Munakata Taisha Miare Festival & Oshima Pottering

After 1.5 hour ride from home, placed my Brompton at Hokuto Mizukumi Park on the coast near Michi-no-Eki Munakata.


People came down from the observatory hanging large binoculars and cameras with a zoom lenses.

When I asked about today's festival they replied - Just finished!

　
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The festival is over!

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Couldn't see the "Miare Festival" - Munakata Taisha Grand Autumn Festival - on October 1, dedicated to the 3 goddesses.

***

"Miare Festival"

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More than 300 fishing boats come together at the harbor.

The flagship carries the deity symbol enshrined in the Nakatu-Gu Shrine in Oshima. 

Following the leader's flag, all the 300 boats start following first to the east near Chino-Shima island and Kanesaki Port, then change direction to Konominato.

After the deity landing ceremony by the leader boat finished, the rest of the boats sail in a circle one after another.

Really spectacular magnificent view! 

***


Expecting there must be remaining some related to the festival at the harbor, and headed for Konominato on Brompton "Potter-kichi"


It must be the decoration flag of the leader of the "Miare Festival"

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I was told that Due to COVID-19, the "Miare Festival" is only celebrated by a few dozen of fishing boats over the years, not like the ones in the past.  


The ferry to Oshima is mooring - shortly departing.

Alright!   

Let's go to Oshima!



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Not enough time to fold "Potter-kichi", so on board as unfolded.

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Someone's mini velo and "Poter-Kichi" were fixed with a rope.

On the roof deck, I was enjoying the sea breeze.

Came the big wave and I got soaking wet.



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The ferry changed direction before docking at Oshima Port.
This makes car disembark easy.

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Luckily, a small tour bus is waiting for the visitors.

Took a ride to the Ruins of the Gun Battery, carrying "Potter-kichi".


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The Cenotaph for the victims of the Battle of Tsushima

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the Ruins of the Gun Battery & the Red Windmill 

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The Goddess Island "Okinoshima"

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Oh, my Goddess!

Can see Okinoshima!   

Far away over the ocean!

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Photo images by smartphone have their own limit in resolution.

Even enlarging the image, Okinoshima can only be seen in a feebler dim shady image, on the horizon (near the center).


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Walked to the windmill

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The Ruins of the Gun Battery never attract me with its depressive presence.

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the Canadian flag flying at a ranch

horses grazing

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From here, it's just a straight descent

Last time, went west from here and looked around the lighthouse, horseshoe rock, etc.

Today, heading East



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Munakata Taisha Okitsu-miya Yohaisho (afar worship site)


***
The eldest Goddess has been enshrined in Okinoshima.

Landing Okinoshima is strictly prohibited except for the priest of Munakata Taisha.

People who want to pray to the Goddess come to the site facing the ocean, see Okinosima afar, and make prayers here.

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Let's go to Kayo coast

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an opening at the bottom of the rocky place

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When reached the south side, and came to the fishing port, found several boats anchored with decorations for the Miare Festival.

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The state of emergency was lifted, and the Oshima Cultural Center reopened on October 1, 2021.

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looked at many panels and enjoyed the video


such a souvenir was handed


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A beautiful sandy beach and the Dream Sayojima

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spent some time on the bench

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It says:

"Feel free to ask the way in Oshima Island.
- not sure for the humane way!"

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Munakata Taisha Nakatsumiya

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the Milky Way and Shokujyo Shrine

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***

This site is the origin of the "Tanabata Festival" - Star Festival.

Tanabata Festival celebrates the legendary meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi crossing the Milky Way only once a year - July 7.

***

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imperial edict

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Now the time to head back 

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Had enough time before departure, folded and stored "Potter-kichi" in a carrying bag.
(Free of charge if bring it on board in a bag.)

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The self-made small Brompton bag is very useful

(On running)
towels, light snacks, emergency repair supplies, binoculars
PET bottle coolers, etc.

(When moving)
cask helmet, gloves, waist pouch, etc.


The mini-velo found in the morning was fixed with rope

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Arrive at Konominato

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The day of missing the festival was not too bad at all.



 [original blog: Oct. 2021]

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