Watazumi Shrine

In Tsushima City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Watazumi Shrine is a sea palace dedicated to Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Toyotamahime no Mikoto. A legend of the dragon palace has long been handed down here, and of the five torii gates standing in a straight line, two rise from within the sea. At high tide the water reaches near the hall, a scene as solemn as the legendary undersea palace.

In mythology the sea god Toyotamahiko built a palace he named the sea palace, and it is told that Yamasachihiko, who had set out to search for a lost fishhook, met and married Toyotamahime here. The grounds also keep a rare three pillar torii, unusual in Japan.

Highlights

• Two torii gates rising from the sea, part of a line of five standing in a row
• A rock said to be the tomb of Toyotamahime, beyond a mossy old torii behind the main hall
• A sacred pine tree shaped like a dragon
• A rare three pillar torii, unusual in Japan
• A view recalling the undersea palace, with the tide reaching near the hall at high water

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green season the mossy grounds shine with vitality, and in summer the high tide sea and torii create a cool and striking view. Autumn invites you into the world of myth in clear air, and in winter you can worship quietly with few visitors. The way the scene changes with the tide is a charm in itself.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Nii, Toyotama, Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture
• Getting to Tsushima: Flights run to Tsushima Airport from Fukuoka and Nagasaki airports, or take a ferry or jetfoil from Hakata Port to Izuhara Port or Hitakatsu Port
• Getting to the shrine: About forty minutes by car from Tsushima Airport, or about one hour by car from Izuhara Port. Local buses are infrequent, so a rental car is convenient
• Parking: Available
• No admission fee. The precinct is open for worship
• To see the torii in the sea, the hours around high tide are recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: For the torii standing in the sea, aim for around high tide, and to walk to their bases, aim for around low tide. Since the scene changes completely with the tide, checking a tide table in advance is essential. The fresh green season is especially lovely on the mossy grounds, and soft morning light is a fine choice too.
• Avoiding crowds: As a remote island, Tsushima is calm overall, and weekdays or mornings allow quiet worship. People tend to gather at high tide, so shifting your timing a little helps.
• Time needed: About thirty minutes to an hour for worship and torii photos. To wait out the tide and see both faces of the scene, allow extra time.
• Nearby real spots: Tsushima has the Eboshidake Observatory overlooking the ria coast of Aso Bay, the castle town of Izuhara with the Kaneishi Castle ruins and Banshoin, and the Waniura observatory from which Korea can be seen. Touring the island over several days is recommended.
• Budget feel: Worship is free. A Tsushima stay centers on airfare or ferry, a rental car, and lodging. Since travel from the mainland takes time, a stay of at least one night is realistic.

A Quick Tip

Check a tide table for the times of high and low water and visit to match the view you want. At high tide the gates stand in the sea, while at low tide you can walk close to their bases. The shore is wet and slippery, so wear shoes you can walk in easily. Distances on the island are long, so plan for a rental car and allow plenty of time.

📚 Sources

The information about Watazumi Shrine was compiled by our editorial team from Tsushima City tourism information, local guidance, and on-site explanations. The account of a sea shrine enshrining Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto, known for its torii gates standing in the sea and a Dragon Palace legend, follows these public references. Because how the sea torii appear depends on the tides and worship hours may change, please confirm the latest information from Tsushima City or local sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour combining worship at the halls with viewing the sea torii.
• What to prepare: You walk by the shore, so non-slip shoes are reassuring.
• Getting around: It is on Tsushima, so you generally go by car.
• Viewing tips: The sea torii scenery changes with the tides, so check the tide times when you visit.