Seafarer's Sanctuary
Shikaumi Shrine, situated on Shikanoshima Island in Fukuoka, is a historic Shinto shrine revered as the ancestral sanctuary of the seafaring Azumi clan. Dedicated to the sea deity Watatsumi and other marine gods, it has long been a place of worship for maritime safety and prosperity. The shrine's origins are linked to Empress Jingū, who is said to have launched her legendary expedition to Korea from this site. Notably, the shrine houses a collection of over 10,000 deer antlers, reflecting the Azumi people's cultural practices. Its biennial Gojinkosai festival, recognized as an intangible cultural property, continues to honor ancient traditions.
