It began when the hata clan, who brought weaving techniques from korea, worshiped sukunahikona, the god of medicine. sugawara no michizane prayed here for recovery from a leg ailment, recovered and arrived safely at dazaifu, so the shrine is affectionately known as the "god of feet." many foot-related events are held throughout the year. it is also famous for the sacred tree of hattori tenjingu shrine, which can be found on the home of the nearest station, hankyu hattori tenjin station.