式部神社

Shikaumi Shrine. A place where the whispers of ancient seafarers mingle with the crash of waves. Here on Shikanoshima Island, the spirit of the Azumi people, ancient rulers of the seas, still lingers. Shikaumi Shrine stands as a testament to their power and their reverence for the ocean’s might. The shrine is dedicated to Watatsumi, the god of the sea, a deity deeply intertwined with the Azumi’s maritime heritage. Three forms of Watatsumi are honored here: Sokotsu Watatsumi no Kami (depths god), Nakatsu Watatsumi no Kami (middle depth god), and Uwatsu Watatsumi no Kami (sea surface god). Imagine the Azumi sailors, offering prayers to these deities before embarking on perilous voyages across the vast expanse of the ocean. Shikaumi Shrine is also linked to the legendary Empress Jingu. History tells of her invasion of Korea and her near-miraculous return to Japan. She attributed her survival to Watatsumi’s divine intervention. Upon her safe return, she established this shrine to honor the sea god’s protection. Look around the shrine grounds. You can see remnants of the Azumi’s reverence for the sea in the sacred stones shaped like sea turtles. Over a thousand deer antlers are also on display, reflecting the Azumi’s spiritual beliefs. The deer held a prominent place in their rituals and designs, symbolizing their connection to the land and sea. The biennial Gojinkosai ceremony, recognized as an intangible cultural property, continues to be held at Shikaumi Shrine. This vibrant festival echoes the rhythms of ancient rituals, connecting the present to the Azumi’s enduring legacy. Shikaumi Shrine isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a living testament to the deep connection between the Azumi people, the sea, and the divine.