Shiotsu-ura

Historical Footprints

This shrine has a particularly complex and difficult-to-trace history. Its former name, ‘Rokusho Gongen’, does not appear in the ‘Unyoushi’ of the Kyoho era (1716–1735). The only shrines recorded in the Shiotsu entry are ‘Hachioji’ and ‘Ishigami Myoujin’. The latter is described as having ‘no shrine building, with heihaku (Shinto offerings) present’, which shares some characteristics with the current structure.

Today, the shrine consists only of a ‘haiden’ (prayer hall), with no main sanctuary building. Behind the prayer hall, a stone boulder enclosed within a fence is wrapped with a sacred straw rope, marking it as the object of worship.

‘Hachioji’ refers to Funamori-jinja, a guardian shrine for boats, located to the west of Shiotsu-ura. Its enshrined deity is Kunisatsuchi-no-mikoto, regarded as a protector of boats and the sea. Although the origins of this association are unclear, this protective role is firmly established.

During the Edo period, it became widely believed that Ishigami-jinja corresponded to the ‘Umi-yashiro’ mentioned in the Fudoki under the Tatenui district. Detailed research on this theory was conducted by Izumi Rinichiro, and a stone memorial dedicated to him stands within the shrine grounds.

However, in reality, ‘Umi-yashiro’ is currently enshrined in Mi-no-machi in Hirata-cho. Furthermore, both Ishigami-jinja in Shiotsu-ura and Umi-jinja in Hirata share the same enshrined deity as Ishigami-jinja in Kama-ura: Futsunushi-no-mikoto.

The old woodblock prints refer to this shrine as ‘Rokusho Gongen’. It remains unclear whether the six deities (‘rokusho’) referenced in the name originated from Ishigami-jinja or perhaps from Funamori-jinja.

Pilgrimage Route Guide

The object of worship at Ishigami-jinja can be found behind the shrine. It is a sacred stone placed within a wooden enclosure in an open-air space, accompanied by gohei (Shinto paper streamers) and a sacred tree. This setting reflects the deep and sincere faith of the people of Shiotsu-ura.

The shrine’s main hall was once washed away, along with nearby homes, by a massive tidal wave during the Heian period. According to official records, the sacred stone was also submerged in the sea, but it was later recovered. This event is recorded on a historical plaque within the shrine, and the stone is affectionately referred to by locals as ‘Ishigami-sama’.

Compared to other shrines in the area, Ishigami-jinja in Shiotsu-ura is situated at a relatively low elevation near the sea, accessible by only about 20 stone steps. It stands roughly 20 to 30 meters from the coastal road.

Within the shrine grounds, there is also a small red Inari shrine, which leaves a lasting impression on visitors.