Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tsushima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of ships and the sea, and also enshrines the legendary figure of Matsuo Basho, the famous Japanese poet. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Edo-period temples with its rectangular main hall and vermillion-painted walls.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukuyomi
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukuyomi, The god of the moon
- Coordinates
- 34.7714905, 137.6368862
Visitor tip
Visitors can try traditional snacks such as 'tsumami,' local-style soba noodles, at the snack bar located near the shrine entrance.
Cultural notes
Tsushima Shrine is known for its connection to Matsuo Basho's travels. According to legend, Basho visited the shrine on his way from Edo to Mito in 1689 and left a stone marker with the inscription ' Tsushima,' marking the site where he rested during his journey.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 1641 during the Edo period by order of the Tokugawa shogunate to pray for safe passage and good fortune for sailors and fishermen. It is believed that the shrine's location on a island connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge added to its significance.