Miyajidake Shrine

Miyajidake Shrine, located in Fukutsu City, between Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu, is the head shrine of all Miyajidake shrines in Japan. The shrine was founded approximately 1,700 years ago and enshrined Empress Jingu-kougou as its main deity. According to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan), Empress Jingu prayed for good fortune from the top of this mountain before a battle. Since then, the shrine has been believed to be the "god of good luck that overcomes all odds”.

Within its precincts is the largest ancient tomb in Japan with a horizontal stone chamber, and many artifacts decorated with gold were found. More than 20 of them are designated as national treasures. They symbolize the prosperity and wealth of the Azumi tribe that ruled the region and can truly be called the "Shosoin of the Underground”.

Don’t miss “the three best in Japan”. The first is the "Ooshimenawa," an impressive 2.6m in diameter, 11m in length, and 3 tons in weight. The second is the "Oodaiko" (large drum). The drum, 2.2 meters in diameter, is made of a single piece of cowhide. The drum is struck every year at midnight, signaling New Year's Day, and its sound is said to reach as far as 2 km away. The third and final item is the "Oosuzu," a copper bell weighing 450 kg, both of which are said to have been dedicated by worshippers.

Another popular attraction in recent years is "Hikari no Michi" (Path of Light). The sunsets straight ahead from the approach to the shrine, and Miyajidake and Saiho Jodo (western pure land of ultimate bliss) connected to form a single "path of light," a miraculous sight that many visitors want to see at least once. This spectacular sight can be seen only twice a year, around February 20 and October 20, when the weather conditions are right.