Tsushima Shrine, which only opens briefly during the summer festival, floats quietly on the sea. It looks beautiful even from a distance. Maybe because I visited in late fall, there were hardly any people around, and I really liked that peaceful atmosphere. Fall and winter are great seasons to visit Shikoku, and I hope I can make it back there sometime.
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Tsushima Shrine
A shrine floating on the sea that can only be visited two days a year.
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Tsushima Shrine stands along the coast of Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture. Since the Edo period, it has been worshiped as a guardian deity for children’s health and growth, drawing many families from across Japan. Its main sanctuary stands on a tiny island with a circumference of Approx. 132 m, floating Approx. 250 m off the coast of Shikoku, and this unusual shrine can only be visited during the annual summer grand festival on August 4 and 5.
The Tsushima Bridge, which leads from the worship hall on mainland Shikoku to the main sanctuary, normally cannot be crossed because its girders are removed. During the two days of the summer grand festival, as many as 60,000 worshipers cross this bridge to visit. The bridge is also called the “Happiness Bridge,” and it is said that crossing it brings happiness to children, young couples, and married couples. Also, only for these two days, JR Yosan Line’s “Tsushima-no-Miya Station” appears, attracting railway fans as a phantom station that does not usually operate.
The worship hall on mainland Shikoku can be visited at any time, but visiting on the days of the summer grand festival is especially recommended. You can cross the bridge, whose vermilion railings stand out against the blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea, and take in the spectacular view from the small island. During the festival period, the island is illuminated, and fireworks are launched on the night of August 4.
Highlights
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A shrine floating 250 m off the coast of mainland Shikoku.
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You can only cross to the island during the two days of the summer grand festival.
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“Tsushima-no-Miya Station” appears only during these two days.
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A fireworks display is also held on the day.
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The worship hall can be visited at any time.
Photos
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The main sanctuary stands on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea
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Many worshipers visit during the summer grand festival
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The phantom station “Tsushima-no-Miya Station,” open only two days a year
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have goshuin?
A
Yes. During the summer grand festival (August 4 and 5), only a special goshuin is available.
Q
Is there parking?
A
Approx. 100 spaces. During the summer grand festival (August 4 and 5), Approx. 500 spaces are available with temporary parking lots.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Are there any sightseeing spots nearby?
A
There are Takaya Shrine (Torii in the Sky), Chichibugahama Beach (Japan’s Uyuni Salt Flat), and Mount Shiude.
Reviews
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 津嶋神社
- Postal Code
- 767-0031
- Address
- 7463 Omi, Minocho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa
- Phone
- 0875-72-5463
- Hours
- Summer grand festival: August 4–5 every year, 6:00am–10:00pm
- Admission
- During the summer grand festival, bridge crossing fee: adults 500 yen, children 200 yen, free for preschool children and younger
- Access
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1) Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR “Takuma” Station
2) 1 minute on foot from JR “Tsushima-no-Miya” Station (a temporary station open only on August 4 and 5) - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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