Kyushu OLLE 【02 Intermediate～Advanced】Munakata Oshima Course -Get in touch with World Heritage Sites and the island's nature-

The Munakata-Oshima Course is the first Olle Course in Fukuoka Prefecture. The course begins with a 25-minute boat ride from the Kamiminato Port Ferry Terminal and takes you to Oshima Island.

Course Outline

Oshima is home to Munakata Taisha Shrine's Nakatsugu Shrine and Okitsugu Shrine's Haruka Shrine, both of which have been designated as World Heritage sites for Munakata, Okinoshima and related islands. In addition, on a clear day with clear air, you can see Okinoshima, the "Island of the Gods," which is not generally accessible by landing.
Oshima is also a place full of nature, with mountains, forests, and wilderness making up most of the island, and surrounded by the sea on all sides. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll while enjoying the nature.

Map

Distance: 11.4km
Time required: 4～5 Hours
Level: Intermediate～Advanced
Contact: Munakata City Commercial & Tourism Department (TEL: 0940-36-0037) / Oshima Tourist Office (TEL: 0940-72-2226)

【Course Details】
Oshima Port Ferry Terminal → Nakasu-Miya Shrine (0.3km) → Mount Mitake Summit (1.2km) → Shitake Mountain Trail (1.6km) → Nakatsu Wase Forest Trail (4.6km) → Windmill Observatory/Promenade Connection Point (5.5km) → Battery Remains (6.6km) → Military Road (7.2km) → Okinoshima Yohaisho (8.2km) → Okinoshima Yohaisho (9.4km) → Oshima Elementary School/Middle School (10.4km) → Oshima Elementary School/Middle School (10.6km) → Oshima Elementary School/Middle School (End Point)

Munakata-Oshima Course Map

Sightseeing spot

1. Munakata-Taisha Nakatsugu Shrine

Many people come to this shrine in order to pray for safety. Tagitsu Hime, daughter of the sun goddess Amaterasu is the one who is enshrined here. It is also regarded as the birthplace of the Tanabata legend, where the two celestial lovers Kengyu and Orihime are only allowed to meet once a year.

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2. Mount Mitake Summit

An observatory found on the top of Mount Mitake at a height of 224 meters. If the weather is clear you can see Fukuoka Tower and the factories of Kitakyushu.

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3. Windmill Observatory/Promenade Connection Point

In 1936 batteries were placed along the northern coast of Kyushu in order to stengthen defences. Even now, Oshima’s batteries still stand having never been involved in the war. In the place wheere these batteries are is an observatory looking out to see and a windmill.

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4. Okinoshima Yohaisho

Off to the north of Oshima is Okinoshima, and island nicknamed the island of the gods. Even to this day women and girls are not allowed to set foot on the island, and so this place of worship was built so they too could pray to the gods on Okinoshima.

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5. Kansu Bathing Beach

A beautiful swimming beach which is often visited in the Summer seasons.

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6. Oshima Koryu-kan (Exchange Center)

The Oshima Exchange Center introduces the traditions of Okinoshima and Oshima under the theme of "Island of God and Island of God's Protection". You can learn about the nature, history, and culture of Okinoshima and Oshima from the perspective of the islanders who have preserved the customs and traditions with panels and videos.

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Food and Drink

Tohei (Black Conger) Hot Pot

Tohei Hot Pot is a sweet dish with a miso taste which is perfect for warming up in winter. (Winter only: November～March)
Perch Hot Pot

Fresh perch picked from the Genkai Sea and prepared in a hot pot. (Winter only: November~March)
Devil Weed (”Akamoku" brown macroalgae)

A speciality of Oshima, devil weed is a sea plant great for the health and for beauty.
Mikan Mandarin Orange

In Oshima, mandarin oranges are a speciality. There are many different types of mandarins that grown at different times of year.
Amanatsu Orange Jelly

The jelly is made with 100% Amanatsu orange juice. Using the peel as a container, taste all the flavors the Amanatsu orange has to offer. (Spring and Summer only: April～August)
Dried Fish

Fresh fish caught in the Genkai Sea is dried. There are many different types to choose from.
Saint-Pierre

Address: 1626 Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-72-2003

A café selling noodles, curry and other assorted things.
Is great for a short rest.
*Irregular days off

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Minshuku Manabe

Address: 1289 Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-72-2422

Delivery bento-boxes available.
A minshuku inn run by a happy family.
Bento boxes and food must be reserved beforehand.
*Irregular days off
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"Sayoshima", Munakata Fishermen's cooperative direct sales shop in Oshima

Address: 1809-8 Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-72-2666

At "Sayoshima", a 2-minute walk from the Oshima Port Terminal, you can purchase souvenirs of Oshima and other parts of Munakata. Recommended items are “Takomoku” and “Amanatsu Orange Jelly” .

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Accommodation

Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa

Address: 1303 Tano, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-4111
※Reservation / Change / Cancellation 03-5539-2612 (Reservation Center)

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Munakata Resort Hotel

Address: 651-2 Konominato, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-4826

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Comfort Inn Munakata

Address: 992-1 Mitsuoka, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-37-0411

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HOTEL AZ Fukuoka Munakata

Address: 503-1 Omaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-38-3301

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Global Arena

Address: 46-1 Yoshidome, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-33-8400

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Accommodation in Oshima (Minshuku and Inns)

TEL: 0940-72-2226

To learn more about accommodation in Oshima, please visit the Oshima Tourist Shop and Information Centre.
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Neighborhood Sightseeing spots

Michi no Eki “Munakata” Roadside Station

Address: 1172 Eguchi, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-2715

A popular restaurant and tourist information centre that sells fresh seafood and mountain vegetables.
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Munakata, Omaru/Natural Onsen Baths Yamatsubasa

Address: 474 Omaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-37-4126
*Customers with children under 4 years old and under 100 cm in height may use the family bath only (age verification required).

Fukuoka’s best day-trip onsen hot springs. These hot springs are good for making the skin smooth.

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Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa(Day Trip Onsen)

Address: 1303 Tano, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-4111

This resort hotel is equipped with an open-air rock bath and a large public bath.

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Munakata Taisha Shrine

Address: 2331 Tajima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-1311

The Munakata Taisha Shrine is made up of three separate shrines and is the head shrine out of the other 6,400 Munakata shrines found in Japan.
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Chinkokuji Temple

Address: 966 Yoshida, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-0111

A temple known for its many flowers.
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Umi no Michi Munakata-kan

Address: 588 Fukuda, Munakata City, Fukuoka
TEL: 0940-62-2600

A place where you can learn about the history of Munakata.
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Transportation to Starting Locations

01 Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Port → <Fukuoka City Subway> → JR Hakata Station → <Kagoshima Main Line Kokura Bound> → JR Toga Station → <Nishitetsu Bus Konominato Hatoba Bound> → Konominato Ferry Terminal → <Municipal Ferry Oshima Line> → Oshima Port Ferry Terminal

02 Kitakyushu Airport → <Kuko Airport Bus> → JR Kokura Station → <Kagoshima Main Line Hakata Bound> → JR Toga Station → <Nishitetsu Bus Konominato Hatoba Bound> → Konominato Ferry Terminal → <Municipal Ferry Oshima Line> → Oshima Port Ferry Terminal