Munakata Taisha

Munakata Taisha is one of Japan's most ancient and venerable shrines, dedicated to the sea deities long revered by maritime peoples. Comprising three sanctuaries—Okitsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya, and Hetsu-miya—the Okitsu-miya on Okinoshima is called the "Shosoin of the Sea" due to the precious sacred treasures enshrined there. Originating from the faith of seafaring peoples who prayed for safe navigation, it played a vital role in interactions with the Korean peninsula. Today, it is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, preserving the history of prayers from ancient times to the present.