Tsukushima Island Shrine, located in the Seto Inland Sea, off the coast of Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the sea god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the storm goddess Amaterasu, the shrine has been revered for centuries due to its role in protecting sailors and fishermen from harsh weather conditions. The shrine's stunning torii gate is said to appear on the water during typhoons, a phenomenon known as 'Miko no Kaerimashita,' or 'The Shrine Maiden Returns.' Visitors can experience this mystical event by visiting the shrine during a typhoon season.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 33.3429348, 130.2485003
Visitor tip
When visiting Tsukushima Island Shrine, consider participating in the 'Miko no Kaerimashita' festival, which takes place during typhoon season and features traditional dances and ceremonies to honor the shrine maiden who appears on the water.
Cultural notes
Tsukushima Island Shrine is famous for its unique tradition of having multiple torii gates, with a total of 1,006 gates dedicated to various kami. The shrine also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the 'Saien-sai' festival in autumn and the 'Gion Matsuri' festival in June.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 707 CE, but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868).