Located in the heart of Tokushima Prefecture, San'ei-jinsha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of the sea and earthquakes. The shrine is situated on the southernmost tip of the island of Shikoku, near the city of Senbatsu. This seaside shrine is famous for its beautiful beachside location and traditional architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Urashima Taro
- Kami enshrined
- Urashima Taro, Shime-no-Kami, Sasayama-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 34.074784, 134.5420673
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of San'ei-jinsha Shrine, visit at low tide when the beach is exposed, and look for the wooden lanterns and traditional torii gates that line the shoreline.
Cultural notes
San'ei-jinsha Shrine is associated with the Shinto god of the sea, Urashima Taro, who is said to have rescued a princess from an underwater kingdom. The shrine also hosts an annual Sanja Matsuri festival in April, which celebrates the shrine's patron deity and features traditional dances, music, and offerings.
Historical note
The shrine was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) to commemorate the victory of Emperor Montoku over a devastating earthquake in 1027 CE.