Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa, a resort hotel nestled on the coast overlooking the Genkai Sea in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, has launched two special accommodation plans designed to enhance good fortune at the start of the new year. The plans offer unique spiritual retreat experiences that cleanse the mind and body.
Visit the "Path of Light" seen from the approach to Miyajidake Shrine and Munakata Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines, on a journey to enhance fortune
Taking advantage of Munakata's unique spiritual heritage—home to Munakata Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines appearing in Japanese mythology—these two fortune-enhancing accommodation plans offer experiences including viewing and worshiping at Miyajidake Shrine's "Path of Light," a special early morning visit to Munakata Taisha guided by shrine priests, and original hotel sweets and fortune-enhancing cuisine. The plans invite guests to experience Munakata's faith, nature, and rich food culture through all five senses, offering a journey to improve fortune for 2026.
Two Special Fortune-Enhancing Stays to Welcome the New Year in Munakata
Plan 1: A Journey to Rejuvenate at Miyajidake Shrine's "Path of Light"
The main hall decorated with a massive shimenawa (sacred rope) weighing approximately 3 tons creates a divine atmosphere
The "Path of Light," a miraculous view that can only be seen twice a year
The "Path of Light" appears at Miyajidake Shrine for only about one week twice a year, in late February and late October. The phenomenon occurs when the setting sun over the Genkai Sea illuminates the shrine's straight approach toward the sea in golden light, creating what is known as the "Path of Light." Each year, the "Path of Light Sunset Festival" is held for about two weeks from mid-February, attracting visitors from across the country who come to witness this mystical and powerful sight. Miyajidake Shrine is also revered as a "shrine for overcoming all challenges and bringing good fortune," drawing people from throughout Japan seeking business prosperity and good luck. This plan includes a visit to the shrine on the evening of the stay, allowing guests to rejuvenate their inner spirit with the divine spectacle and the shrine's power. Early-blooming kanhizakura (cold scarlet cherry blossoms) begin blooming on the shrine grounds from late January, offering an early taste of spring.
After worshiping at the Path of Light, guests can receive an original goshuin (shrine seal) jointly created by the hotel and shrine at the seal office. This serves as both a travel memento and a testament to wishes for the new year. (Note: An "hatsuhoryō" offering fee is required to receive the goshuin, payable on-site.)
Original Hotel Fortune-Enhancing Sweets: Savoring the "Path of Light" on a Plate
A special dessert plate served exclusively to guests at the end of their dinner service
After experiencing the "Path of Light," guests can enjoy an original hotel fortune-enhancing dessert.
The hotel operates a strawberry farm in Munakata where staff grow strawberries, which are used in Chinese-style dishes served during dinner time at the restaurant "Loavore." The seasonal strawberries, bursting with sweetness and juice, are paired with gently sweet red bean paste and made into spring rolls with the wish to "roll in good fortune." After the crispy texture, the sweetness of the red bean paste spreads through the mouth, followed by the tartness of the strawberries.
The steamed bun, made with dough incorporating strawberries and wrapped with smooth red bean paste and a coconut coating, represents the setting sun. Decorated with a "ring of light" made from spring roll wrappers and a "Path of Light" drawn with ngũ vị hương (Chinese five-spice powder), this delicate dish is visually stunning.
Accompanying the sweets is a blooming tea themed around "opening" as a symbol of good fortune. When hot water is poured, the bud-like tea leaves slowly unfold, releasing the rich aroma of jasmine that soothes the mind. This special dessert, exclusive to plan guests, can be enjoyed through taste, sight, and smell.
