Complete Guide to Kojima Shrine (Ojika-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture) | History and Highlights of Jinokamishima Shrine and Okinokamishima Shrine
Kojima Shrine, located in Ojika-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a historic shrine situated in the northernmost part of the Goto Islands. It is known as the collective name for two shrines: “Jinokamishima Shrine” on Ojika Island and “Okinokamishima Shrine” on Nozaki Island, and is considered one of the oldest shrines in the Goto Islands. This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Kojima Shrine, including its history, highlights within the grounds, access methods, and festivals.
Overview of Kojima Shrine
Kojima Shrine is the collective name for the shrines located on Ojika Island and the surrounding Nozaki Island, both remote islands of Nagasaki Prefecture. It is also written as “神島神社” or “神嶋神社,” and has long been a place of worship for locals.
The Chino-Kōjima Shrine, located in Maemachi-gō on Ojika Island, is considered the main shrine, while the Okino-Kōjima Shrine, located in Nozaki-gō on Nozaki Island, is said to have been established as a branch shrine in 704 AD. Therefore, the founding of the Chino-Kōjima Shrine is thought to predate 704 AD, making it an important site for exploring the origins of Shinto worship in the Gotō Islands.
Location and Basic Information
Jinokamishima Shrine
- Location: 3939, Maemachi-go, Ojika-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Annual Festival Dates: October 8th and 9th
- Affiliation: Association of Shinto Shrines, Nagasaki Prefecture Association of Shinto Shrines
- Corporate Number: 6310005003523
Okinokamishima Shrine
- Location: Nozaki-go, Ojika-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture (Nozaki Island)
- Elevation: Situated on a mountainside over 200 meters high
- Features: Known for the unusual rock formation “Oiishi” within the shrine grounds
History of Kamishima Shrine
Ancient Beliefs
The history of Kamishima Shrine is ancient, and its origins are thought to date back to the Asuka period to the early Nara period. There is a tradition that Okinokamishima Shrine was established in 704 AD (Keiun 1) as a branch shrine of Jinokamishima Shrine. Therefore, it is presumed that Jinokamishima Shrine existed as a place of worship even earlier, probably in the late 7th century.
The Goto Islands have been a key point of exchange with the continent since ancient times and were located along the sea route of Japanese envoys to Tang China. Given these geographical conditions, it is thought that the shrine attracted worshippers praying for safe voyages.
Transition from the Medieval to the Early Modern Period
During the medieval period, the Goto Islands came under the control of the Uku clan, and later became the territory of the Goto clan. Kamishima Shrine also functioned as a center of local faith under the patronage of these samurai families.
During the Edo period, Ojika Island was under the control of the Hirado Domain, and Jinokamishima Shrine was revered as the local tutelary deity and guardian deity of maritime traffic. It is believed that the shrine buildings were constructed at the current location facing Maegawa Bay during this period.
Development Since the Modern Era
Following the Meiji-era decree separating Shinto and Buddhism, the shrine’s structure was established. After World War II, it became affiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines and is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Nagasaki Prefectural Association of Shinto Shrines.
Okinokamishima Shrine on Nozaki Island was once protected by local residents when there was a settlement on the island. However, with the relocation of all islanders in 1966, it remains on the now uninhabited Nozaki Island. Nevertheless, it is carefully maintained by the residents of Ojika Island and related parties, and is a valuable historical site that conveys the island’s history and faith to the present day.
Highlights of Chinokamishima Shrine
Features of the Shrine Grounds
Chinokamishima Shrine is situated facing the Maeyama Bay on Ojika Island. Maeyama Bay is known as a natural harbor and has long been a base for fishing and maritime traffic. The shrine overlooks the bay and has played a role as a guardian deity watching over the safety of the seas.
The shrine grounds are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, and its harmonious blend with the island’s natural surroundings is striking. The shrine building is constructed in a traditional style, preserving the characteristics of shrine architecture on the remote islands of Nagasaki Prefecture.
