Watatsumi Shrine

Shinto shrine in Japan

Watatsumi Shrine (海神社) is a Shinto shrine in Kobe Japan founded by Empress Jingu upon her return from attempting to conquer Korea. It is dedicated to the god Watatsumi, who is associated with the sea and marine life.[1][2]

Watatsumi Shrine
Affiliation Shinto

According to legend, Empress Jingū was nearly shipwrecked but managed to survive thanks to praying to Watatsumi, and she made the Akashi Shrine to honor him. At the same time, she also established Ikasuri Shrine and Ikuta Shrine.[2]

The shrine is often referred to as the Sea Shrine (海神社, Umi Jinja) in colloquial language, as it is a common misreading of the characters used in its name.[2]

History change

The shrine was first mentioned in 806[1][2] During the Edo period, it was considered highly significant to the rulers of the Akashi Domain who visited it every February[2] The main Torii of the shrine was originally located on the beach, but due to land reclamation after World War II, it was moved further inland.[2]

See Also change

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Shinto shrines | Japan | Rods Shinto". shintoshrines. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Watatsumi Shrine | 海神社 |Hyogo-ken, Kobe-shi". shintoshrines. Retrieved 2023-04-06.