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Wadatsumi Shrine: Gateway to the Dragon Palace

Discover Wadatsumi Shrine in Tsushima: a mystical Shinto site with iconic sea-submerged torii gates and connections to the Dragon Palace legend.

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Wadatsumi Shrine, nestled on Tsushima Island, is a captivating Shinto shrine famed for its unique torii gates, two of which stand gracefully in the sea. This picturesque setting is associated with the legend of Ryūgū, the Dragon Palace, offering visitors a serene and historically rich experience.

A brief summary to Wadatsumi Shrine

Local tips

  • Visit during high tide for the most stunning views of the torii gates appearing to float on the water.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other Tsushima attractions, such as Mt. Eboshi-dake for panoramic views.
  • Be respectful of local customs and maintain a quiet demeanor while visiting the shrine.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Izuhara, the main town on Tsushima, take National Route 382 north towards Toyotama. The drive is approximately 1 hour. Follow the signs to Niiasome Bay. The shrine has a free parking lot.

  • Bus

    Buses on Tsushima are limited. Check the latest schedules with the Tsushima Tourism Association. From Izuhara, take a bus towards Toyotama. Get off at a stop near Niiasome Bay and walk to the shrine. A one-day bus pass for foreign tourists is available for ¥1,000.

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Discover more about Wadatsumi Shrine

Wadatsumi Shrine, also known as Watatsumi Shrine, is a prominent Shinto shrine located on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Its origins are steeped in local legend, with claims that Toyotama-hiko-no-mikoto, the god of the sea, built a grand palace here, naming it Watatsumi-no-miya. The shrine is dedicated to Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Toyotamabime. The shrine is best known for its five torii gates, with two standing in the ocean, creating a striking visual, especially during high tide when they appear to float on the water. This unique setting has linked the shrine to the legend of Ryūgū, the Dragon Palace, with the sea once believed to be the approach for worshippers arriving by boat. The shrine's name is recorded in the “Engishiki Jinmyōchō,” a Heian period record, highlighting its historical significance. Wadatsumi Shrine is believed to grant blessings for matchmaking, fertility, and maritime safety, due to its enshrinement of Toyotama-hime no Mikoto. The main hall and surrounding areas exude history and serenity, with a turtle-shaped stone used for ancient rituals and a walking trail leading to a wooded area. In September 2020, a typhoon damaged one of the torii gates, prompting a successful crowdfunding campaign, with many donors being fans of the video game “Ghost of Tsushima,” which features a similar shrine. Restoration work was planned to begin in April 2021.

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