Located in the city of Nagasaki, Water God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of water and sea. The shrine's design is influenced by the traditional Japanese architectural style of the Kamakura period, with a unique blend of wooden and stone structures. According to local lore, the shrine was built on the site where the god of water was said to have appeared to a fisherman.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Suwashi, Water God
- Coordinates
- 32.7525249, 129.8977064
Visitor tip
To respectfully purify your hands at the shrine, use a ladle provided at the washbasin and scoop out some water from the nearby stream into the basin before washing your hands.
Cultural notes
Water God Shrine is associated with the mythology of the tengu, supernatural beings known for their power over the elements. During the annual Tanabata festival in July, visitors can pray for a bountiful harvest and good luck by hanging paper lanterns on the shrine's trees, which are said to be inhabited by tengu.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1894 after being destroyed during World War II.