Shikaumi Shrine

Shikaumi Shrine, located in Shikanoshima, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, is a Myojin Taisha listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a former Kanpei Shosha and current Bekkaku Hyo shrine. It is known as the head shrine of all Watatsumi and Kaijin shrines and as a sanctuary linked with the ancient sea-people Azumi clan. The shrine stands on the southeastern side of Shikanoshima at the northern end of Hakata Bay. The principal deities are the three Watatsumi: Sokotsu-Watatsumi-no-Kami, Nakatsu-Watatsumi-no-Kami, and Uwatsu-Watatsumi-no-Kami. The upper book of the Kojiki records that these three sea-deities were born during the purification of Izanagi-no-Kami and are the ancestral kami of the Azumi clan. Attendant deities include Empress Jingu, Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto, and Ojin Tenno, linking the sea-clan and the Empress Jingu legend. The shrine is recognized as the head of the Watatsumi and Kaijin shrines nationwide, alongside maritime sanctuaries such as Munakata Taisha. The founding date is uncertain but the cult dates back at least to the pre-Nara period. The shrine was listed as a Myojin Taisha in the Engishiki Jinmyocho. The October Goshinkosai annual rite and the April Bosha-sai are the chief festivals.