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

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.