Deities and Beliefs
The deities enshrined at Jinokamijima Shrine have been revered as gods of maritime safety, protection of navigation, and abundant catches. For fishermen and sailors of the Goto Islands, Jinokamijima Shrine, dedicated to the god of the sea, holds a special place, and the tradition of visiting to pray for safety before setting sail and for a bountiful catch continues.
Surrounding Natural Environment
Ojika Island is characterized by its topography formed by volcanic activity and its beautiful coastline. The area around Jinokamijima Shrine is also blessed with abundant nature, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. The view of Maeyama Bay is particularly magnificent, offering a panoramic view of the Goto Sea dotted with islands from the shrine.
Highlights of Okinokamishima Shrine
Nozaki Island: A Special Place
Nozaki Island, where Okinokamishima Shrine is located, is an island of approximately 7 square kilometers located about 2 kilometers east of Ojika Island. Although currently uninhabited, it was once home to over 600 residents who cultivated a unique faith and culture.
Nozaki Island is also registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.” Hidden Christians migrated to the island from the late Edo period to the Meiji era, resulting in a unique form of faith where Shinto and Christianity coexisted.
Shrine Built on a Mountainside Over 200 Meters High
Okinokamishima Shrine is built on a steep slope over 200 meters high, on the mountainside of a 305-meter-high mountain at the northern tip of Nozaki Island. This location allows for visibility from the sea, and it is believed to have functioned as a navigational landmark.
The path to the shrine is steep and requires climbing a mountain trail, but along the way, a near-prime forest remains, and you may encounter wild animals such as deer. Near the summit, a spectacular view unfolds, offering panoramic vistas of the Goto Islands and the East China Sea.
The Mystery of Ouishi (Royal Stone)
The greatest highlight of Okinokamishima Shrine is the uniquely shaped rock, “Ouishi,” located within the shrine grounds. Ouishi is a massive rock created by nature, and its shape and presence have led to its reverence as sacred since ancient times.
Ouishi is a colossal boulder several meters tall with a distinctive shape. This rock was formed by volcanic activity and years of weathering, but its mystical appearance has made it an object of worship, and it has been revered as the sacred object of the shrine.
The rock’s surface is etched with unique patterns created by weathering, displaying various expressions depending on how the light hits it. The area around Ouishi is considered particularly sacred, leaving a deep impression on visitors.
Value as a Historic Site
Okinokamishima Shrine and its surroundings are important historical sites from the perspectives of religious history, architectural history, and natural history. Even though it is now an uninhabited island, buildings, stone steps, and torii gates remain, conveying the state of past faith.
In particular, the stone steps and approach built on a steep slope are valuable relics that speak to the depth of faith and technical skill of the people of that time. Furthermore, the entire island of Nozaki is attracting attention from the perspective of nature conservation, and is protected as a cultural landscape where nature and faith are integrated.
Festivals and Annual Events
Annual Festival (October 8th and 9th)
The annual festival of Okinokamishima Shrine is held every year on October 8th and 9th. This festival is an important local event centered around the Maegami district of Ojika Island, and is a traditional festival praying for a bountiful catch, safety at sea, and a good harvest.
During the annual festival, Shinto rituals are solemnly performed, and local residents participate. During the festival period, Kagura (sacred dance and music) and other dedication ceremonies may be held, providing a valuable opportunity to preserve the region’s traditional culture.
Other Festivals
In Ojika Island, where fishing is a thriving industry, the custom of visiting shrines to pray for safety at sea and a bountiful catch continues to this day. Especially at the start of the fishing season and before important fishing trips, fishermen visit shrines to pray for safety at sea and a good catch.
Also, during the New Year and other significant periods, local residents visit shrines for their first shrine visit of the year and to pray for family safety and business prosperity.
