Tsushima Jinja Shrine

Off the coast of Mitoyo City in Kagawa, on the small island of Tsushima in the Seto Inland Sea, stands Tsushima Jinja. It has long been revered as a guardian of children. According to tradition, the voice of a woman singing was once heard along this shore, and when villagers wondered at it and asked, an oracle came: I am a god who dwells in the sea, my name is the god of Tsushima. From now you shall enshrine me on this island, and I will protect the children and the cattle and horses of the village from sickness. The island is usually uninhabited, but only during the summer festival a wooden bridge is built linking it to the mainland so people can visit. This bridge is also called the Bridge of Happiness, and crossing it is cherished as a special experience in itself.

Highlights

• The mysterious setting, where a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea is itself the sacred ground
• The special experience of walking the Bridge of Happiness to the island, possible only during the summer festival
• The faith in praying for the healthy growth of children, drawing visits for child blessings and growth prayers
• The calm view of the Seto Inland Sea from the sea-encircled grounds

Enjoying the Seasons

The greatest event is the summer festival held each year centered on August 4 and 5. Only during this period is the bridge built, and many worshippers cross to the island. At night fireworks light up the sea and sky. At other times the bridge is removed and the island cannot be reached, but even gazing from the mainland at the shrine floating on the sea conveys its quiet presence.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Mino-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture
• In principle the island can be reached only during the summer festival, the period centered on August 4 and 5 each year
• The nearest station is Tsushimanomiya on the JR Yosan Line, known as a temporary station open only during the festival period. Confirm the days it opens and whether trains stop in advance
• The festival days are very crowded. The dates and the bridge crossing hours can vary by year, so always confirm the latest information in advance

Practical Travel Notes

• The island can be reached only a short period each year. Before you plan your trip, always confirm that year's festival dates and the hours the bridge can be crossed
• The festival days are crowded under the blazing midsummer sun. Prepare well against the heat with a hat, parasol, and water. The bridge is wooden and can sometimes be wet underfoot, so comfortable shoes are reassuring
• Many visitors are families praying for children's growth and protection from misfortune, and the votive items center on charms for children
• JR Tsushimanomiya Station is a temporary station only during the festival, and the surroundings are very crowded by both train and car. Plan with plenty of time to spare
• Outside the festival period, you view the shrine floating on the sea from the mainland. Its quiet form without the bridge has its own charm

A Quick Tip

Since the island can be reached only a short period each year, always confirm the festival dates before you plan a visit. On the day, prepare for the heat and wear comfortable shoes for walking the bridge, which can sometimes be wet. The evening hour when the fireworks rise is another highlight unique to this festival.

📚 Sources

Tsushima Shrine sits on an island that is normally uninhabited, and it can be reached in principle only during the summer grand festival (the period centered on August 4 and 5 each year). The festival dates, the bridge's crossing hours, and whether trains stop at JR Tsushimanomiya Station, which operates only during the festival, can and should be confirmed in advance through sources such as Mitoyo City tourism information. Its history as a guardian deity of children and the legend of the oracle are also passed down in local guidance. The dates may change by year, so please confirm the latest information before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour to cross the bridge and worship during the festival and view the Seto Inland Sea from the grounds.
• What to bring: The festival day is crowded under the blazing midsummer sun, so bring a hat, parasol, and drinks for heat protection. The bridge is wooden and footing can get wet, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Suggested route: During the festival, cross the Shiawase Bridge to the island, pray for children's growth and protection from misfortune, and view the Seto Inland Sea from the sea-surrounded grounds.
• Timing note: The island can be reached only a few days a year, so before planning your trip always confirm that year's festival dates and the bridge's crossing hours.