitor facilities, helping tourism become an important part of the island’s economy.
In addition to traditional protective charms and amulets for warding off misfortune, the shrine offers special good-luck items associated with the lottery. These include the Hittō Omamori, a charm whose name suggests winning, and the Hōtō Atari-ya, a lucky arrow. Visitors often purchase these items while praying for good fortune.
Near the shrine, Nozaki Shōten is known for its lucky cat. The cat has become popular for its distinctive pose: it stands upright and brings its front paws together as if praying. Many visitors regard it as a symbol of good fortune.
Another well-known destination on the island is the main store of Hōtō no Yakata, which has a lottery ticket counter where visitors can purchase tickets directly. For lottery enthusiasts, this is a particularly special stop during a visit to Takashima.
Takashima is a small island in the central part of Karatsu Bay. It covers approximately 0.62 square kilometers and had a population of 203 as of November 2021. The northern part of the island is mountainous, while the settlement is concentrated along the southern coast.
There are paths leading toward the island’s summit as well as walking routes that circle the island. However, some sections have remained closed because of cliff collapses caused by an earthquake, so visitors should take care when exploring the area.
Hōtō Shrine is especially busy whenever major lottery tickets go on sale. Visitors come carrying their tickets and pray for a winning result, hoping to benefit from the auspicious meaning of the shrine’s name, Hōtō, which is associated with treasure and good fortune.
The shrine has become a well-known destination for people who wish to combine a visit to a traditional island shrine with a little hope for luck. The lively atmosphere during major lottery seasons is one of the distinctive features of Takashima.
Takashima also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy local seafood. Hōtō Oyasumi-dokoro, located approximately two minutes on foot from Takashima Port, is popular for its seafood rice bowls prepared with locally sourced marine ingredients.
After visiting the shrine, visitors can stop here to enjoy fresh seafood and experience another aspect of the island’s appeal.
Tsunayoshi Nozaki was born in Shinano in 1554. From an early age, he was regarded as a talented person with courage and a strong sense of courtesy. He served Ōtomo Yoshishige of Bungo and earned recognition through his military achievements, including his role in the defense of Kusano Castle.
After a series of events brought him to Takashima, he became known as a hero who protected the island’s inhabitants. His actions against the pirates led by Jinkurō Yoshii became an important part of the island’s history and the story behind the shrine.
After Nozaki’s death, the islanders built a shrine to honor his achievements and worship him as the island’s protector. In 1901, the island’s salt-making industry prospered, and residents who had benefited from this success offered a stone torii gate to the shrine in gratitude.
Today, Hōtō Shrine is cherished both as one of Takashima’s most important local treasures and as a place where people from across Japan come to pray for good fortune. Its history, the legends surrounding Tsunayoshi Nozaki, and its modern reputation as a shrine associated with lottery success give it a distinctive character.
Regular passenger boats operated by the Saga Genkai Fisheries Cooperative connect Hōtō Pier in Chiyoda-machi, Karatsu City, with Takashima. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
Local Showa Bus services run from Karatsu Oteguchi Bus Center to Hōtō Pier. The highway bus service known as the Karatsu-go, which connects Fukuoka City and Karatsu City, also stops at the pier.
Sea taxis are another option, departing from Hōtō Pier. The one-way fare is 500 yen per person, although different fares may apply at night or in special circumstances. These boats provide an alternative for visitors traveling to the island.