Access and Transportation Information
Access to Ojika Island
To visit Kamishima Shrine, you must first travel to Ojika Island. Access to Ojika Island is as follows:
Ferry/High-Speed Boat
- From Sasebo Port: Approximately 3 hours by ferry or high-speed boat operated by Kyushu Shosen, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by high-speed boat.
- From Hakata Port: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes by ferry operated by Nomo Shosen.
- From Fukue Port (Goto City): Approximately 1 hour by high-speed boat.
Ojika Island has “Ojika Port,” which is the gateway to the island.
Access to Jinokamijima Shrine
From Ojika Port to Jinokamijima Shrine (Maegami-go) is approximately 10 minutes by car and 20 minutes by bicycle. Rental cars, bicycles, and motorcycles are available on the island and can be arranged through the tourist association or accommodations.
While the island’s roads are well-maintained, some are narrow, so caution is required when driving. Walking from the port takes approximately 40 minutes, covering a distance of about 3 kilometers.
Access to Okinokamishima Shrine (Nozaki Island)
Nozaki Island, where Okinokamishima Shrine is located, is an uninhabited island, so special preparations are necessary for access.
Travel to Nozaki Island
- Town-operated ferry operates from Ojika Port (reservations required, irregular service may occur)
- Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Charter boat arrangements are also possible
Getting Around Nozaki Island
- There are no roads on the island; travel is primarily on foot
- To reach Okinokamishima Shrine, you will need to hike a mountain path from the port, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours one way
- Hiking equipment (trekking shoes, drinking water, rain gear, etc.) is essential
- Beware of wild animals (deer, wild boar, etc.)
If you are planning a visit to Nozaki Island, we strongly recommend contacting the Ojika Town Tourism Association or town hall in advance to check the ferry schedule and island conditions. Since travel may be impossible depending on the weather, it is important to allow for flexibility in your schedule.
Important Notes for Visitors
Jinokamishima Shrine
- It is advisable to check parking availability in advance.
- There are no restrictions on visiting hours, but daytime visits are recommended.
- Please check in advance regarding the availability of Goshuin (shrine stamps).
Okinokamishima Shrine
- As it is an uninhabited island, there are no facilities such as toilets or shops.
- Cell phone reception may be unavailable.
- Avoid visiting alone; visiting in groups is safer.
- Always take your trash with you.
- Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited.
- Prepare for sudden weather changes.
Ojika Town Tourism and Surrounding Facilities
The Charm of Ojika Island
When visiting Kamishima Shrine, be sure to also explore other tourist spots on Ojika Island. Ojika Island is a member of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Japan” association and is a charming place where unspoiled nature and traditional island life remain.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Akahama Beach: A beautiful beach characterized by its red sand.
- Hime no Matsubara: A scenic spot lined with pine trees over 300 years old.
- Kaki no Hama: A beach with crystal-clear waters.
- Ojika Town Historical and Folk Museum: A facility where you can learn about the island’s history and culture.
- Traditional House Stay: An experiential tourism program where you can stay in a traditional island house.
Accommodation
Ojika Island offers various types of accommodations, including guesthouses, hotels, and traditional house stays. Traditional house stays, in particular, are a popular program that allows you to experience the island’s traditional lifestyle.
Early reservations are recommended, especially during the tourist season (spring to autumn). Accommodation information can be found on the Ojika Town Tourism Association website.
Food and Local Products
Ojika Island is blessed with fresh seafood, and its horse mackerel, mackerel, and squid are particularly delicious. You can also enjoy dishes made with Ojika beef and local vegetables.
Local Specialties
- Ojika Salt: Natural salt made from seawater
- Ojika Beef: Japanese Black beef raised on the island
- Shochu: Authentic shochu made in the island’s distillery
- Dried Fish: Various dried fish products made from fresh fish
Facilities around Nozaki Island
Nozaki Island has other attractions besides Okinokamishima Shrine.
