A Journey Guided by the Path of Light — Miyajidake Shrine, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

✨A Shrine of Good Fortune and Prosperity

Nestled in Fukutsu, Fukuoka, Miyajidake Shrine has been revered for about 1,700 years. It enshrines Okinaga-Tarashihime-no-Mikoto, also known as the legendary Empress Jingū, along with Katsumura-no-Ōkami and Katsuyori-no-Ōkami.

The shrine is widely worshipped as a place of good fortune and success in overcoming difficulties, especially associated with prayers for business prosperity.

🌙Midnight Blessings: Tsuitachi Mairi

One distinctive tradition is Tsuitachi Mairi, held on the first day of every month. At midnight, the first prayer ceremony begins, and worshippers gather throughout the night to seek blessings and make a fresh start to the new month.

On this day, the shops and restaurants along the approach to the shrine also remain open late into the night, creating a lively atmosphere around the shrine throughout the day and night.

🪢Japan’s “Three No. 1s”

Miyajidake Shrine is famous for its “Three Japanese No. 1s.” The most iconic is its enormous shimenawa, measuring 2.6 meters in diameter, 11 meters in length, and weighing approximately 3 tons. It is replaced every year through the efforts of around 1,500 people.

The shrine is also home to a massive taiko drum and a 450-kilogram bronze bell, together forming a celebrated collection of three remarkable “No. 1” treasures.

👘Tsukushi Kanmai: A Dance with 1,200 Years of History

On October 22, Tsukushi Kanmai, a ceremonial dance with a history of around 1,200 years, is performed as part of the shrine’s annual Gosenza Kinen-sai festival.

Known as a “phantom court dance,” Tsukushi Kanmai is said to be related to the origins of Noh and bugaku. The solemn performance, passed down through generations, offers a glimpse into an ancient tradition of Japanese ritual dance.

⛩Oku-no-Miya: The Pilgrimage Within

Beyond the main shrine lies Oku-no-Miya, home to eight smaller sacred sites known collectively as the Eight Shrines of the Inner Sanctuary.

Each shrine has its own role and significance, and according to traditional belief, visiting all eight can help fulfill one's deepest wishes. Walking through these sacred sites offers a quieter and more contemplative side of Miyajidake Shrine.

🌇The Path of Light

For a few days around February and October each year, the setting sun aligns with the shrine's long approach, creating the famous “Path of Light.” From the upper steps, the view stretches toward the sea, with the setting sun appearing to connect the shrine, approach, and coastline.

This spectacular alignment has become one of Fukutsu's most recognizable landscapes, drawing visitors who come to witness the brief seasonal moment when the shrine and the sea are joined by light.

🏮Shrine Town & Visitor Information

At the foot of the shrine's stone steps lies a traditional monzen-machi, or shrine town, where visitors can find shops, souvenirs, and local specialties such as Matsugae-mochi, a grilled rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste.

Nearby tourist information facilities provide maps and local sightseeing information, making the area a convenient starting point for exploring Fukutsu and its surrounding attractions.