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20 minutes by ferry from the Konominato Port.
Portrayed in Nihon Shoki (“The Chronicles of Japan”) and Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”), this island has been worshipping the gods for more than 1,300 years.
Oshima, coexisted with the gods for so long, used to be populated by more than 2,000 people – but now, approximately 600 people live on the island. It is estimated that in 10 years, the number will halve and in 25 years’ time, the population will decline by 100 people.
The island is an epitome of Japan itself, which will see the progressive drop in the population. We believe that the future of Oshima lies not solely on the hands of the islanders – it is re-cultivated through miscellaneous encounters with people visiting Oshima.
Once you arrive at the Oshima Port by ferry, you are welcomed by the look of a nostalgic fisherman’s town with fishing boats and no traffic light, reminiscent of the Showa era.
The Port is the busiest part of the town where people come and go – leaving the sound of steam whistle behind, you will check-in at the inn and head to the other side of the beach by car. Here you will get to see the light house.
Oshima is rather known for its main industry of fishery than as a tourist attraction.
We begin to see a number of people visiting the island for fishing and for trekking in recent years, while new shops are opening up.MINAWA is co-operated by such people living in Oshima.Indeed, we offer and share food and other services with the islanders.You may not find the urban fashion of hospitality seen in Tokyo.There are times when things do not run like clockwork in the provinces.
However, visitors from urban areas tell us that as they visit Oshima and experience the depth of it, they begin to appreciate the nostalgy and warmth as well as the relaxed time of the island.Together with our guests to the inn and Oshima islanders, we wish to shape the “Oshima identity” and “new ways of travelling” for the future.
Stay in Oshima Island and kindly share with us your insights.
In July 2017, “the Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region”, the no-entry island in Munakata-city, was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Here you will see Okinoshima, where a sense of Japanese faith of the gods has been inherited, and discover the lives of the Munakata Ama tribe who had long admired the Munakata Sanjoshin (three-pillared goddesses) as well as the islanders of “the God-Preserving Island of Oshima” who are deeply associated with the ocean.
On the way to MINAWA, you will come across Munakata Taisha Nakatsu Shrine, one of the World Heritage Associated Sites.Here is enshrined Tagitsu-hime, the second daughter of the three-female gods Sanjoshin.Munakata Taisha is comprised of Okitsunomiya on Okinoshima Island and Hetsunomina on the mainland.Okitsunomiya Yohaijo (worship place) sits on Oshima for the general public to make a prayer to Okinoshima Island from afar, wherein the entry of said public is restricted.Fishermen pray to the Munakata Sanjoshin for the safety of voyage and good catch before going out for a fishing.
Experience the dark blue ocean and the island full of rich nature from your stay at MINAWA, the closest inn to Okinoshima Island.
The Sun slowly sets towards the end of the light house.
The ocean begins to flicker in gold – a scenery that can only be seen at the dusk.
The way it changes to the complete darkness gives us a different side of the daytime ocean.
In the pitch darkness where the sound of waves and wind are only heard shines the lights of fishing boats, which rely on the light house.
Looking at the lights, you will feel the history of Japan back in the day – that how hundreds of ships risked their lives to reach the Korean Peninsula and that how fishermen en route for the Okinoshima have always worshipped the gods for every voyage.
Guestroom
As soon as you enter the entrance, you will see the view of the ocean stretching from the terrace before your eyes.
The sound of waves and wind you hear as you open the window are the music of the nature.
Forget about the time and enjoy reading or taking a nap. Try going on a stroll or drive around the island.
You can never get bored of the ocean view you will enjoy from the private bath you may take from noontime at MINAWA.
The bed linens provided in the guest rooms on the atrium second floor are from “Omotesando Futon Shop” where materials carefully selected from all over the world are woven by mastery piece by piece.
Indulge yourself in private moments reserved just for you.
At MINAWA, we provide eco-friendly amenities as much as possible such as from a Thai brand “THANN” which makes use of plant-based essences so that everyone will feel at home with familiar amenities.
In addition, we use bath towels and hand towels from “Ikeuchi Organic” whose concept is “to maximize safety and minimize the environmental impact”.
A diverse range of driftage reach this beautiful island.
And the islanders clean them up regularly.
Since most remote islands are not equipped with a large rubbish disposal site, rubbish is taken back to the respective mainlands.
The Oshima is one of such examples.
How can we live on this rich planet longer … We hope that our guests will ponder on this topic during their stay at the island – which is almost like an epitome of life.
*Part of MINAWA’s sales will be donated to the Oshima’s cleaning activity and other local activities.
Meals
There are special restaurants in a port town near the Munakata Oshima Ferry Terminal.
A Japanese style restaurant whose owner is a fisherman and serves fresh fish from catches.
A Japanese-style coffee shop which is adored by the locals, as well as a family-run café.
Every shop is run by the local islanders and there is a warm feel to it where you can sense the fisherman’s town in the countryside back in the old times in Japan.
Delivery service to MINAWA is available and recommended for those who would like to spend slow time.
Spend
In the Oshima still remains four-seasonal cultures.
Traditional dishes made of seasonal fish, sea weeds, fruits and vegetables.
Women on the island cool these meals by each household.
For instance, there is a dish called Okyuto.
This dish is made of sea weed boiled to form like gelatin and it is eaten during the Obon season. It is said that it was eaten during famine as an emergency food and hence called “Kyuto” (literally translates as savior”.
The island is also full of festivals from the Spring Festival and Autumn Festival which are associated with the Munakata Taisha.
Tanabata Festival whose legend, the Tanabata legend, is believed to have originated on the Oshima.
There is also a Shime-nawa tsukuri – making of rope which is used as a talisman – to welcome the New Year’s.
There runs the flow of the nature throughout the year and festivals along with it.
We wish that our guests will get to experience these activities together with the islanders (we are preparing for our activity service).
〒811-3701
福岡県宗像市大島字神崎2695-63
For overnight visitors, please come from the Konominato Port by ferry.
We will meet at the Oshima Ferry Terminal to hand the keys. It is recommended to use rent-a-car to explore the island and to access the hostel.
*Please check the timetable of the ferry from the service status below:【Oshima Port Ferry Terminal】
From Tokyo/Kansai/Nagoya
Haneda/Kansai International/
Itami/Kobe/Chubu Airport
Fukuoka Airport
Approx. 6 mins by subway – Fukuoka Airport Station – Hakata Station
JR Hataka Station
Approx. 30 mins by express train *Head to the bus stop at Munakata Taisha Exit
JR Togo Station
Nishitetsu Bus for Konominato Hatoba
Approx. 20 mins
Konominato Port Ferry Terminal
Approx. 20 mins
Oshima Port Ferry Terminal
From Fukuoka
JR Hakata Station
Approx. 30 mins by express train *Head to the bus stop at Munakata Taisha Exit
JR Togo Station
Nishitetsu Bus for Konominato Hatoba
Approx. 20 mins
Konominato Port Ferry Terminal
Approx. 20 mins
Oshima Port Ferry Terminal
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Email:yoyaku@cfac.co.jp