Ryugu Shrine is located near Nagasakibana at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula and is said to bring you good luck with matchmaking.

There is a story of “Urashima Taro” in Japan, in which “Ryugu-jo” is featured, which may have something to do with this shrine.
Yes, this is one of the places where the legend of Urashima Taro remains.

In the story, Urashima Taro opens the Tamatebako (treasure box) at the end and becomes an old man. Why is Ryugu Shrine, located in such a legendary place, good for matchmaking?
In this article, I would like to unravel the origins of Ryugu Shrine, Urashima Taro, and matchmaking.

Back to Top

 

 

 

 

 

 
（A statue of Urashima Taro also sits here.）
 

The story of Urashima Taro is said to be based on the Japanese myth of “Umisachi and Yamasachi”. Yamasachi, who has lost his brother Umisachi’s fish hook, goes to the Kingdom of Watatsumi (the god of the sea) to look for it, where he marries Princess Toyotama, the daughter of the god of the sea. After spending three years there, Yamasachi successfully obtains the lost hook. He also receives from the sea god a gem that allows him to influence the tides. He returns to the ground and uses the gem to subdue his brother Umisachi into obedience. Yamasachi was the grandfather of Emperor Jinmu, who later became the first Emperor of Japan. Umisachi is also said to be the ancestor of the Hayato tribe (A people who have lived in Kagoshima since ancient times but were subjugated by the central government in the 8th century).

Back to Top

 

 

 

 
(Image: Princess Toyotama, painted by Daisuke Mochida)
 

For this reason, the deity of the Ryugu Shrine is Princess Toyotama. She later returned to the sea, but they still met there.
That is why it is said to be beneficial for matchmaking. Princess Toyotama is the daughter of the sea god, so the shrine is also believed to protect sailing and travelers.

Back to Top

 

 

 

 
（A jar full of votive shells）
 

For this reason, the deity of the Ryugu Shrine is Princess Toyotama. Princess Toyotama later returned to the sea, but they still met there.
That is why it is said to be beneficial for matchmaking. Princess Toyotama is the daughter of the sea god, so the shrine is also believed to protect sailing and travelers.

Instead of ema (votive tablet), this shrine has egai (votive shells), which people dedicate by writing their wishes on the shells. Visitors can also enjoy the unique sight of a jar full of votive shells.

By the way, the shrine was rebuilt around 2012 due to its age. At that time, they were able to rebuild it with the help of a reserve fund from the local Okachiyogamizu area and donations from residents and people from outside the prefecture.

Back to Top

 

 

 

 
（Heart Monument and “Lighthouse in Love” Satsuma Nagasakibana Lighthouse）
 

If you have come to Ryugu Shrine, walk to Nagasakibana, the southernmost point of the Satsuma Peninsula. It is a 5-minute walk from the shrine to Satsuma Nagasakibana Lighthouse. It is pleasant to take a walk while looking at the blue sea and Mt. Kaimon.
The heart-shaped monument along the way gives it the feel of a matchmaking spot.
Also, the sunset from here is exceptional. The tropical trees and Mt. Kaimon in the evening glow are very beautiful.
 

 
（Sunset on Mt. Kaimon）
 

You can visit with your partner, or take your family to enjoy Mt. Kaimon, the sea, the white lighthouse, and the cute shrine. Enjoy a stroll while thinking about Japanese mythology and the castle at the bottom of the sea.

Back to Top

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category : text @en

Tag : 24 divisions of the solar year , 24sekki , corona virus , COVID-19 , COVID19 , Emergency , Japanese culture , season , tanabata , The coronavirus , 日本の文化