A shrine-loving announcer tells you about the charms of Miyajidake Shrine, which will make your visit even more enjoyable!

Kentaro Suda (FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting), an announcer, loves goshuin and shrines so much that he even had a segment on his TV show called "Suda-san loves goshuin."

As we approach the first shrine visit of 2025, we will introduce the charms of Miyajidake Shrine, which is one of the most popular shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture.

What is Miyajidake Shrine?

Miyajidake Shrine is located in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Miyajidake shrines enshrined throughout the country. It is about a 3-minute walk from the Nishitetsu bus stop "Miyajidake Jinja-mae."

Image: Miyajidake Shrine

The main deity enshrined here is Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto, also known as Empress Jingu, and is said to bring good fortune and prosperity in business as the "goddess of good fortune who overcomes all obstacles."

It is also known for three things that are the largest in Japan: the 2.2m diameter "big drum," the 450kg copper "big bell," and the "big shimenawa" (sacred rope) at the worship hall. The 2.6m diameter, 11m long, and 3t-weighted "big shimenawa" is the symbol of Miyajidake Shrine. It is replaced every year using rice straw grown in the sacred rice fields.

Photo courtesy of Fukuoka Tourism Federation

The first prayer festival, "Tsuitachi Mairi," held at midnight on the 1st of each month, is a huge success, with people praying all night long.

At midnight on January 1st, the first festival of the year, the New Year's Festival, will be held, accompanied by the sound of a large drum announcing the start of the new year, and prayers will be made for safety in the home, prosperity in business, good health and safety for the year.

At Miyajidake Shrine, there is a legend that an honest person was given a golden ball through a Moma (owl), and Moma is treasured as a messenger of the gods. The cute "Moma Omikuji" is a perfect souvenir of your visit.

Image: Miyajidake Shrine

FBS announcer Kentaro Suda, who loves goshuin and shrines, introduces "Miyajidake Shrine" (Fukutsu City), a place you'll want to visit for the first time in 2025.

Before I knew it, I had collected over 100 different types of goshuin stamps from all over the country.

My name is Suda, and I'm a newscaster who loves goshuin and shrines.

Image: Kentaro Suda

This time, we will tell you about the hidden charms of Miyajidake Shrine, famous for its "Path of Light," which we recommend you visit first in 2025.

If you read this article before visiting the shrine, you'll feel even more energized!

You can see the spectacular "Road of Light" twice a year anytime!? The unconventional "3D Goshuin"

When talking about Miyajidake Shrine, one thing you can't miss is the "Road of Light" that appears every February and October. It's a spectacular sight of the sun setting over the sea, stretching straight up the approach to the shrine.　

He also appeared in a commercial for a certain airline and became famous nationwide.

Image: Miyajidake Shrine

However, this path can only be found twice a year at limited times.

If the timing just doesn't suit you, we have good news for you!

You can now worship the "Path of Light" at any time!

And here it is...

Image: Miyajidake Shrine

"Path of Light 3D Red Stamp"!

Its three-dimensional design overturns conventional wisdom about goshuin stamps. It was created through a collaboration between a pop-up picture book author and the shrine.

Now you can receive the power of the "Path of Light" at any time.

Please stop staring at your smartphone and look up! The mountain itself is a sacred object!

Approximately 1,700 years ago, Empress Jingu, the deity of Miyajidake Shrine, is said to have stopped at the summit of Miyajidake to pray for good fortune before setting off for the Korean Peninsula to conquer the Three Kingdoms.

In other words, the mountain itself is the sacred object! Come and feel the power of the mountain!

Photo: FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting "Mentai Wide"

The main shrine is an ancient burial mound! Also worth a visit: Fudo Shrine, located inside Miyajidake Shrine

The grounds of Miyajidake Shrine are actually very large.

In addition to the main shrine, there are eight shrines called the "Oku no Miya Hachisha" (Eight Shrines in the Inner Palace), and it is believed that if you visit each one, your wishes will come true, so many people visit the shrine.

Image: Miyajidake Shrine

Among them, the one you should definitely pay attention to is the third shrine, Fudo Shrine!

This shrine (main hall) is housed in a cave-in-type stone chamber ancient tomb, the largest of its kind in Japan, and Acala is enshrined inside the tomb.

Photo: FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting "Mentai Wide"

This is also the place where many national treasures have been discovered, so you can feel the "power of the ancient tombs."

Although it was quite a niche topic, Miyajidake Shrine is full of hidden charms!

Be sure to visit the shrine at the beginning of the year to receive some energy! (Text: Kentaro Suda, Edited by ARNE Editorial Department)

＜Click on the facility name for more information about the facility ↓＞
■ Miyajidake Shrine
住所：福岡県福津市宮司元町7-1
授与所：7：00～19：00（12月31日の夜〜1月3日は24時間参拝可能）
駐車場：あり（無料、約700台）　
電話番号：0940-52-0016

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