Munakata Taisha Autumn Grand Festival: Miare Festival

About this event

Marking the opening of the Autumn Grand Festival at the World Heritage site Munakata Taisha, the Miare Festival is a magnificent ritual signaling the arrival of autumn in Munakata. Reviving a medieval sacred rite, it welcomes Tagorihime-no-Kami from Okitsu-miya and Tagitsuhime-no-Kami from Nakatsu-miya to Ichikishimahime-no-Kami's Hetsu-miya. The marine procession of approximately 100 fishing vessels heading from Oshima to Konominato is known as the most gallant and spectacular oceanic ritual in the Munakata area. The sight of the fleet decorated with full dress flags crossing the Genkai Sea is truly breathtaking. Miare Festival graces the first day of Munakata Taisha's Autumn Grand Festival, followed by various other rituals including Yabusame (horseback archery) and annual rites. This festival is also a sacred ceremony to express gratitude to the Three Munakata Goddesses for the safe conduct of the autumn festival and to pray for renewed spiritual power.

Venue

Munakata Taisha Okitsu-miya

Oshima, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3701