Fukuoka

Munakata World Heritage Site A Journey to Protect and Pass On the Sacred Sea and its Blessings A Special Experience: Participate in the Tsukinami-sai Festival at Munakata Taisha Hetsu-miya

Approx. ¥40,000 / guest (tax included)Participants: 2–6
Art & ArchitectureCulture ExperienceHistoryUnesco World Heritage

  • Maximum Participants

    Up to 6 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.

On this tour, you will visit the Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya; one of the key sites designated within the World Heritage property "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region" (2017).

You will have the special opportunity to attend the Tsukinami-sai, a unique ceremony held twice a month to pray for the peace and security of the nation and the local region. You will observe the ceremonial Norito (Shinto prayer) chanted by the Gongūji (Head Priest) and the dedication of the Kagura (sacred dance) by the shrine maidens.

You will also be granted entrance to witness the rituals held at the Takamiyasaijo, the ancient ceremonial grounds.

Additionally, your guide will take you through the Shinpo-kan (Treasure Hall), which exhibits 80,000 National Treasures.

Note Single participants will be charged the 2-person rate.

Operated by

K-iTG Inc.

Route

  1. 1

    08:30 Meeting point is near the Tourist Information Desk at Hakata Station.

  2. 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. 3

    09:25-09:40 Take a taxi from Togo Station to Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya.

  4. 4

    09:40-12:00 Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya: Tsukinami-sai

    Receive explanations on temizu (hand purification) and shimenawa (sacred rope) while waiting for the start of the ceremony: Tsukinami-sai at the Main Sanctuary & Visit to Takamiyasaijo Exploration of the shrine grounds your guide will take you through the Shinpo-kan (Treasure Hall), which exhibits 80,000 National Treasures.

    09:40-12:00 Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya: Tsukinami-sai
    1 / 6
  5. 5

    12:10 Take a taxi to Togo Station.

  6. 6

    12:27-12:58 From Togo station to Hakata station by JR

  7. 7

    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. 1

    Send your request

    Pick your dates and party size and send a request. No payment yet.

  2. 2

    Decide the details together

    Chat with K-iTG Inc. to work out the date, plan, and final price together.

  3. 3

    Pay securely

    Once confirmed, pay through a secure link to lock in your booking.

  4. 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.

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Total ¥80,000 (tax incl.)

2 guests

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is JR HAKATA Station . Tourist Information Desk at Hakata Station.
What languages is this activity available in?
This activity is available in English.
How many people can join?
This activity can be booked for 2 to 6 guests.
How much does it cost and what is included?
The price is about ¥40,000 per guest (tax included). 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.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Booking requests must be made at least 3 days before the date you want to join.
Who runs this activity?
This activity is run by K-iTG Inc.
What is the cancellation policy?
For bookings that do not require tickets, the cancellation fee is 30% of the price when cancelled 30 days or more before the date, 50% for 14-29 days before, 80% for 7-13 days before, and 100% from 6 days before onwards (including no-shows). Activities that require tickets cannot be cancelled. See the cancellation policy
What is WOW U?
WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.