Okinoshima (Munakata Taisha Okitsumiya)

Overview

The enshrined deity is the Tagorihime-no-Mikoto (one of the Munakata San-no-Megami). Located in the Genkai Sea approximately 60 km off the coast of Kyushu, the entire island serves as the Goshintai (sacred body of the deity) for the Munakata Taisha Okitsumiya (Okitsumiya Shrine). This is a sacred site of ancient faith where national-level rituals were performed from the late 4th century to the end of the 9th century, resulting in the excavation of approximately 80,000 ritual artifacts (National Treasures). It was registered as a World Heritage site in 2017 as "Sacred Island of the Gods: Okinoshima and Associated<image|> Cultural<image|> Properties." The entire area is private property of the Munakata Taisha, and the tradition of Nyonin Kinshi (prohibition of women) is maintained. Since 2018, landing by the general public has been prohibited in principle. Worship is conducted via Yōhai (remote worship) from the Hettsumiya (main shrine on the mainland) and the Nakatsumiya (on Oshima Island, a 25-minute boat ride from Kamiminato Port).

Highlights

• ・The entire island is a Goshintai (Sacred Island of the Gods)
• ・80,000 ancient ritual artifacts (National Treasures)
• ・World Heritage site (Registered in 2017)
• ・A sanctuary with landing prohibitions and Nyonin Kinshi (prohibition of women)