"Okinoshima" - A Men-only Island in Japan
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| Okinoshima Island Image courtesy: telegraph.co.uk |
Okinoshima is a unique island in Japan. It is part of the city Munakata, Fukuoka. It is located in the Sea of Japan. It is considered sacred land by the local Munakata Taisha.
The population of the island consists of a single employee of the shrine. The entire island is considered a shinto kami.
The island flashed into news as it got the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site on 9th July 2017. Okitsu shrine is located at southwestern portion of Okinoshima, established in the mid 17th century.
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| Okitsu Shrine Image courtesy:japantimes.co.jp |
Okinoshima is surprisingly a men-only island where women are banned. Male visitors must bathe naked in the sea before visiting its shrine.
| Image courtesy:cnn.com |
The tiny landmass of Okinoshima is permanently manned by a Shinto priest who prays to the goddess of island . This tradition has been kept up for centuries.
| Image courtesy: okinoshima-heritage.jp |
Only limited numbers are permitted to land on this island. This year only 200 persons were allowed for a yearly festival that lasts just two hours but every person must adhere to strict rules.
Locals have expressed their worry that island's inclusion on the UNESCO list would cause an increase of tourists, thus threatening its sacredness.
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