Japan’s Sacred Islands: Unveiling the Mystery of Reitou

Japan, an archipelago nation, has always maintained a profound spiritual connection with the sea. Within this maritime landscape exists a unique category of geography known as Reitou (霊島), or “Sacred Islands.” These are not merely landmasses surrounded by water; they are considered liminal spaces where the boundary between the human world and the divine realm dissolves. From the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima to the forbidden shores of Okinoshima, Reitou represent the heart of Japanese nature worship.

Introduction

The concept of the “Sacred Island” is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese spirituality. In ancient times, the ocean was viewed as the path to the Tokoyo-no-kuni, the eternal land of the gods. Consequently, islands were often seen as stepping stones to the divine or as distinct bodies of the deities themselves.

Visiting a Reitou is more than a sightseeing trip; it is a pilgrimage. Whether you are standing on the wind-swept cliffs of Kinkasan or walking the temple grounds of Chikubushima, the atmosphere in these places is thick with history and reverence. For the modern traveler, understanding the significance of these islands transforms a scenic view into a profound cultural encounter.

Origins: Nature as Divinity

The spiritual foundation of Japan’s sacred islands lies in Shinto animism. In early Japanese belief, the Kami (gods or spirits) were thought to reside in majestic natural features—mountains, waterfalls, old trees, and uniquely shaped islands. These islands became known as shintaizan (mountain bodies of god) rising from the sea.

Historically, many of these islands were restricted areas. They served as natural sanctuaries where monks and ascetics practiced Shugendo (mountain asceticism), blending Shinto worship with Buddhist discipline. The isolation provided by the ocean made them perfect environments for spiritual purification, separated from the “pollution” (kegare) of everyday society. Over centuries, temples and shrines were constructed to honor the resident deities, solidifying the islands’ status as Reitou.

Legends of the Sea Gods

The mythology surrounding Japan’s sacred islands is vast, often recorded in the nation’s oldest chronicles.

The Creation Myth

According to the creation myth, the primal couple, Izanagi and Izanami, stood upon the floating bridge of heaven and stirred the primeval ocean with a jeweled spear. The brine that dripped from the tip of the spear coagulated to form Onogoro Island, the first landmass and the original sacred island. This myth establishes the island not just as land, but as the birthplace of the nation itself.

The Forbidden Island of Okinoshima

Perhaps the most mysterious legend belongs to Okinoshima in Fukuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the goddess of sea safety, the entire island is considered a kami. Strict taboos have governed it for over a millennium: women are forbidden from entering, and men must perform a purification ritual (stripping naked and bathing in the sea) before stepping ashore. Furthermore, a strict code of silence—oiwazu-no-katarazu (speak not, hear not)—means that nothing seen or heard on the island can be spoken of upon returning. While Okinoshima is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains largely inaccessible to the public to preserve its sanctity.

The Island Where God Cannot Be Born or Die

Miyajima (Itsukushima) is famous for its strict purity laws. Historically, to keep the island free from ritual pollution, neither births nor deaths were permitted on the island. Pregnant women and the terminally ill were transported to the mainland. Even today, there are no cemeteries on Miyajima, preserving its status as a pure land of the gods.

Modern Culture and Power Spots

In contemporary Japan, Reitou have experienced a resurgence in popularity as “Power Spots”—locations believed to revitalize the visitor’s spirit with energy.

Enoshima, located near Tokyo, is a prime example of modern Reitou culture. Dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and wealth, it attracts couples and artists seeking blessings. The blend of traditional shrine architecture with modern tourism—bustling shopping streets, sea candle towers, and illuminations—shows how these sacred spaces adapt to the times while retaining their spiritual core.

Conservation is also a major theme. The designation of places like Yakushima (ancient cedar forests) and the aforementioned Okinoshima as World Heritage sites highlights a global recognition of the link between environmental preservation and cultural sanctity.

Traveler’s Tips for Visiting Sacred Islands

Visiting a Reitou requires a blend of adventurous spirit and respectful etiquette.

1. Respect the Torii: When you see a Torii gate at the port or entrance, bow once before passing through. This marks your transition from the secular world to the sacred domain.
2. Check Restrictions: Some islands, like Okinoshima, are off-limits. Others, like Chikubushima in Lake Biwa, have strict ferry schedules. Always research accessibility beforehand.
3. Don’t Take Souvenirs from Nature: A common superstition on many sacred islands is that taking a stone or branch home will bring bad luck, as these objects belong to the Kami.
4. Collect Goshuin: Most island shrines offer Goshuin (hand-written vermillion stamps). They are beautiful keepsakes that serve as proof of your pilgrimage.
5. Dress Appropriately: While not all islands have dress codes, modest clothing is recommended when entering shrine precincts.

Sources & Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the mythology and history of Japan’s sacred islands, the following texts and organizations provide essential knowledge:

• The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest chronicle in Japan, detailing the creation myths of the islands.
• The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides parallel historical accounts and myths regarding the imperial lineage and the Kami.
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Documents regarding the “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.”
• “Shinto: The Kami Way” by Sokyo Ono: A foundational text for understanding the relationship between nature and divinity in Japanese culture.