Tsushima Shrine, Aichi

Tsushima Shrine stands as one of the most historically significant religious sites in Aichi Prefecture, with a history spanning more than 1,480 years since its establishment in 540 AD during the first year of Emperor Kimmei's reign. The shrine serves as the head of over 3,000 Tsushima shrines across Japan, ranking on par with Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine in terms of religious importance. Originally known as Tsushima Gozu Tennosha Shrine, it became a focal point of the Gozu Tenno cult, which centered on deities associated with epidemics and protection.

The shrine enshrines Takehayasusano'o no Mikoto as its primary deity, while an adjoining shrine worships his child Onamuchi no Mikoto. Throughout Japan's feudal period, the shrine attracted devotion from powerful warlords including Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who valued the courageous spirit associated with the deity. Hideyoshi donated the tower gate in 1591, while his son Toyotomi Hideyori contributed the south gate as a prayer for his father's recovery.

Visitors can appreciate the shrine's distinctive Owari Zukuri architectural style, unique to this region of Japan. The main hall, worship hall, and prayer hall are connected by a hallway in a symmetrical, linear arrangement. The shrine's architectural complex includes the historic tower gate and a partition wall designed to ward off evil spirits, both offering insights into traditional Japanese shrine construction and religious symbolism.

The shrine hosts the Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival annually on the fourth Saturday of July and the following day. This centuries-old celebration features a spectacular nighttime boating event with lanterns, a tradition maintained for over 600 years. The festival has been designated as a national intangible folklore cultural asset and recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Beyond the festival period, the shrine grounds provide a tranquil setting for visitors to explore Japan's spiritual heritage and architectural traditions.

The shrine is located at 1 Shinmeicho, Tsushima City, and can be reached with a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Tsushima Station. Admission to the shrine grounds is free, making it an accessible destination for travelers exploring the Aichi region. The shrine is open daily, with office hours from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM for those seeking information or purchasing amulets and other religious items.