Fukuoka
A Journey to Protect, Preserve, and Pass On the Sacred Sea and its Blessings Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya: Official Worship Ceremony & Grounds Cleansing Tour
Time of day
AM
Maximum Participants
Up to 8 people
Languages
English
Meeting place
JR HAKATA Station
Overview
Munakata's Okinoshima has been revered since antiquity as “The Island where Gods Dwell“ and was a vital strategic point governing the nation's fate. It is a rare location where traces of ancient rituals spanning centuries of history remain preserved. This faith continues today, passed down through generations via sacred rites like the Miare Festival and as part of the daily lives of the local people.
This guided English tour visits Munakata Taisha Hetsugu, designated as a World Heritage Site in 2017 as part of the "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region”.
Experience the ancient spiritual heart of Japan with unique activities not available to regular visitors:
Official Worship Ceremony at the main sanctuary (honden).
Grounds cleansing experience led by a Shinto priest, who will share insights into the traditions.
Your guided visit also includes the Takamiyasaijo, the site of ancient sacred rituals, and the Shinpo-kan (Treasure Hall), which houses over 80,000 National Treasures.
Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients and the bounty of the Munakata Sea.
From Febrauary to December, we are happy to arrange dates to suit your group's schedule.
Even if your party is larger than 8 people, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can best accommodate you.
Operated by
Route
- 1
08:30 Meeting point is near the Tourist Information Desk at Hakata Station.
- 2
08:49-09:21 From Hakata Station to Togo Station by train
We will take a JR Kyushu rapid train, enjoying the everyday scenery as we travel towards Munakata.
- 3
09:25-09:40 Take a taxi from Togo Station to Munakata Taisha Grand Shrine.
- 4
09:40 (approx.) Uminomichi Munakata-kan
At the "Umi no Michi Munakata-kan" World Heritage Guidance Facility, we will use an English video and explanation to uncover the value that led to its designation as a World Cultural Heritage site.
- 5
10:10-12:00 (approx.) Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya Official worship ceremony and Grounds cleansing (guided by a Shinto priest)
Official worship ceremony at the main sanctuary (Important Cultural Property) Exploration of the shrine grounds (inlc. The Takamiyasaijo ritual site) Treasure Hall (Shinpo-kan) Grounds cleansing (guided by a Shinto priest)
1 / 6 - 6
12:10-12:30 Take a taxi to Togo Station.
- 7
12:54-13:24 Arrive at Hakata Station and disperse.
What's included
- Customized itinerary
- Guided Experience
- Local insights and insider tips
- Entrance fees
- Transportation fee
Hatsuhoryō (offering fee) for the official worship ceremony
Not included
- Food and drink
- Other personal expenses
What happens after you request
- 1
Send your request
Pick your dates and party size and send a request. No payment yet.
- 2
Decide the details together
Chat with K-iTG Inc. to work out the date, plan, and final price together.
- 3
Pay securely
Once confirmed, pay through a secure link to lock in your booking.
- 4
Enjoy your experience
On the day, K-iTG Inc. will meet you at the meeting point. You can leave a review afterwards.
For cancellation fees, see our Cancellation Policy.
Meeting point
JR HAKATA Station
福岡県福岡市博多区博多駅中央街１−１
Tourist Information Desk at Hakata Station.
More to explore in Fukuoka
Spots in the same area as this activity. Some may be a train or car ride away.
Fukuoka
Miyajidake Jinja Shrine
Twice a year, the sun sets dead-straight down the shrine path to the sea.
Fukuoka
Shimbaru Nuyama Mounded Tomb Group
41 clan tombs still crown the hills, silent since the 5th century.
