Tsushima Shrine

津島神社

/ Tsushima Jinja

Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
15 min walk
Hours
Dawn to dusk

Overview

Tsushima Shrine in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is the head shrine (sōhonsha) of approximately 3,000 Tsushima and Tennō shrines across Japan, making it one of the largest shrine networks in the country. Its principal deity is Takehayasusanoo-no-mikoto (Susanoo), enshrined here since ancient times as a protector against plague and epidemic disease through the syncretic Gozu Tennō cult. Shrine tradition places its founding in 540 CE (year 1 of Emperor Kimmei), though the earliest documentary evidence is a 1175 CE sutra colophon mentioning "Tsushima-sha." The shrine received patronage from the Oda and Toyotomi clans in the Sengoku period. The current hon-den (1605) and rōmon gate (1591) are both designated National Important Cultural Properties, built under Matsudaira Tadayoshi's sponsorship. The shrine's signature event is the Owari Tsushima Tennō Festival (fourth Saturday and Sunday of July), designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Elaborately decorated festival boats float lantern-lit processions across the Tenno River at night, creating one of the most visually spectacular summer festivals in the Nagoya region.

History

Founding

📜According to tradition
540 [欽明天皇元年(540年、伝承)]

Head shrine of roughly 3,000 Tsushima/Tenno shrines. The Tsushima Tenno Festival is a designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

God of storms, the sea, and martial valor; also revered as a deity of plague prevention

Blessings

Shrine Network

Tsushima Head shrine (souhonsha)

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

35.1756, 136.7394

Physical Address

1 Shinmei-cho, Tsushima-shi, Aichi

愛知県津島市神明町1

Historical Province

Owari / Mikawa

Access

Tsushima Station (Meitetsu Tsushima Line)

15 min walk

Hours

Dawn to dusk

Best Times to Visit

July (Tsushima Tenno Festival)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-11. Please check the official website for the latest details.

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Related Myths

Learn More About Shinto Shrines

Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Tsushima Shrine?

Tsushima Shrine in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is the head shrine (sōhonsha) of approximately 3,000 Tsushima and Tennō shrines across Japan, making it one of the largest shrine networks in the country. Its principal deity is Takehayasusanoo-no-mikoto (Susanoo), enshrined here since ancient times as a protector against plague and epidemic disease through the syncretic Gozu Tennō cult. Shrine tradition places its founding in 540 CE (year 1 of Emperor Kimmei), though the earliest documentary evidence is a 1175 CE sutra colophon mentioning "Tsushima-sha." The shrine received patronage from the Oda and Toyotomi clans in the Sengoku period. The current hon-den (1605) and rōmon gate (1591) are both designated National Important Cultural Properties, built under Matsudaira Tadayoshi's sponsorship. The shrine's signature event is the Owari Tsushima Tennō Festival (fourth Saturday and Sunday of July), designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Elaborately decorated festival boats float lantern-lit processions across the Tenno River at night, creating one of the most visually spectacular summer festivals in the Nagoya region.

Where is Tsushima Shrine located?

Tsushima Shrine is located in Tsushima-shi, Aichi. The full address is: 1 Shinmei-cho, Tsushima-shi, Aichi.

What deities are enshrined at Tsushima Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Susanoo no Mikoto.