織幡神社は古くから鐘崎の人々から親しまれてきた神社で、神事ごとには必ず織幡神社を訪れます。その歴史は古く、宗像大社沖津宮、中津宮、辺津宮の三宮、鎮国寺とここ織幡神社を「宗像五社」とされ宗像地域では古くから宗像大社に続いて朝廷の尊崇が厚かったそうです。 本社には本地如意輪観音がお祀りしてあり、これは武内大臣のご霊神とされています。 また神功皇后が三韓出征の際に赤白二旗の旗を織って、これを宗像大菩薩の竹竿につけられたので、織旗と名付けられたと言われています。その後異族襲来の際に、海浜守護のため、海浜に鎮座されたということです。

Orihata-jinja Shrine

Orihata-jinja Shrine overlooks Kanezaki, the largest fishing port in the Munakata area. The main deity venerated here is Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto, a legendary statesman who is said to have served five emperors, as well as the empress-regent Jingu. According to legend, the empress-regent reigned from 201 to 269, and she and Takenouchi no Sukune sailed from Kanezaki on an expedition to Korea.
 
At the base of the steps leading up to the shrine is a massive rock, bound with ropes called shimenawa, indicating its sacred status. The rock was originally submerged offshore, and according to local legend, it was long thought to be an ancient bell, lost on a sea voyage from Korea.
 
From the top of the shrine steps, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the fishing port and Kanezaki Beach. Behind the shrine is a subtropical forest with over 20 species of trees, including giant oak, yew plum pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), sweet viburnum, camphor, and sakaki (Cleyera japonica), a plant traditionally used in Shinto ceremonies.
 
To the left of the main approach to Orihata-jinja is a small shrine dedicated to Ebisu, a deity who protects fishermen. Local fishermen and ama divers worship here. Ama divers—typically women—free dive to gather sea urchins, abalone, and other shellfish from the sea floor. The Kanezaki area has a long tradition of ama divers, and there is a monument to them nearby.

（This English-language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.）