The God of Roads and the Origin of Chiburijima’s Name
Watasu Shrine enshrines Isotakeru-no-Mikoto together with the God of Chiburi, a deity associated with transportation by sea and land. Since ancient times, this deity has been revered as a protector of travelers and ships, watching over people as they journeyed through the region.
Chiburijima is the closest of the Oki Islands to the Japanese mainland and has long occupied an important position along maritime routes across the Sea of Japan. Ships traveling between different parts of Japan are believed to have stopped in the area, with sailors visiting the shrine to pray for safe passage.
The name Chiburi, which is thought to have originated from the word associated with this deity, is closely connected with the name Chiburijima. In this sense, Watasu Shrine is more than a religious site—it is also deeply connected to the origins and identity of the island itself.
A Historic Center of Maritime Worship
The exact date of Watasu Shrine’s foundation is unknown, but it is believed to have a very long history. Some theories connect the shrine with a religious site recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a tenth-century compilation of officially recognized Shinto shrines and rituals.
Historical documents from the Edo period also refer to the shrine as Watasu Daimyojin, indicating that it continued to be an important object of local worship for many generations.
Chibu Bay, located at the southern end of Chiburijima, was an important stopping point along ancient maritime routes. Sailors and travelers are said to have prayed here before setting out to sea, seeking protection and a safe journey.
Archaeological discoveries in the area have also included pottery dating from the Yayoi period to the Kofun period, suggesting that the surrounding area was an important settlement or activity center from ancient times.
Legends of a Goddess and the World of Japanese Mythology
According to one tradition, the deity of Watasu Shrine is said to be a goddess. A local legend tells that she married Amasashihiko-no-Mikoto, but the two later separated.
The legend says that when they parted, Amasashihiko-no-Mikoto waited for favorable winds at Shimazushima. During this time, his ship, anchor, and hat were transformed into islands. These legendary forms are remembered today as Funashima, Ikari-jima, and Kasajima.
Other traditions associated with the goddess tell stories connected with childbirth. Place names such as Ubu-i and Okeshima are said to have connections with these legends.
These stories are particularly fascinating because they connect mythology with the actual landscape of the islands. The rocks, islands, bays, and place names of the area have become part of a rich tradition of local storytelling passed down through generations.
A Simple Shrine Surrounded by Nature
The grounds of Watasu Shrine have a simple, traditional appearance that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape. The main sanctuary is a wooden structure with a copper-sheet roof, built in a distinctive variation of the Kasuga-zukuri architectural style.
The worship hall and offering hall are also wooden structures. Rather than being heavily decorated, the buildings have a modest beauty that allows the surrounding natural environment to remain part of the sacred atmosphere.
Walking through the quiet grounds, visitors can experience a sense of harmony between the shrine architecture, forest, rocks, and sea—an atmosphere that is characteristic of many ancient sacred places in Japan.
Exploring Shimazushima on Foot
Shimazushima, the uninhabited island where Watasu Shrine stands, can be reached on foot from Chiburijima via the Omatsu Bridge. The island offers a rare opportunity to combine a visit to a historic shrine with a peaceful walk through an undeveloped natural landscape.
A walking trail leads through the island, where visitors can enjoy views of exceptionally clear seawater and striking white rock formations. The contrast between the blue sea and pale coastal rocks creates a beautiful landscape that changes with the season and weather.
The area is also known for an unusual mixture of plant species associated with both northern and southern environments. Seasonal flowers and vegetation can be observed along the walking route, making the journey to the shrine part of the experience rather than simply a way of reaching the destination.
A Traditional Offering for Safe Voyages
One of the traditions associated with Watasu Shrine is the offering of haya-o, a cord used when rowing a boat. People offered these cords while praying for safe travel at sea and relief from seasickness.
This custom provides a glimpse into the close relationship between the island communities and the surrounding sea. For generations, the sea was essential for transportation, fishing, trade, and communication, while at the same time presenting serious dangers. Religious traditions such as this reflect the hopes and fears of people whose lives depended on maritime travel.
Watasu Shrine is also one of the important shrines visited during the local tradition known as Jissha-mairi, or the pilgrimage to ten shrines. Before a bridge connected the island to Chiburijima, people could not easily cross to the shrine and instead worshipped from the opposite shore.
Access and Things to Know Before Visiting
Watasu Shrine can be reached from Chiburijima by crossing the Omatsu Bridge and continuing along the walking trail on Shimazushima. The bridge has made access considerably easier than in the past, when visiting the shrine required worshippers to pray from across the water.
However, the route can still be affected by tides and weather conditions. Before setting out, check the tidal conditions and weather forecast, and take care when walking along the coastal route.
The secluded setting makes Watasu Shrine particularly suited to travelers who enjoy quiet historical sites and nature walks. Rather than rushing through the visit, take time to appreciate the scenery, listen to the sounds of nature, and consider the centuries of maritime worship associated with this remote island sanctuary.
A Quiet Sanctuary Where History, Mythology, and Nature Meet
Watasu Shrine is a unique sacred site where the ancient maritime history, mythology, and natural landscape of the Oki Islands come together. Its connection with the origin of the name Chiburijima, its traditions surrounding safe sea travel, and its legends of gods and transformed islands give the shrine a special place in the cultural history of Chibu Village.
For overseas visitors, a journey to Watasu Shrine offers an opportunity to experience a quieter side of the Oki Islands, away from more familiar tourist destinations. The walk across Shimazushima, the clear coastal scenery, and the peaceful shrine hidden within nature create an experience that feels closely connected to the ancient relationship between the people of Oki and the sea.