Fukuoka

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

Approx. ¥120,000 / guest (tax included)Participants: 2–4
Culture ExperienceEntertainmentHistoryUnesco World HeritageSpecial Diet
  • Time of day

    AM

  • Maximum Participants

    Up to 4 people

  • Languages

    English

  • Meeting place

    Hotel lobby (Meet at the hotel, Hakata Tenji, Hakata Station,Fukuoka Airport

Overview

Munakata's OkinoshimIsland 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.

We will visit Munakata Taisha Nakatsumiya on Oshima Island, part of the 2017 World Heritage listing, "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region." You will attend the special Tsukinami-sai, a sacred ritual supported by local fishermen and island residents which is held twice a month to pray for regional peace. This is a rare chance to witness the Shinto priests arranging the sacred food offerings and hearing the Norito (Shinto prayer) chanted up close. Afterward, you will participate in the Naorai, the communal ceremony of sharing the sacred offerings, which provides a unique time to converse with the local community.

This is an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

a has been revered since antiquity as “The *Note: We offer an option to travel by public transportation, and another special option where you can stay overnight on Ōshima Island and experience the ritual preparations, starting with the morning purification. Please inquire if you are

From Febrauary to December, we are happy to arrange dates to suit your group's schedule.

Operated by

Route

  1. 1

    07:45 Pickup at your hotel in Fukuoka (Tenjin or Hakata Station area)

  2. 2

    07:50-09:00 Private car transfer to Konominato Port.

    Inside the private car, the guide will explain the appeal of Munakata Taisha and the reasons for its World Heritage designation.

  3. 3

    09:25-09:55 Take the ferry from Konominato Port to Oshima Island.

    We will cross to Ōshima Island while enjoying the beautiful views of the Genkai Sea

    09:25-09:55  Take the ferry from Konominato Port to Oshima Island.
    1 / 2
  4. 4

    10:00 (approx.) Munakata Taisha Nakatsumiya

    10:00 (approx.) Munakata Taisha Nakatsumiya
    1 / 3
  5. 5

    10:00-11:00 Preparations for the Tsukinami-sai

    Observe the ritual preparations, while the guide explains the grounds and the shimenawa (sacred ropes made by local fishermen).

    10:00-11:00 Preparations for the Tsukinami-sai
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  6. 6

    11:00-13:00 Tsukinami-sai and Naorai

    Attend the Tsukinami-sai (Monthly Festival). After the 11:30 AM conclusion, participate in a grounds cleansing activity (e.g., gathering fallen leaves). Participate in the Naorai (ritual feast), offering a special chance to converse with the islanders who preserve the faith.

    11:00-13:00 Tsukinami-sai and Naorai
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  7. 7

    13:30-15:50 Explore the Oshima Okitsumiya Yohaisho and Beach Cleaning Okitsu-miya Yohaisho Okitsu-miya Worship Place - Beach Cleaning - Battery Site Ruins

    Explore the Oshima walk the coastline, reflecting on the meaning of the "Island where God Dwells."

    13:30-15:50  Explore the Oshima  Okitsumiya Yohaisho and  Beach Cleaning  Okitsu-miya Yohaisho Okitsu-miya Worship Place - Beach Cleaning - Battery Site Ruins
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  8. 8

    16:20-16 :50 Ferry from Oshima Port to Kōnominato Port.

  9. 9

    16:50-17:50 Transfer from Konominato Port to Fukuoka.

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

    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

    Hotel lobby (Meet at the hotel, Hakata Tenji, Hakata Station,Fukuoka Airport

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    Frequently asked questions

    Where do we meet?
    The meeting point is Hotel lobby (Meet at the hotel, Hakata Tenji, Hakata Station,Fukuoka Airport.
    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 4 guests.
    How much does it cost and what is included?
    The price is about ¥120,000 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
    How far in advance do I need to book?
    Booking requests must be made at least 7 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.