The Munakata Taisha Shrine, located in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The Autumn Grand Festival, held every year from October 1st to 3rd, is the most important festival for this shrine. Among them, the maritime pilgrimage “Miare Festival” on the first day is a truly spectacular sight, with over 100 fishing boats making a grand parade in the Genkai Sea! It is a major event that colors autumn in Munakata, and many people visit every year.
What is the Miare Festival?
The Miare Festival is a Shinto ritual in which two goddesses, Tagorihime no Kami of Okitsumiya Shrine on Okinoshima Island, and Tagitsuhime no Kami of Nakatsumiya Shrine on Oshima Island, gather at Hetsumiya Shrine on the mainland. This festival, in which the Munakata Three Goddesses reunite once a year, boasts a history of over 1000 years, and its description remains in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).
Highlights
- Heroic Maritime Parade: The sight of more than 100 fishing boats flying their big catch flags and leading the Imperial boat carrying the portable shrine as they advance in the Genkai Sea is truly overwhelming! It can be seen up close not only from the land but also from sightseeing boats.
- Traditional Shinto Rituals: After the maritime parade, the “Rikujo Shinko,” in which the portable shrine proceeds by land from Minato Port to Munakata Taisha Shrine, is held. You can see the traditional Shinto rituals in a solemn atmosphere as the white-robed parishioners carry the portable shrine and traditional court music is played.
- Festival Mood Filled Food Stalls: Many food stalls are set up around Munakata Taisha Shrine. A fun space where you can get excited just by looking around is spreading out with local gourmet food and traditional crafts.
History and Culture
The Miare Festival is deeply connected to the Munakata faith that has continued since ancient times. The Munakata Three Goddesses are said to have the divine virtues of maritime safety, traffic safety, and national tranquility and have long been worshiped by people. You can touch Japanese history and culture through the Miare Festival.
Access Information
- Train: Get off at JR Kagoshima Main Line “Togo Station” and take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
- Car: About 20 minutes from the Kyushu Expressway “Wakamiya IC.”
- Parking: Available (paid).
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Name | Munakata Taisha Shrine Autumn Grand Festival “Miare Festival” |
| Venue | Munakata Taisha Shrine, 2331 Tajima, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Duration | Every year from October 1st to 3rd |
| Time | Miare Festival: around 10:00 AM |
| Phone Number | 0940-62-1311 (Munakata Taisha) |
| Access | JR Kagoshima Main Line “Togo Station,” about 10 minutes by taxi About 20 minutes from the Kyushu Expressway “Wakamiya IC” |
Conclusion
The Munakata Taisha Shrine Autumn Grand Festival “Miare Festival” is a magnificent festival where history and tradition come alive. The maritime parade created by 100 fishing boats is truly overwhelming! Please visit and experience its power and emotion.