Listen closely. What if I told you this island’s name changed due to an overheard conversation? Welcome to Shikaumi Shrine. This shrine is on Shika Island in Fukuoka.
Shika Island is now connected to the mainland by a sandbar called Umi no Nakamichi. It’s a narrow strip of land with sea on both sides. Shika Island is famous for the discovery of the gold seal. The seal reads “Kan no Wa no Na no Kokuo”.
Shikaumi Shrine is known as the head shrine of all marine shrines. It’s also called the “Dragon Capital”. The ancient Azumi clan originated from here. The enshrined deities are the three sea gods. The Azumi clan is said to be descendants of the Watatsumi gods. They finally settled in Azumino in Nagano Prefecture.
When you stand in the parking lot you can feel the power. Shikaumi Shrine is truly a power spot. Before entering the shrine cleanse yourself with the purifying sand. The sand is called Oharai-zuna. Sprinkle it on your body.
The shrine enshrines the three Munakata goddesses. These goddesses are Ichikishimahime no Kami, Tagorihime no Kami and Tagitsuhime no Kami. Also enshrined here are the Sumiyoshi Sanjin gods. People often wonder about the meaning of the two or three gods enshrined here.
Shikaumi Shrine is closely linked to Empress Jingu’s expedition to Sankan. From here you can see Hakata Bay. You can also see the west side of Umi no Nakamichi and the sea around Shika Island.
Legend says Empress Jingu was heading to Silla for her expedition. She stopped her ship near Shika Island. She ordered her followers to bring fire. One follower asked if there was a closer place. Another replied that there was an island nearby. It later became known as Chika Island. Over time Chika changed to Shika.
Near the main hall is a bamboo grove. Empress Jingu is also connected to this bamboo grove. In 1821 a book was written about the history of Fukuoka. This book is called “Chikuzen Meisho Zue”. It describes Shika Island in detail.
The book mentions “Chosei-take” or long-lived bamboo. It describes a bamboo grove west of the shrine. The flagstaffs used on the Empress’s ship were planted here. They grew into a bamboo grove. Later generations used this bamboo for flagstaffs and ship masts.
So even in this bamboo grove, there are traces of Empress Jingu. Shikaumi Shrine is known for its benefits. These include maritime safety and safe travels. It is also believed to help with rebirth and disaster removal. The shrine’s atmosphere makes it a popular spot.
At each entrance to the shrine there are boxes of Marena-zuna sand. When entering the shrine sprinkle the sand on your left and right sides. This purifies you. Shikaumi Shrine is a place of great historical and spiritual significance. It offers beautiful sea views and a chance to connect with ancient legends.