Shimameshiya Hokuto
Kasumaki: A celebratory sweet passed down in Tsushima since the Edo period.
What is Watadzumi Shrine?
Watadzumi Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Toyotama-machi, Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, dedicated to sea deities. Enshrining the married deities Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto and Toyotama-hime-no-Mikoto, the shrine has long been known as a sacred site associated with the legend of Ryugu-jo (the underwater Dragon Palace). The shrine is situated deep within an inlet of Aso Bay, a ria coast that spreads across the center of Tsushima. With its torii gates lining up in a straight line extending into the sea, the shrine creates a striking landscape that draws many visitors and photographers as one of Tsushima’s signature scenic locations.
Highlights of Watadzumi Shrine
The defining feature of the shrine is the row of five torii gates that extend in a straight line from the main hall into the sea. Two of these gates stand directly in the water; at high tide, the seawater rises near the shrine buildings, altering the landscape to evoke the imagery of an underwater palace. At low tide, the water recedes enough for visitors to walk up to the base of the gates, offering completely different views depending on the movement of the tide. Beyond the coastal scenery, the untouched primary forest spreading behind the shrine buildings is notable. Within this quiet, wooded area stands a large rock structure (iwasaka) said to be the tomb of Toyotama-hime, preserving an atmosphere tied to local mythology.
The dense forest behind the shrine features giant trees and a large sacred rock (iwasaka) believed to be the tomb of Toyotama-hime.
How to Enjoy Your Visit
The shrine is roughly a 40-minute drive from Tsushima Airport, reached by following the road along Aso Bay from the main highway.
Upon arrival, visitors typically walk through the grounds while observing how the line of torii gates connects the water to the land. Because the landscape shifts drastically with the tide, checking the high and low tide times in advance is a common approach for those looking to photograph the gates fully surrounded by water. Near the worship hall, you can also observe unusual rock formations and structures, such as the Isora Ebisu and its rare triple-pillared torii gate (mihashira-torii).
After viewing the coastal side, taking a short 5-minute walk along the path behind the main hall allows you to experience the quieter, forested area of the shrine grounds.
Since the Eboshidake Observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Aso Bay’s coast and is located near the shrine, combining a visit to both spots is a practical and common travel route to see Tsushima’s coastal geography from two different perspectives.
Basic Information
・Name: Watadzumi Shrine
・Operating Hours: Shrine grounds are open at all times (Shrine office is open 9:00–17:00, closed for lunch 12:00–13:00).
・Closed: Open year-round
・Price: Free (Complimentary entry to the grounds)
・Parking: Available (Free)
Access
・Address: 55 Wamiya, Nii, Toyotama-machi, Tsushima-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture
By Public Transport: Not recommended due to the distance from the nearest bus stops (Car rental or taxi is advised).
By Car: Approximately 40 minutes from Tsushima Airport, or about 60 minutes from Izuhara Port.
Nearby Ryokan
SPOT
