Overview:

: Okinoshima is a small, remote island located off the coast of the Fukuoka Prefecture in Western Japan. The island is home to the Munakata Taisha or "Grand Shrine of Munakata", a spiritual center of worship dedicated to the three gods of Munakata, who protect the wellbeing of the islands and its inhabitants. The shrine draws thousands of pilgrims every year to pay their respects. Access to the island is strictly prohibited, and there are no permanent residents. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

Okinoshima Island is an important religious site located off the coast of Kyushu Island in southwest Japan. It is well known for having some of the oldest religious artifacts in Japan, dating back to as early as the 4th century AD. It is also famed for its stunning natural beauty and mysterious spiritual atmosphere. The most significant feature of Okinoshima Island is Munakata Taisha, a complex of three large shrines dedicated to Okitsune-no-Mikoto, a Shinto deity. Every April, the island of Okinoshima witnesses a ceremony to honor this deity, during which sacrificial boats sail into the nearby harbor to be blessed. Also, due to the island’s spiritual significance, people are forbidden from entering it, and fishermen are not allowed to fish in the surrounding waters. In fact, the island is so revered that it has been declared a National Special Historic Site of Japan. Besides, the island is home to many rare and exotic species of flora and fauna, including two types of deer and the Japanese wood pigeon. In addition, some of the interesting ruins on the island include the remains of a 14th-century Shinto shrine and several Buddhist monuments. These prominent features make Okinoshima Island one of the most amazing and must-visit destinations in Japan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Okinoshima Island is an islet located off the coast of the city of Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, in southwestern Japan. The island is known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Munakata Taisha, a group of three ancient shrines dedicated to the gods of land, sea, and fertility. The shrines have been described as a “magical temple in the sea” and have been in operation since the 800s. Every summer, the shrines host a magnificent display of fireworks that draws people from all over Japan. Okinoshima Island has a long and illustrious history. It is thought that as early as the 4th century, the island was a sacred site where offerings were made to a god known as Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto. In the 8th century, the island was used as an outpost for the powerful Munakata clan who eventually became the rulers of the region. In the 10th century, the shrines of Munakata Taisha were founded on the island and served as a spiritual center for the clan. In modern times, the island is now recognized as a National Historic Site and has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Munakata Taisha. The island is not open to the public, though, as men are not allowed to step foot on the sacred grounds. Nevertheless, the waterfront view of the three shrines is said to be breathtaking and visitors come from all over to experience its beauty. Moreover, the annual fireworks display at the shrines is a sight one must not miss. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Okinoshima Island is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, about 4.3 miles off the coast of Shimane Prefecture. 2. The island is home to a sacred Shinto shrine known as Munakata Taisha, that is said to date back to the 4th century. 3. Okinoshima Island can only be accessed by special permission from the Munakata shrine, which conducts a religious ceremony once a year. 4. Okinoshima Island is believed to be inhabited by a Shinto gods. 5. The island is also said to be guarded by invisible oni (demons) and anyone visiting the island should be prepared to follow strict cultural and religious regulations. 6. Okinoshima Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its exceptional global significance as a religious site. 7. Munakata Taisha is made of three separate shrines located on the Okinoshima Island, as well as two on two other small island nearby. 8. The three major shrines of Munakata Taisha are believed to offer protection from bad luck and illness. 9. The island and shrine are considered to be so sacred that the whole is off-limits to women, and anyone who does visit is expected to leave all of their possessions behind. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era