💬 Thanks for visiting my blog — I’m really happy you’re here!
💬 Hi, I’m Tao.
In this article, I’ll share the story of “The Path of Light,” a seasonal phenomenon at Miyajidake Shrine in Fukuoka, together with my little dinosaur buddy 🦖✨
The photo above was taken on October 1st.
The “Path of Light” is a straight road from the shrine gate leading to the sea, which glows beautifully as it’s illuminated by the setting sun.
This magical sight only happens twice a year — for about a week in late February and late October.
During this period, the event is called “The Sunset Festival.”
🦖 Jojo: “Whoa, there are so many people here! LOL”
Of course! It’s only visible twice a year.
By the way, let me introduce this green dinosaur — his name is Jojo.
My mother rescued him from a supermarket, and I’ve been taking care of him ever since.
🦖 Jojo: “Who cares about me? Talk about the shrine already!”
As you can see, he’s still not very friendly… Anyway, let’s continue!
In 2025, the Sunset Festival takes place from October 16th to 22nd.
During this time, the stone staircase leading to the shrine closes to the public at 3:00 PM and becomes a special viewing area.
“So, how do we get a seat then?”
🕒 Event Schedule and How to Watch
- 🎫 Free Viewing Tickets
・Distribution time: Around 2:00 PM
・Number of seats: 300 (first come, first served)
・Fee: Free
Important Note: Due to high competition, some attendees line up from the morning to secure seats.
Seating will begin around 4:30 PM. - 🎫Special Reserved Seats (with blessing ceremony)
・Reservation: By phone
・Seats: Around 100 per year
・Fee: 5,000 JPY
・Phone: 0940-52-0016
・Reception: 9:20 AM – 3:30 PM at the information counter
・Ceremony: Starts from 4:00 PM
In addition to watching the sunset, you can join a blessing ceremony and write your wish on a bamboo lantern — a truly special Japanese cultural experience.
📍 Access to Miyajidake Shrine
Address:
7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu-shi, Fukuoka 811-3309
Phone: 0940-52-0016
By train: Get off at JR Fukuma Station
From there: 5 minutes by bus or taxi, or about 25 minutes on foot (approx. 2 km
⛩About Miyajidake Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to the god of success and prosperity in business, believed to bring victory in all aspects of life.
It’s also home to Japan’s largest sacred straw rope (shimenawa)!
🛍 The Charming Shops Along the Path
There’s a cute tenugui (hand towel) shop along the approach road.
The shop owner told me that October 18–19 are usually the best days to see the sunset.
They kindly allowed me to take photos inside too!
💡 The owner also mentioned that when you first use a tenugui, some threads may come loose — just trim them off, and they’ll stop appearing over time.
🍡 Local Specialty: Mochi
You’ll find several mochi shops along the approach, and honestly —
they all taste about the same, so you can’t go wrong anywhere!
Thank you so much for reading to the end!!
If you visit Fukuoka, definitely stop by Miyajidake Shrine —
and don’t forget to check the weather before you go!
