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Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

A sacred Shinto island in the Japanese sea, so holy that women are forbidden and men must purify before setting foot.

  • Island
  • March – May (cherry blossom), October – November (autumn)
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About Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

The island of Okinoshima is itself a Shinto deity, an object of worship for over 1,500 years where ancient sea-crossing rituals left extraordinary treasures. Access is essentially forbidden to preserve its sanctity; the faith is experienced instead at the Munakata Taisha shrines on the mainland and nearby islands, which honour the three goddesses of the sea.

Highlights

  • Munakata Taisha Hetsu-miya shrine
  • The story of the forbidden sacred island
  • Ancient ritual treasures in the museum
  • Oshima island's Nakatsu-miya shrine
  • Shinto sea-crossing traditions
  • Coastal shrine viewpoints
▸ Where you'll stay

Where you'll stay in Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

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Hotels & rentals around Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

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▸ What you'll do
What's on

While you're there

16
AUG
Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire Festival) — Kyoto, August 2026
301-1 奈良屋町 中京区, 京都市, Kyoto, Japan · festival
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13
SEP
Grand Sumo Tournament — September (Aki Basho) 2026 — Tokyo, September 2026
14 両国2丁目17番 墨田区, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan · sport
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Explore the area

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region · Around the island · 1 island

© OpenFreeMap · OSM · terrain Mapterhorn
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Local attractions & tours

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▸ When you'll go

When to visit Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

March – May (cherry blossom), October – November (autumn)

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