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Munakata Taisha Shrine

A prestigious shrine designated as a UNESCO World Heritage.

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As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it has also appeared in Japanese myths. With over 6200 affiliated shrines, this shrine worships the Amaterasu Okami (ancestral god of the Japanese emperor), the Three Munakata Goddesses, and the Shishi-gami. The deity has been responsible for the prosperity of the imperial family and the protection of the nation. Today, the deity has long been worshipped as the supreme deity of all "pathways," including safety of sea navigation and roads, as well as life, art, and health.

The Munakata Taisha Shrine is composed of 3 shrines. The “Okitsumiya” in Okinoshima Island, “Nakatsumiya” in Oshima Island, and the “Hetsumiya” in Munakata. The latter being the most popular. To access Oshima Island, visitors can take a 15-25 minute boat ride departing from Konomitato Port. On Oshima Island, there is a praying spot that overlooks Okinoshima Island. Visitors are forbidden from traveling to Okinoshima Island, only members of the shrine can access.

Inside the spacious areas of Hetsumiya, visitors can see the Main Pavilion, designated as a national treasure. The “Takanomiya Festive Grounds” is dubbed the country’s best Power Spot. The “Second Third Pavilion” features treasures brought from Ise Jingu shrine. The “God Treasure Pavilion”, features artifacts, equipment, and decoration excavated from Okinoshima Island.

Highlights

  • The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage.
  • The “Hetsumiya” features spirits from other shrines in Okitsumiya.
  • The shrine is spiritual, and mysterious.
  • The God Treasure Pavilion features more than 80,000 national treasures.

Photos

  • Hetsumiya Main Pavilion

    Hetsumiya Main Pavilion

  • The Nakatsunomiya Pavilion, a Fukuoka City cultural heritage

    The Nakatsunomiya Pavilion, a Fukuoka City cultural heritage

  • The Takanomiya Festive Grounds, giving off a mysterious aura

    The Takanomiya Festive Grounds, giving off a mysterious aura

  • God Treasure Pavilion

    God Treasure Pavilion

  • Okitsumiya Worship Grounds on Oshima

    Okitsumiya Worship Grounds on Oshima

Reviews

1
  • 廖子香

    九州歷史古老的寺廟,有很多出土遺跡展示,同時也是世界文化遺產。

Details

Name in Japanese
宗像大社
Postal Code
811-3505
Address
2331 Tashima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
Telephone
0940-62-1311
Closed
Open every day
Opening Hours
Free (Hetsumiya) / God Treasure Pavilion 9am-4:30pm (last entry 4pm)
Prices
God Treasure Pavilion 800 yen, Students 500 yen, Elementary School or Middle School students 400 yen
Access
Take the Nishitetsu Bus from JR Togo Station. Embark off at Munakata Taisha Shrine, walk 1 minute.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)