A Prayer Offered from the Sea to the Forbidden Island — Offshore Worship at Okinoshima & Fresh Seafood Lunch

About this experience

There exists an island once forbidden to women, where even men were permitted only as designated shrine priests. Sixty kilometers offshore in the Genkai Nada, Okinoshima is home to Munakata Taisha's Okitsu-miya shrine. This island, now unreachable to all, stands at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site "The Island Where Gods Dwell" — Munakata and Okinoshima with Related Heritage Sites. This tour takes you on a journey to this forbidden island by sea taxi, where you will offer quiet prayers from the boat. Just as the people of Munakata have clasped their hands from afar for over 1,500 years since ancient times, you will gaze upon the island while swayed by the winds and waves of the Genkai Nada. A Munakata history and tourism guide will accompany you, unraveling the thousand-year story of this sacred realm from a professional perspective. For those interested, English interpretation by NOREN's Miki Matsushima, a Munakata native, is available as an option (Japanese ↔ English only). We ensure that the essence of Munakata's prayers reaches visitors from abroad. After your prayers, enjoy a seasonal seafood lunch at Genkai Ryokan in Kamiyami. From the salt breeze and sound of waves to the aroma of sea and the steam of dashi broth. As this day's story comes to an end, take time to gently restore your spirit. "Sometimes, places you cannot go touch your heart more deeply than places you can." This is such a journey.

Highlights

Full itinerary

Meeting point

What's included

Good to know

⚠️ For safety reasons, children under 13, adults 75 and older, and those requiring canes, wheelchairs, or assistance cannot participate.

⚠️ If deemed unsafe for navigation due to typhoons or high waves, the entire tour will be cancelled (notification by email by 3 PM the day before; full refund of payment).

⚠️ Landing on Okinoshima is prohibited for the general public. This tour consists of worship only from offshore.

⚠️ Departure dates are limited (only 9 designated days between June and November 2026). This is a request-based tour; please let us know your preferred date.

⚠️ Group size: minimum 10 participants, maximum 12 participants (tour may not operate if fewer than 10 register).

✦ This tour is a group-organized tour planned and operated by Tourism Creation DMO Munakata (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor-registered travel agency, Regional #1028). NOREN handles interpretation and reservation communication.

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