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Munakata Taisha 宗像大社
Munakata, Fukuoka · Open in Google Maps
Munakata Taisha worships the three Munakata goddesses, guardians of the sea route between Kyushu and the Asian mainland. It is the main site of the UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites".
What to look for
- The shrine has three parts: Hetsu-miya on the mainland, Nakatsu-miya on the island of Ōshima, and Okitsu-miya on Okinoshima far out at sea.
- Okinoshima is so sacred that it is closed to the general public.
- Hetsu-miya, on the mainland, is where most visitors worship. It has an outdoor altar recreating the ancient form of worship.
Enshrined kami
- Tagorihime 田心姫神
- Tagitsuhime 湍津姫神
- Ichikishima-hime 市杵島姫神
What people pray for here
Safe travel by sea and land, and fortune.
Etiquette
Most visitors go to the mainland Hetsu-miya. Don't plan to land on Okinoshima; it isn't open to visitors.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.