About Miyajidake Shrine
Miyajidake Shrine is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1700 years, located in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is known as the head shrine of all Miyajidake Shrines throughout Japan, and gained national attention in 2016 for its breathtaking “Path of Light,” featured in a JAL (Japan Airlines) commercial.
Deities and History
The main deity is Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto, also known as Empress Jingu. Katsumura-no-Okami and Katsuyori-no-Okami are enshrined alongside her. Legend says that Empress Jingu prayed at this site before her conquest of the Three Kingdoms of Korea and achieved victory.
Highlights of Miyajidake Shrine
Three Japan’s Best Treasures
Miyajidake Shrine boasts three treasures that are “Japan’s best.”
The Great Shimenawa (sacred rope) is 11 meters long and weighs 3 tons, making it one of the largest in Japan. It is renewed every December, and its impressive appearance overwhelms visitors.
The Great Drum is a gigantic drum with a diameter of 2.2 meters, displayed beside the main hall.
The Great Bell weighs 450 kan (approximately 1.7 tons) and hangs in front of the worship hall.
Path of Light (Sunset Path)
Twice a year, in the evenings of late February and late October, a “Path of Light” appears as the setting sun sinks along the extension of the path leading to the shrine. The straight line stretching from the shrine grounds through Aishima Island to the Genkai Sea is mystical, attracting many photographers and worshippers during this time. It is recommended to check the exact date and time on the shrine’s official website beforehand.
Eight Shrines of the Inner Sanctuary
Behind the main shrine are eight shrines known as the “Eight Shrines of the Inner Sanctuary.” Each offers a different blessing, and the “Inner Sanctuary Pilgrimage,” which visits all of them, is a course that takes about an hour. The cave of the Fudo Shrine and the Seven Lucky Gods Shrine are particularly popular spots.
Flowers of the Four Seasons
Throughout the year, you can enjoy flowers of all four seasons on the shrine grounds. In spring, approximately 2,000 cherry trees bloom, and in early summer, about 50,000 azalea bushes adorn the approach to the shrine. In autumn, the leaves change color, and in winter, camellias bloom, showing a different face each season.
Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours and Required Time
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
- Required Time: 30 minutes for the main shrine only, 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours including a visit to the inner shrines
- Recommended Time: Weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded. If you want to see the Path of Light, arrive at least one hour before sunset.
How to Visit
- Pass through the first torii gate and proceed along the approach.
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin.
- Perform two bows, two claps, and one bow at the main shrine.
- If time permits, visit the eight inner shrines.
- You can also visit the Folk Museum (Treasure Hall).
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) and Amulets
Goshuin (shrine seal) can be obtained at the shrine office (donation of 300 yen). Popular amulets include the “Good Fortune Amulet” and the “Business Prosperity Amulet.” In particular, the “Lucky Rice Paddle” is known as a unique item bestowed at Miyajidake Shrine.
Benefits
Miyajidake Shrine is known for its blessings of good fortune, business prosperity, traffic safety, and family safety. Especially due to the legend of Empress Jingu’s conquest of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, it is revered as a god of good fortune who “overcomes all obstacles,” making it a popular shrine for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Eight shrines within the inner sanctuary each offer specialized blessings, allowing visitors to pray according to their purpose, such as matchmaking (Koi no Miya), financial fortune (Manjizo-son), and academic success (Inari Shrine).
Access Information
Access by Train
- Get off at JR Kagoshima Main Line “Fukuma Station”
- From the station, take the Nishitetsu Bus bound for “Miyajidake Shrine” for approximately 5 minutes, get off at the last stop.
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi (approximately 1,000 yen)
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot (uphill)
Access by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Kyushu Expressway “Koga IC”
- Approximately 40 minutes from central Fukuoka City via National Route 3
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 1,000 cars), traffic restrictions during the first three days of the New Year
Address and Contact Information
- Address: 7-1 Miyajimotomachi, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 811-3309
- Phone: 0940-52-0016
- Official Website: Please check the official website for the latest information
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Around Miyajidake Shrine, you’ll find the old townscape known as Tsuyazaki Senken, perfect for a stroll. Miyajihama Beach is a beautiful beach visible at the end of the “Path of Light,” and is bustling with swimmers in the summer. The Shinbara-Nuyama Tumulus Cluster, about a 15-minute drive away, is one of the constituent assets of the World Heritage Site “Island of the Gods: Munakata-Okinoshima and Related Heritage Sites.”
Summary
Miyajidake Shrine boasts numerous attractions, including the spectacular “Path of Light,” three “Japan’s Best” features, and a pilgrimage to the eight inner shrines. Visitors from all over Japan come seeking good fortune and business prosperity. Be sure to visit when sightseeing in Fukuoka.