Plan Details:
- Plan name: Miyajidake Shrine "Path of Light" Original Goshuin Plan
- Reservation period: January 26, 2026 (Monday) to April 27, 2026 (Monday)
- Stay period: February 1, 2026 (Sunday) to April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
- Rate: From ¥17,910 per person (2 guests per room, 1 night with 2 meals, all-inclusive)
- Reservations and details: https://mercure-fukuokamunakata-resortandspa.jp/plan/goshuin-kaiun-sweets/
Plan 2: A Journey to Harmonize the Mind with Munakata Taisha "Early Morning Special Visit"
Munakata Taisha is one of Japan's most ancient shrines, mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), and forms the heart of the World Heritage site "'Sacred Island' of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region." The shrine enshrines the three divine daughters of Amaterasu Ōmikami, known as the "Munakata Sanjoshin," and has been deeply revered since ancient times as gods of maritime safety and good fortune. This plan includes a special guided tour of Hetsu-gū with shrine priests, offering insights into mythology, history, and origins while exploring the shrine grounds in the refreshing morning air. Worship in the tranquil early morning atmosphere creates a special moment to harmonize the mind.
Relax with Traditional Japanese Sweets
"Keshi Mochi" (poppy seed rice cake)
Special commemorative gift example (contents vary by season)
After worship, guests receive a voucher to enjoy "Keshi Mochi" at Munakata Chayu within the shrine grounds. Made with poppy seeds and cherished as a traditional lucky charm with the wish to "erase misfortune," this sweet provides a peaceful morning tea time that helps guests forget the hustle of daily life and harmonize their minds. Guests also receive a special commemorative gift to take home as a travel memory.
Plan Details:
- Plan name: Munakata Taisha Early Morning Special Visit Plan
- Reservation period: January 19, 2026 (Monday) to March 28, 2026 (Saturday)
- Stay period: January 26, 2026 (Monday) to March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Rate: From ¥18,910 per person (2 guests per room, 1 night with 2 meals, all-inclusive)
- Reservations and details: https://mercure-fukuokamunakata-resortandspa.jp/plan/munakata_kaiunstay/
New Year Fortune-Enhancing Cuisine and Local Sake
The tai (sea bream) rice cooked with the savory essence of the fish offers deep, satisfying flavors
Enjoy the region through local ingredients paired with local sake
From February 1, the dinner buffet will feature menu items using ingredients associated with good fortune.
The tai rice, made luxuriously with locally caught sea bream, offers a deeply satisfying flavor where the fish's savory essence permeates each grain of rice. As tai is associated with "medetai" (auspicious/joyful), this dish is perfect for fortune-enhancing wishes.
For dessert, peach-shaped steamed buns are served. Peaches have long been believed to ward off evil spirits and bring longevity, making them a traditional food eaten with wishes for new beginnings, growth, and health.
These are examples of the hotel's culinary commitment to fortune enhancement.
The hotel also emphasizes serving local sake to better enjoy Fukuoka and Munakata's abundant ingredients. In addition to "Nara no Tsuyu," the sacred sake of Munakata Taisha, two types of Fukuoka local sake are available for a limited time (until the end of February), allowing guests to enjoy comparing flavors. They can be enjoyed at room temperature or, especially recommended during the cold season, as warm sake. When heated, the expanding umami and rising aroma of this dry sake pair excellently with the tai rice.
Service Period:
- Fortune-enhancing cuisine: February 1, 2026 (Sunday) to April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
- Hot sake fair: January 8, 2026 (Thursday) to February 28, 2026 (Saturday)
- *Service times follow restaurant dinner operating hours
About Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa
A resort hotel nestled on the coast overlooking the Genkai Sea
Relax in the Genkai Satsuki Onsen rock-built outdoor hot spring bath
Menu items using strawberries grown by hotel staff are served for a limited time
Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa is a resort hotel nestled on the coast overlooking the Genkai Sea, easily accessible—just 30 minutes by express train from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka's gateway. Guests can enjoy the expansive blue sea and rich nature, abundant hot spring baths including an outdoor bath, a buffet restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients, and all-inclusive hospitality including alcohol service at the lounge. The hotel proposes a new style of travel where guests can experience the region's unique charm through Munakata's seafood, Kyushu flavors, and activities touching local culture.
Location: 1303 Tano, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture 811-3514
Tel: 03-5539-2612 (Reservation Center)
Rates: All-inclusive from ¥19,000 per night (per person for 2 guests per room, tax and service charge included)
*Some services are charged separately. Lunch service is not provided.
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Togo Station, approximately 60 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport
Official website: https://mercure-fukuokamunakata-resortandspa.jp
