Takamiya Saijo
Japan’s most oldest Ancient style Shrine.
The steps lead to Takamiya Saijo (Ceremonial Site), where ancient rituals were performed.
Takamiya Saijo is very important since the rituals currently observed at Hetsu-gu originated
there. To the northwest of the ceremonial site, visitors can view the marine route linking
Hetsu-gu with Okinoshima via the Tsurikawa River, Oshima, and finally across the Genkai Sea.
Site of Japan’s oldest Ancient style Shrine
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Access to Takamiya Saijo
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Shinbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tombs
The site has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage as
the Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site in the Munakata Region
The Tomb Group in Fukutsu City comprises the tombs of the Munakata clan, an ancient
powerful family that led interactions with overseas countries. The Munakata clan also
performed rituals on Okinoshima and nurtured the tradition of faith in in the sacred island.
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Munakata Shrine Okitsu-gu Yohaisho
The Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site in the Munakata region
Because Okinoshima has long been an object of worship, public access to the island is strictly limited.
The Okinoshima landscape has been preserved intact until now because local people have strictly
observed various taboos. For example, even if one is allowed to land on the island, one is forbidden
to speak a word about what one has seen or heard there; and one must never take anything from the
island, not even a twig, blade of grass, or pebble.
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Oshima Ferry
The ferry to Oshima Island.from Konominato port.
It takes 25 minutes by Oshima ferry and 15 minutes by Shiokaze ferry
Fare for a adult : JPY 560 (one way)
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Konominato Port |
To Oshima Island |
Oshima Port |
Oshima Island
Oshima Island located 11 km from Konominato Port in Munakata-city, and is the largest
island in Fukuoka-prefecture. The population of the island is around 700.
It takes 25 minutes by Oshima ferry and 15 minutes by Shiokaze ferry.
There are two World Heritage Shrines, Munakata Shrine Nakatsu-gu and Munakata Shrine
Okitsu-gu Yohaishho, those Shrines are registered as Sacred Island Okinoshiam and
Associated site in the Munakata Region.
You can enjoy beautiful nature at any places where you visit including Windmil Observatory
and Mitake Observatory.
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Mitake mountain Observatory
Enjoy breathtaking view from top of the mountain
From the observation deck atop Mt Mitakesan, visitors can view not only the main island of Kyushu,
but also Okinoshima Island.
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Windmill Observatory
Enjoy breath taking scenery
From the site of a cannon fort used during World War II, visitors can view Okinoshima on
a clear day. The path linking the fort site with Okitsu-gu Yohaisho was constructed by the
Japanese Imperial Army.
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Munakata Shrine Nakatsu-gu
The Shrine is part of the World Heritage that the Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site
in the Munakata Region has been registered on the World Heritage in 2016.
Nakatsu-gu, one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Taisha, is situated on this island and
enshrines Tagitsuhime-no-Kami, one of the Three Goddesses of Munakata.
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Katsuya Shuzo, in Munakata
Established in 1790, Katsuya Shuzo is a historic brewery located in Munakata, home to
a UNESCO World Heritage site.
They are dedicated to traditional hand-crafting methods, producing refined sake that perfectly
complements the fresh seafood of the Genkai Sea
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Munakata Shrine Hetsu-gu
The Shrine has been registered on the World Heritage in 2016.
The Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site in the Munakata region
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Hetsu-gu is one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Shrine and enshrines
Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, one of the three female deities of Munakata. Visitors passing
through the torii gate and proceeding along the path will find the Main Hall, dedicated to
Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, beyond the Shinmon gate.
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