Souzu-ura

Historical Footprints

The name ‘Souzu’, as it appears in the poem, is also mentioned in the Unyoushi within the Katae Bay entry: “This bay contains the places Souzu and Tamae.” More precisely, Souzu is located to the east of Katae Bay, close to Shichirui Bay. In terms of daily life, the area is thought to have been more closely connected to Shichirui than to Katae.

The shrine associated with Souzu, Meijima Shrine, now stands on land. However, since the name ‘Meijima’ includes the word ‘shima’ (island), it is likely that the shrine was originally located on an island.

Today, Meijima Shrine is enshrined within the precincts of Shichirui Shrine. Despite this relocation, its main hall remains intact, and its annual festival continues to be held. The enshrined deity is Watatsumi-no-Mikoto, a god associated with the sea.

There are no clear records from the time of the Forty-Two Bay pilgrimage regarding a shrine named ‘Sanja Daimyojin’, leaving its connection to Meijima Shrine uncertain. This remains an open question. However, a place name ‘Sanja’ exists to the south of the coastline near Meijima Shrine, although no direct link to a shrine has been confirmed. According to local folklore, a cave in Mabura, Nishiiwaya enshrines the deity Mizuho-no-Ariji-nushi-no-kami.

Pilgrimage Route Guide

Meijima Shrine appears almost like a mirage on the sea when viewed from the prefectural road near the entrance to Tamae Bay.

The small structure on the island can be seen from the coastal bridge. Leaving the main road and approaching the islet, visitors will find an image of Meijima Shrine displayed within the small building there.

Until 1972, this small island had a flat, square surface. Each year on the first day of the eighth lunar month, the Hassaku Festival was held here. Trainee sumo wrestlers from Honjo in Matsue and from Sakaiminato in Tottori would gather to perform dedicatory sumo matches within the shrine grounds. Children could also participate, often receiving prizes such as school supplies, making it a lively and enjoyable event.

However, repeated typhoons gradually washed away the soil and sand, leaving only bare rock. For a time, sumo matches continued in the shrine’s worship hall, but that structure has since disappeared.

Even today, the shrine’s annual festival is held on September 1st. On the evening before, August 31st, the ‘Yoimiya’ (pre-festival) takes place, during which lanterns are lit and arranged from the beach to the shrine, illuminating the entire island in a beautiful display.

The Hassaku Festival has its origins in agricultural rites, originally performed to pray for a bountiful harvest, even though the shrine’s main deity is a god of the sea.

Within the shrine is a snake-shaped figure representing a dragon, believed to be the guardian of the sea. Those who have seen it describe it as striking and somewhat fearsome. According to accounts, its presence leaves a deep and lasting impression.

About twenty years ago, a meteorite fell onto a house near Meijima Shrine. Measuring approximately 25 cm by 14 cm and weighing around 6 kilograms, it caused damage to the building but fortunately no injuries. A replica is displayed near the site, while the actual meteorite can be seen on the fourth floor of the Meteor Plaza at Shichirui Port, to the east of Souzu Bay. This unexpected visitor from space has since become a unique point of interest in the area.

English Translation: [ Louisa Morris ]