Located in the city of Fukutsu in Fukuoka Prefecture, Miyajidake Shrine is the head shrine of the many Miyajidake shrines found throughout Japan.
The shrine is dedicated to Empress Jingu, who is mentioned in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), and has been known as a place where great wishes come true, both in ancient times and today. It has long been believed that the shrine’s blessings bring good fortune to overcome all, no matter the odds.
Miyajidake Shrine is home to the largest ancient stone burial mound in Japan, which was excavated about 300 years ago.
It is estimated that this burial mound was built around the end of the 6th century.
A number of treasures have been discovered there, including an oversized tachi sword, sword fittings, horse tack, a green lapis lazuli vase, and lapis lazuli beads, 20 of which have been designated as national treasures.
Among them, of particular interest are those made of gold. It is thought that this huge burial mound was the resting place of a person who might have donned such things as golden crowns, swords and accessories; in other words, a local ruler of the Northern Kyushu dynasty.
From golden artifacts such as these, which are seldom found in Japan, as well as from the local oral tradition passed down by the Northern Kyushu dynasty, the deity of Miyajidake Shrine is understood to have been adored as a noble and wealthy deity since ancient times.
And with the passing of time, the deity has come to be worshipped as a god of good fortune and business prosperity.
Miyajidake Shrine is also home to the largest shimenawa (sacred rope) in Japan, a large drum, and a large bell, all of which were dedicated to the shrine in devotion to this most sacred power.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the relocation of the main shrine more than 1,700 years after its original founding, Miyajidake Shrine was reborn with a golden roof, which seems befitting for a place that once flourished as a sacred site of the Northern Kyushu Dynasty.
It appears almost as if the lord of the tomb of Miyajidake were holding a golden crown above his head.
Miyajidake Shrine is also famous for its so-called “Path of Light”.
The “Path of Light” is the view of the setting sun as it shines directly down on the path that leads straight from the shrine to the sea, making it appear a glowing golden color.
This “Path of Light” can be seen from the approach to Miyajidake Shrine only twice a year, between the winter solstice and the spring equinox (around February 20th) and between the fall equinox and the winter solstice (around October 20th).
The shrine is especially popular among visitors during these periods each year.
On the approach to the shrine, there is a stone staircase located in front of the shrine called the otokozaka (man’s steps).
If you climb these stone steps and gaze out toward the sea, you will notice how the approach to the shrine extends in a straight line all the way to the water’s edge. This is a spectacular sight to see in and of itself, even if it isn’t “Path of Light” season.

Miyajidake Shrine
Location: 7-1 Miyamotomachi, Fukutsu-shi, Fukuoka 811-3309
phone number: 0940-52-0016
Conferment office: 7:00-19:00 (open 24 hours a day from the night of Dec. 31 to Jan. 3),
open year-round
https://www.miyajidake.or.jp/

Cover photograph provided by 福岡県観光連盟