Mekari Shrine
和布刈神社
An ancient shrine at the north end of Moji Port, facing the strait. Its sea torii gate framed by the Kanmon Bridge overhead makes it the best photo spot on the strait.
Mekari Shrine is located at Mekari in Moji, the northernmost point of Kyushu. Legend says it was founded about 1,800 years ago, making it one of the oldest shrines in northern Kitakyushu. Every year at dawn on the Lunar New Year, priests carry torches into the sea to harvest wakame (kelp) to offer before the deity. This ritual, called the Mekari Shinji, is a prefecture-designated intangible folk cultural property. The shrine's stone torii stands by the sea, with the Kanmon Bridge spanning overhead. At high tide, the currents are strong. Entry for worship is free. The shrine is next to the Moji exit of the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel and can be combined with the historic Moji Port area.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
- Hinoyama Park
- Akama Shrine
- Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty Memorial Hall
- Mojikō Retro
- Karato Market
- Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan
- Kaikyo Yume Tower