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Visiting shrines in Ōmisoka~Part 2 Shikaumi shrine

Article writtenFeb. 29th, 2020
Dec. 31st,2019
Located on the island of Shikanoshima at the mouth of Hakata bay, Shikaumi shrine is the Grand Guardian God of the area. It is also the head shrine of more than 800 Watatsumi shrines and Kai shrines.
Recommend viewing in landscape mode.
Recommend viewing in landscape mode.
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Shikaumi shrine is located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka city, on the island of Shikanoshima at the mouth of Hakata bay. It is the Grand Guardian God of Hakata bay which had been a key point of marine traffic.

Shikaumi shrine enshrines the three Watatsumi gods, Nakatsuwatatsumi-no-kami, Sokotsuwatatsumi-no-kami and Uwatsuwatatsumi-no-kami and is the head shrine of all Watatsumi shrines and Kai shrines around Japan.

Visiting the head shrine of the sea gods, Shikaumi shrine.

01

【About】Getting on JR Kashī line from Kashī station.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

02

【About】Arriving at Saitozaki station by the sea. About 15 minutes from Kashī station.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

03

【About】Saitozaki station is the nearest station from Shikaumi shrine, but is about 5km away. To the island of Shikanoshima it is about 10 minutes by bus or15 minutes by Fukuoka Municipal Ferry.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

04

【About】This time, walking to Shikanoshima.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

05

【About】It is about 5km.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

06

【About】Soon after leaving the station, turning right. This road leads direct to Shikanoshima.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

07

【About】Walked about 3km.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

08

【About】The sea can be seen through the pine forest.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

09

【About】The other side of the sea is the island of Nokonoshima.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

10

【About】Soon the island of Shikanoshima can be seen.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

11

【About】Looking back. The other side of Hakata bay is central Fukuoka.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

12

【About】The island of Shikanoshima is a land-tied island connected to mainland by a shoal called Uminonakamichi. It is known where the Gold Seal of the King of Na was found but is also known as a popular and easily accessible resort.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

13

【About】Walking on the shoal and going over Shikanoshima bridge. Before this bridge was built, the shoal went under water at high tides and Shikanoshima was cut off from mainland.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

14

【About】About an hour walk from the station.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

15

【About】Soon after reaching Shikanoshima the first torī of Shikaumi shrine will be in sight.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

16

【About】This path leads to Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

17

【About】Continuing on. It is an average street with houses on both sides.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

18

【About】About 400m to Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

19

【About】Shikaumi shrine has been worshiped as a god of purification. Before entering the shrine, one must purify their mind and body using Oshioi, sand used to clean impurities.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

20

【About】On top of the stone steps is the second torī.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

21

【About】Soon after the second torī is an branch shrine, Inyaku-sha. It enshrines Kunado-no-kami, Amenoiwakusufune-no-kami and Kagutsuchi-no-kami. These three dieties were originally enshrined at the air base that was in Gannosu which is between Shikanoshima and mainland.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

22

【About】A stone made Hōkyōintō. A Hōkyōintō is a pagoda that contains Buddhist scriptures wishing for peace in the past, present and future. This Hōkyōintō was built in 1347.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

23

【About】On the path to the main shrine, bamboo latern which will be lit up this night is being prepared.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

24

【About】The Rō-mon seen on top of the stone steps.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

25

【About】In front of the stone steps is a pair of Komainu. This one on the right.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

26

【About】The Komainu on the left.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

27

【About】On the right is an branch shrine, Yama-no shrine. The enshrined diety is Ōyamatsumi-no-kami, a god of the mountains. From ancient times, people knew the mountains bring rich fisheries so they enshrined the god of mountains here.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

28

【About】The Rō-mon.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

29

【About】A small arched bridge in front of the Rō-mon. Usually people can not go over it, but it is used in ritual ceremonies.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

30

【About】Going through the Rō-mon.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

31

【About】The Rō-mon from the rear.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

32

【About】The chōzuya, a watershed to cleanse your hands.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

33

【About】On top of the last stone steps is the main shrine. The haiden and the honden in behind.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

34

【About】The hengaku with the shrine name carried on the haiden.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

35

【About】Worshipping. Oshioi is here too.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

36

【About】The haiden from the side.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

37

【About】Behind the haiden is the honden.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

38

【About】The honden from the rear.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

39

【About】On the right of the haiden is a yōhaijo. It is a place to worship Ōtake shrine and Otake shrine on the other side of the sea, and also the Ise Grand shrine and the Three Palace Sanctuaries in the east from distance. The stones here are called "Kame-ishi" and is said they were the golden turltes that Shika-myōjin and Katsuma-myōjin were riding when they appeared before the conquest to Silla of Empress Jingū.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

40

【About】In front of the haiden is Shikanotsuno-dō. It contains more than 10 thousand deer antlers dedicated to the shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

