Kaijin Shrine

Overview

Kaijin Shrine, also read as Watatsumi Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in Kisaka, Mine-machi, in the city of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. It is counted among the candidate shrines for a Myōjin Taisha of the classical registers and is regarded as the ichinomiya, or foremost shrine, of Tsushima Province. Once ranked as a Kokuhei Chūsha, it is today a Beppyō shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines.

Highlights

• ●Its standing as the ichinomiya of Tsushima Province and a candidate Myōjin Taisha of the classical registers
• ●Its present classification as a Beppyō shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines
• ●The sea-deity faith preserved on Tsushima and the tradition associated with Toyotama-hime
• ●Its safekeeping of cultural properties such as a bronze standing Buddha statue of Korean origin

History

As an old shrine dedicated to the sea deity, it has long been revered as the ichinomiya of Tsushima Province. It is regarded as a candidate for a Myōjin Taisha of the classical registers and once held the rank of Kokuhei Chūsha. Within its precincts is preserved a bronze standing Buddha statue of Korean origin, which is designated an Important Cultural Property.

Map

34.4641, 129.2830 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at Kaijin Shrine in Kisaka, Mine-machi, Tsushima, and take in its history
2. 2Learn about its rank as the ichinomiya of Tsushima Province and the traditions of its enshrined deity
3. 3Take note of cultural properties such as the bronze standing Buddha statue, an Important Cultural Property
4. 4Close the visit by following the seaward setting and the surrounding scenery

Did you know?

💡 The shrine building is in the nagare-zukuri style, and its name derives from the sea deity Watatsumi.

Nearby spots