Munakata & Fukutsu travel Guide

Hetsu-gu is one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Shrine

and enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, one of the three female

deities of Munakata.  Visitors passing through the torii gate and

proceeding along the path will find the Main Hall, dedicated to

Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, beyond the Shinmon gate.

The steps lead to Takamiya Saijo (Ceremonial Site), where ancient

rituals were performed. Takamiya Saijo is very important since the

rituals currently observed at Hetsu-gu originated there. To the

northwest of the ceremonial site, visitors can view the marine route

linking Hetsu-gu with Okinoshima via the Tsurikawa River, Oshima.

The Tomb Group comprises the tombs of the Munakata clan, an

ancient powerful family that led interactions with overseas countries.

The Munakata clan also performed rituals on Okinoshima and

nurtured the tradition of faith in in the sacred island.

The Shimenawa is the biggest in Japan. Surprisingly, weight is 3ton,

with 2.6m diameter and 11m length. Shimenawa is the thick, twisted,

straw rope. It was believed in ancient days that a Shimenawa had

the power to keep off evil sprits, so many objects connected with

Shinto Shrines decorated.

Oshima Ferry, it takes 25 minutes by Oshima and 15 minutes

by Shiokaze.

Nakatsu-gu, one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata

Taisha, is situated on this island and enshrines

Tagitsuhime-no-Kami, one of the Three Goddesses of Munakata.

Because Okinoshima has long been an object of worship, public

access to the island is strictly limited. The Okinoshima landscape

has been preserved intact until now because local people have strictly

observed various taboos. 

From the site of a cannon fort used during World War II, visitors

can view Okinoshima on a clear day. The path linking the fort site

with Okitsu-gu Yohaisho was constructed by the Japanese 

Imperial Army.

From the observation deck atop Mt Mitakesan, visitors can view

not only the main island of Kyushu, but also Okinoshima Island.