41

【About】Beside the Shikanotsuno-dō are bronze statues of deers. It is said Empress Jingū dedicated antlers when she hunted deers in Tsushima and since then antlers were dedicated when prayers were answered.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

42

【About】Behind the honden, there are branch shrines. From the left Kōjin-sha, Gion-sha, Daijingū-sha and Sō-sha.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

43

【About】An branch shrine, Isosaki-sha.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

44

【About】From the left Inari-sha, Akiba-sha and Matsuo-sha.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

45

【About】The Imamiya shrine. It enshrines Utsushikanasaku-no-mikoto, the three Sumiyoshi gods and Azumi-no-isora. The Azumi family that serves the shrine is said to be the offsprings of Utsushikanasaku-no-mikoto and Utsushikanasaku-no-mikoto is believed to be the guardian deity of those who serve for the three Watatsumi gods.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

46

【About】The honden from the left.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

47

【About】Strange stones dedicated to the shrine are placed around a tree.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

48

【About】Next to the chōzuya is an exhibition room. Some treasures owned by the shrine are exhibited and it also serves as a rest house.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

49

【About】Goshuin is available at the shrine office next to the Rō-mon.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

50

【About】The oshioi in front of the juyosho can be taken home.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

51

【About】Taking it home.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

52

【About】Going through the Rō-mon and heading back.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

53

【About】The path from the shrine leads straight to the sea.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

54

【About】Hakata bay and the city of Fukuoka can be seen in the distance.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

55

【About】Goint through the torī and leaving Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

56

【About】Going up the slope right next to the torī. The building seen up front is the exhibition room of Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

57

【About】In the middle of the slope is the back gate of Shikaumi shrine. The path leads behind Imamiya shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

58

【About】Heading for Shiomi park. The road turns left but the path branching off to the right is a shortcut to Shiomi park.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

59

【About】Going up a steap slope. There is another path that split to the left that leads to Kaen-zuka. Kaen-zuka is a place where Buddhist monks prayed for the surrender of the Yuan dynasty of China during the Mongol invasion in 1281.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

60

【About】It is a paved road, but very steep.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

61

【About】Approaching Shiomi park.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

62

【About】Shiomi park. About 30 minutes from Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

63

【About】Shiomi park is located at the highest point in Shikanoshima, about 170m above sea level.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

64

【About】An observation platform about 10m high.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

65

【About】The east side is Hakata bay and Uminonakamichi connecting Shikanoshima and mainland can be seen.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

66

【About】The city of Fukuoka in the distance.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

67

【About】Momochihama, where Fukuoka Tower and Fukuoka Dome is, can be seen too.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

68

【About】The island of Nokonoshima can be seen south.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

69

【About】To the west is Itoshima peninsula. Many ships come and go.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

70

【About】The view isn't so good on the north, but Iki Island can be seen in the distance.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

71

【About】Also the island of Okinoshima, about 65km north, can be seen. Okinoshima is said to be a sacred island and the whole island is a part of Munakata Taisha.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

72

【About】In the north east is the Genkai sea.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

73

【About】Islands such as Ōshima, Aishima and Jishima can be seen.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

74

【About】It would be great to see the sunset from here but leaving before it gets dark.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

75

【About】Going down the slope and back at Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

76

【About】Walking back.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

77

【About】The path in front of the Shikaumi shrine leads directly to the Shikanoshima terminal of Fukuoka Municipal Ferry.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

78

【About】On the wall of the terminal is a monument of the gold seal discovered at Shikanoshima.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

79

【About】Seeing the last sunset of this year from the ferry terminal.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

80

【About】There is still time until the ferry leaves. So returning to the Shikaumi shrine.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

81

【About】Some of the bamboo lanterns are lit up.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

82

【About】The path to the shrine lit up by bamboo lanterns.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

83

【About】The stone steps in front of the Rō-mon are lit up too.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

84

【About】A lanterns hung on the Rō-mon.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

85

【About】The haiden in the dark. This year is ending.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

86

【About】The city in the distance is lit up too.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

87

【About】Leaving Shikaumi shrine again.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

88

【About】A beautiful night scape of Fukuoka can be seen from near the ferry terminal.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

89

【About】The ferry terminal at night.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

90

【About】A ticket to Hakata port.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

91

【About】In the waiting room, there is a replica of the gold seal of the King of Na.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

92

【About】Getting on the Fukuoka Municipal Ferry "Kin-in".
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

93

【About】It is about 30 minutes to Hakata port. On the way it stops at Saitozaki but still faster than bus that takes more than an hour.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

94

【About】On the right is a beautiful night scape.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

95

【About】Docking at Hakata port.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

96

【About】Getting off at Hakata port. There are buse operated to Tenjin or Hakata station, but walking.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

97

【About】To the closest subway station, Nakasu-kawabata station, is about a 20 minute walk.
【Date】2019, Dec. 31st 【Location】Fukuoka, Fukuoka

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