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.

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 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 - Access: About one hour by car from Izuhara Port, about forty minutes from Tsushima Airport - Parking: Available - To see the torii in the sea, the hours around high tide are recommended

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.