Munakata Shrine

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Munakata Shrine (宗像大社) is a shrine in the city of Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the head of the approximately 6000 Munakata shrines all over the country. Although the term refers to three parts, the Okitsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya, and Hetsunomiya, the use to mean Hetsunomiya alone is common. The shrine is devoted to the three Munakata goddesses, who are believed to be children of Amaterasu, the ancestor of the imperial family. Susanoo has also been enshrined there for many years as the god of mariners, and he has come to be worshipped as the god of traffic safety on land as well. Okitsunomiya is on the island of Okinoshima, located at a key point for shipping. It is designated as an emergency evacuation harbor, but the shrine occupies the entire island. Women are excluded, and men, before landing, have to perform a purification ceremony.

The island's many stone stages, ancient accessories, and other artifacts have earned it the name "Shosoin of the Seas," and call to mind the faith that has come from ancient times. Moreover, in ancient times it prospered due to trade with China and Korea during many dynasties.

A movement to have UNESCO designate Okinoshima a World Heritage Site has spread all over Japan, with its focus in Kyūshū.