Ōshima-jinja, Okitsushima-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ōshima-jinja, Okitsushima-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Ōmihachiman built in the nagare-zukuri style, where the roof extends gently over the walls to create shelter. The structure uses simple wooden materials with minimal decoration and sits on a small plot, blending naturally with the surrounding landscape.
The shrine was founded over 1,300 years ago in 712 and ranks among Japan's older sanctuaries. It appears in historical records called the Engishiki, which documents its significance as an officially recognized shrine of the imperial court.
The shrine is dedicated to a goddess believed to protect the local community and bring good fortune to visitors. You can see people leaving small offerings and following traditional practices like drawing fortune slips, which connect them to rituals passed down through generations.
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the surroundings are quietest and light creates a soft glow on the wooden structures and trees. The grounds are easy to walk around, with level paths and open spaces that make for a comfortable stay.
Local fishermen and boaters visit the shrine before heading out to sea to ask for safety and a good journey, reflecting a deep connection between this place and the water. This practice shows how faith shapes the daily activities of those living on the island.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
