Interaction with the continent(1)
Rituals of Okinoshima
Okinoshima is a solitary island with a circumference of 4 kilometers in the Genkai Sea some 60 meters from Kyushu. It is the compound of Munakata Taisha shrine, where Okitsugu is enshrined.
National rituals began on Okinoshima beginning in the latter 4th century and various offerings were made to the island through the late 9th century. Those offerings have subsequently been protected there and have gone virtually untouched for religious reasons.
"Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region" was registered as UNESCO World Heritage in July 2017.
Note: The general public is not allowed to go to Okinoshima and the offerings are exhibited and stored at the Munakata Taisha Treasure House.
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Munakata Shrine Shimpokan
Munakata Shrine Shimpokan displays a collection of 80,000 precious treasures and cultural assets that relate to faith in the three Munakata goddesses, which has continued unbroken since antiquity. This collection covers the dazzling history of the Munakata Clan that has worshipped those goddesses.
Location: 2331 Tashima, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 0940-62-1311 (Munakata Shrine Festival Division)
Website: Munakata Taisha (Japanese only)
http://www.munakata-taisha.or.jp/html/gosaijin-yuisyo.html
Admission: 800 yen (general), 500 yen (high school/university), 400 yen (elementary/junior high)
Transportation: JR Togo Station → Munakata Taisha-mae (Shrine) (approx. 12 min by bus)
Approx. 62 min from “Tenjin Bank of Japan” to “Munakata Taisha-mae (Shrine)” * Nishitetsu bus Munakata-go
Approx. 20 min from Kyushu Jukan Expressway Wakamiya Interchange
Parking: Available (free)
Oshima Koryukan
Oshima Koryukan is a facility that introduces the history and nature of Oshima, its relationship with Okinoshima, the way of life of the people living on the island and more, with a focus on the Munakata Taisha Nakatsu-gu and Okitsu-gu Yohaijo, which are the collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.”
Location: 901-4 Oshima, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 0940-72-2797 (Oshima Koryukan)
Website: Munakata City (Japanese only)
http://www.city.munakata.lg.jp/map/160/030/20180801145247.html
Closed: Tuesdays, Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free
Transportation: Approx. 15-25 min from Konominato to Oshima by ferry
Approx. 15 min walk from Oshima Ferry Terminal
Parking: Konominato Ferry Terminal Parking Lot
Parking No.1: 300 yen/12 hrs, Parking No.2 and 3: 200 yen/12 hrs