Shrine · Fukuma
The head shrine of all Miyaji Dake Shrines throughout Japan, dedicated to Empress Jingū. It is known for the "Road of Light," where the approach path and sunset align in a straight line, appearing only twice a year.
History
Miyaji Dake Shrine, located in Fukutsu City, is the head shrine of all Miyaji Dake Shrines throughout Japan. According to tradition, it was founded approximately 1,700 years ago when Empress Jingū prayed at this site before departing on her expedition to the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
The principal deity enshrined here is Empress Jingū, who is venerated alongside her attendants Katsumura Okami and Katsuyori Okami as the "Three Great Deities of Miyaji Dake." They are revered as "deities of good fortune and victory over all adversity."
This popular shrine attracts over two million visitors annually and has gained nationwide recognition for the "Path of Light" phenomenon that occurs twice yearly—in late February and late October—when the setting sun sinks in a perfectly straight line from the stone steps of the main hall, along the approach path, toward Aoshima Island floating in Genkai Bay.
The grand straw rope (shimenawa) hanging before the main hall, the large drum, and the large bell all claim to be "Japan's largest" of their kind, and these "three record-holders" are cherished features of the shrine grounds.
Deities
Okinaganatarasihime no Mikoto (Empress Jingu, principal deity), Katsumura no Okami and Katsuyori no Okami (enshrined together) — collectively known as "the Three Great Deities of Miyaji"
Festivals & Events
Spring Grand Festival
April 4-6 Spring Grand Festival where prayers are offered for the stability of the nation, the health of all people, and a bountiful harvest of the five grains. Solemn sacred rites are performed by shrine priests dressed in formal court attire and shrine maidens in elegant ceremonial garments. The festival coincides with the peak bloom of cherry blossoms, drawing large crowds of worshippers.
Autumn Grand Festival (Hojoe Festival)
September 21-23 The largest festival of Miyaji Dake Shrine, boasting a history of approximately 600 years. The highlight is the "Shinko Procession," where an ox-drawn carriage carrying a festival queen dressed in a twelve-layered kimono, portable shrines, and a procession of warriors with hair-adorned spears parade approximately 2 kilometers from the shrine to Miyaji Beach. On the evening of the second day, the "Good Fortune Fireworks Festival" is also held, where wishes gathered from across the nation are incorporated into fireworks and launched into the sky.
Practical Information
There are free seating and paid special prayer seating available for viewing the "Path of Light," with the best viewing period in late February and late October.
Specialty shops selling the famous "Matsugae mochi" line the approach to the shrine. The "Eight Shrines of the Inner Sanctuary" located behind the main hall are said to grant wishes when all eight are visited.
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