A shrine beside the strait
An aerial view reveals the shrine nestled against the shore, with the blue waters of the Kanmon Strait stretching beyond.
By the Kanmon Strait · Kitakyushu, Japan
A quiet moment by the sea.
Sea breezes, water framed by a torii gate, and light falling across the shrine grounds. A little beyond Mojiko, discover a place where the sea and prayer meet.
Prayer shaped by the sea.
In Japan, the divine has long been understood to dwell throughout nature. At the northern tip of Kyushu, Mekari Shrine faces the Kanmon Strait and enshrines the goddess of the moon, who governs the ebb and flow of the tides.
On the first day of the traditional lunar year, shrine priests enter the sea to harvest wakame seaweed in the Mekari ritual. This enduring tradition expresses gratitude for nature’s cycles and the gifts of the sea.
The Mekari ritual · Japanese →Three scenes to discover.
Steps towards the water
A stone lantern, passing ships and the changing surface of the sea. Here, the shoreline is part of the shrine’s everyday landscape.
Trees, architecture and light
Among the trees, the shrine hall’s calm lines frame patterns of light and shade. Take time to notice the details as you walk through the grounds.
Architecture shaped by light and shade.
Light falls through a colonnade, eaves repeat in quiet rhythm, and traditional buildings stand beside contemporary forms. Discover the shrine through its details.
Inside the shrine office.
Wood, stone and textured walls meet soft light. This calm setting is where visitors encounter the shrine’s charms and goshuin seals.
A little prayer to take with you.
Rooted in the shrine’s traditions and its life beside the sea, these small objects bring a memory of your visit into everyday life.
Manju & Kanju charms
Charms for guidance, inspired by the legends of the rising and falling tides.
A small token of good fortune
A pufferfish-shaped omikuji, with a playful connection to good fortune.
Goshuin shrine seal
A seal marking your visit and a lasting memory of a moment of prayer.
Tradition in everyday gestures.
Traditional clothing, hands tending the offerings, and quiet, attentive gestures. The people of the shrine are part of its living landscape.
Your visit
Enjoy the coastal setting and a quiet moment of reflection. Please be considerate of worshippers and any ceremonies taking place.
Charms and shrine seals
Omamori charms inspired by the legends of the tides, and goshuin shrine seals, are available as a lasting reminder of your visit.
Prayer ceremonies
Prayer ceremonies are offered from 10:00 to 15:00. Individuals should book by the previous day. Companies and groups should contact the shrine by phone.
Photography
Commercial photography and photography by companies or organizations require advance permission. Please contact us with your plans and preferred date.
From blue daylight to the glow of dusk.
As the light changes, the sea and shrine reveal another side of themselves.
From Mojiko to the water’s edge.
3492 Moji, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0855, Japan
Open map ↗Contact the shrine
+81 93 321 0749info@mekarijinja.com
- On foot or by taxi
- About 25 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by taxi from JR Mojiko Station.
- By bus
- Take Nishitetsu bus 4 or 74 from Mojiko Eki-mae (門司港駅前) and get off at Mekari Jinja-mae (和布刈神社前).
- By car
- About 15 minutes from Moji IC, 10 minutes from Kasuga IC, or 5 minutes from Mojiko IC. Shrine parking is available.
- Sightseeing train
- Travel from Kyushu Railway History Museum Station to Kanmon Kaikyo Mekari Station, then walk about 5 minutes. Check operating days before travelling.
Travel times are approximate. Please check the transport operators’ latest schedules and operating days.
Visiting as a group
A short introduction to the grounds and shrine history, lasting about 15 minutes, can be arranged by phone in advance, except around New Year and on shrine festival days. If you need language assistance, please ask about availability before booking.
Further information about prayer ceremonies and charms is available on the Japanese website.