Okinoshima Island, a remote and enigmatic landmass in the Genkai Sea off the coast of Kyushu, Japan, is one of the most sacred and forbidden places in the country. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, the island is home to Munakata Taisha’s Okitsu Shrine, dedicated to the worship of the sea goddess Tagorihime. However, what sets Okinoshima apart is the strict rules and ancient rituals that have been maintained for over a millennium, including its ban on women and the requirement for male visitors to follow purification rites before stepping foot on the island.

A Sacred Island with Millennia of History

Okinoshima has been a site of religious devotion for over 1,600 years. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that it was an essential ritual center for maritime safety and trade protection from the 4th to the 9th centuries. The island served as a place where Japanese envoys and sailors would offer prayers and valuable tributes—such as mirrors, swords, and jewelry—to the deities in exchange for safe voyages across the sea.

Over 80,000 ritual artifacts have been discovered on the island, many of which are considered National Treasures of Japan. These items, left undisturbed for centuries, symbolize the island's sacred nature and the deep reverence the Japanese people have for it.

Strict Rules and the Ban on Women

One of Okinoshima’s most well-known yet controversial aspects is its strict prohibition on women. While the exact reason remains unclear, historians and shrine officials believe this tradition stems from ancient Shinto purity beliefs. Some theories suggest that menstrual blood was considered impure in traditional Shinto customs, while others argue that the journey to the island was historically too dangerous for women.

Even for the limited number of men who are permitted to visit, strict ritual purification rites must be followed. Before landing on the island, men are required to perform a cleansing ritual in the sea, symbolizing the washing away of impurities.

The Rule of Silence: “What Happens on Okinoshima, Stays on Okinoshima”

One of the most mysterious aspects of Okinoshima is the rule of absolute secrecy. Visitors are strictly forbidden from taking anything from the island—not even a small stone or leaf. Additionally, they must never speak of what they saw or experienced on the island. This rule, passed down through generations, ensures that the sacred rituals and traditions remain untouched by external influences.

Limited Access and Preservation of Traditions

Today, Okinoshima remains off-limits to the general public, with the exception of an annual Shinto ritual held on May 27, when only a small number of male priests and shrine officials are allowed to visit. The rest of the year, the island remains uninhabited, with only the priests of Munakata Taisha occasionally making the journey to maintain the shrine and conduct rituals.

The strict protection of Okinoshima’s traditions is seen as both a cultural heritage preservation effort and a way to honor the spiritual purity of the land. Unlike many other heritage sites, the island is not being developed for tourism, keeping its mysteries intact for future generations.

Conclusion

Okinoshima Island remains one of the most forbidden and sacred places in Japan, shrouded in secrecy and untouched by modern influence. With its millennia-old rituals, strict rules, and mysterious prohibitions, the island continues to be a symbol of Japan’s deep spiritual traditions and reverence for the divine forces of nature.

image by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Indiana_jo