Otonashi Shrine, the Miyajima of Tosa Facing the Sea in Susaki

Otonashi Shrine, in Uranouchi, Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture, is an old shrine also called the Miyajima of Tosa for its unusual layout, with an approach that stretches toward the sea. In the past there were no roads, and worshippers are said to have crossed by boat from the opposite shore, and the form of coming ashore from the sea to worship still conveys that memory today. Its main deity is Hitokotonushi-no-Mikoto, the same deity enshrined at Tosa Shrine, the first shrine of Tosa Province. Its main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are designated important cultural properties of Japan, and the main hall was built in the early Edo period (1663) by the second lord of the Tosa domain. As a deity of marriage ties it draws worshippers from across the country, and it is also known for the rare custom of the sea fortune, in which a wish written on Japanese paper is floated out to sea.

Highlights

• The approach stretching toward the sea, and the vermilion great torii set against the blue water
• The graceful main hall, offering hall, and worship hall, designated important cultural properties of Japan
• The deep faith in Hitokotonushi-no-Mikoto, deity of marriage ties
• The rare sea fortune found only here, floating a paper wish out to sea

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer the blue sea and sky brighten the grounds, and a pleasant sea breeze drifts through. Each year from August 24 to 25 the Shinane Festival is held, in which a fleet of fishing boats carrying portable shrines and decorated with great catch flags crosses the bay, bringing lively crowds. From autumn into winter the air grows clear, letting you slowly enjoy the views across the sea.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Uranouchi Higashibun, Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture
• The main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are important cultural properties of Japan (the main hall was built in 1663)
• By public transport, about 20 minutes by taxi from Tanosato Station on the JR Dosan Line. There is also a route using the Susaki municipal tour boat
• Free to visit, in a quiet seaside setting
• The summer Shinane Festival is held August 24 to 25

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: summer daytime when the blue sea stands out, or evening when the light softens. For the festival, the late-August Shinane Festival is the highlight.
• Avoiding crowds: outside the festival period the visit is fairly relaxed. For photos, choosing a time with front lighting captures the sea and torii beautifully.
• Time needed: about 30 to 45 minutes for a visit, a seaside stroll, and photos.
• Nearby spots: the calm inlets of Uranouchi Bay, and the specialty nabeyaki ramen of central Susaki, let you enjoy the sea and food of Susaki together.
• Budget feel: the visit itself costs little, and the seaside scenery can be enjoyed freely.

A Quick Tip

The approach reaching toward the sea is a scenic spot that photographs beautifully. As the sea breeze can be strong some days, bringing a jacket will keep you comfortable. For a prayer for marriage ties, do try the sea fortune, floating a paper wish out to sea.

📚 Sources

For Otonashi Shrine in Uranouchi, Susaki City, the guidance published by the Susaki City tourism association and the shrine origin notes and on-site signboards are the reliable references. Its designation of the honden, heiden, and haiden as national Important Cultural Properties, and the honden construction in the early Edo period (1663), can also be confirmed through public cultural-property information. Information on the sea-cast omikuji and the Shinane Festival is supported by the city tourism guidance. Worship and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About 30 to 45 minutes for worship, a seaside stroll, and photos.
• What to prepare: Worship itself costs little, and you can casually enjoy the seaside scenery. On windy days a layer brings peace of mind.
• Suggested route: View the approach extending toward the sea and the vermilion great torii, pay respects at the Important Cultural Property halls, and try the sea-cast omikuji.
• Photo timing: Choosing a front-lit time captures the sea and torii beautifully; for a festival, the Shinane Festival in late August is the highlight.
• Pair your visit: Enjoy it together with the coves of Uranouchi Bay and Susaki specialty nabeyaki ramen.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: Uranouchi Higashibun, Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture
• Telephone: 0889-49-0674
• Parking: Available, though the road is narrow and large buses cannot get through
• The fortune slips set adrift on the sea: These are offered only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and on the 1st and 15th of each month. Note that you cannot receive one if you visit on a weekday
• Cultural property: The main hall, offering hall and worship hall are designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan as the Otonashi Jinja Shrine Buildings (designated March 31, 1953 / Showa 28). They were rebuilt by Yamauchi Tadayoshi in 1663 (Kanbun 3)
• Festivals: The Shinane Festival on August 25 (new calendar), and Chiriheppo, the grand autumn festival, on the 23rd day of the 8th month of the old lunar calendar
• Viewing from a boat: Riding the cruise boat on Uranouchi Bay lets you see from the water the approach path stretching out toward the sea (the timetable is published on the Susaki City official website)

* Visiting hours and admission fees are not published in official sources.

(Sources: Susaki City Tourism Association official website https://sta2020.com/susaki_info/tourism/757/ ; Kochi Prefectural Board of Education, Cultural Properties Division, Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties (Structures))