Former Nokubi Church
- A wooden church built during the Meiji era
- A component of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”
- Designated as a National Important Cultural Property
Nozaki Island Nature Study Village
- Accommodation facility converted from a former elementary and junior high school
- A base for those staying on Nozaki Island
- Advance reservations required
Kamishima Shrine and the Faith and Culture of the Goto Islands
Shrine Faith in the Goto Islands
The Goto Islands served as a gateway for exchange with the continent from ancient times to the Middle Ages, and a unique culture developed there. Shrine worship has been deeply rooted in the region since ancient times, and historical shrines are scattered throughout each island.
Kamishima Shrine, among the oldest of these, occupies an important position in the study of the religious history of the Goto Islands. Its role as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and fishing reflects a form of worship unique to island communities.
Coexistence of Shinto and Christianity
The Goto Islands are known as a region where many hidden Christians migrated during the Edo period’s ban on Christianity. Nozaki Island is one such island, and it has a history of secretly maintaining its Christian faith while outwardly visiting Shinto shrines.
After Christianity was legalized in the Meiji era, a unique religious landscape was formed where Shinto shrines and Christian churches coexisted. The existence of Okinokamishima Shrine and the former Nokubi Church on the same island speaks to the complex religious history of this region.
Inheritance of Faith in the Modern Age
Even though Nozaki Island is now uninhabited, Okinokamishima Shrine is carefully maintained by the residents of Ojika Island and related parties. Activities to clean and maintain the island continue several times a year, demonstrating a commitment to passing on the faith and culture inherited from ancestors to future generations.
Jinokamijima Shrine remains revered as the local tutelary deity, and through annual festivals and daily visits, it remains deeply intertwined with the lives of the islanders.
Points to Consider When Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Mild weather, ideal for sightseeing
- Relatively stable travel to Nozaki Island
- A beautiful season with fresh greenery
Summer (June-August)
- Enjoy swimming and marine activities
- Strong sunshine, so heatstroke prevention is necessary
- Be careful during typhoon season
Autumn (September-November)
- Visiting during the festival period (October) allows you to witness the festival
- Stable weather, suitable for strolling
- Limited autumn foliage, but you can enjoy the autumn atmosphere
Winter (December-February)
- Fewer tourists, allowing for peaceful worship
- Often rough seas, be aware of potential ferry cancellations
- Travel to Nozaki Island is often difficult
Estimated Time Required
Visiting only Jinokamijima Shrine
- Round trip from Ojika Port and visit to the shrine: 2-3 hours
- Combined with island sightseeing: 1 day
Visit including Nozaki Island (Okinokamishima Shrine)
- A minimum of 1 night and 2 days is required
- Stay time on Nozaki Island: 4-6 hours or more
- 2 nights and 3 days is ideal, including a weather contingency day
Packing Checklist
Visiting Okinokamishima Shrine
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, hat
- Camera
- Drinking water
Visiting Nozaki Island (Okinokamishima Shrine)
- Trekking shoes (essential)
- Rain gear (rainwear recommended)
- Sufficient drinking water and snacks
- First-aid kit
- Map, compass (GPS device)
- Warm clothing (depending on the season)
- Insect repellent spray
- Towel, change of clothes
- Garbage bags
- Portable toilet (recommended)
Summary
Kamishima Shrine (Ojika-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture) is one of the oldest shrines in the Goto Islands, a precious place of worship with a history of over 1300 years. It consists of two shrines: Jinokamishima Shrine on Ojika Island and Okinokamishima Shrine on Nozaki Island, each possessing its own unique charm and history.
Jinokamishima Shrine is situated overlooking the bay and continues to be revered as the local tutelary deity. Okinokamishima Shrine, on the other hand, stands on the mountainside of the uninhabited Nozaki Island, exuding a mystical atmosphere alongside the strangely shaped rock “Oiishi” (Royal Stone).
Visiting both shrines allows for a deep understanding of the history, faith, nature, and lives of the people of the Goto Islands. A visit to Nozaki Island, in particular, requires preparation and planning, but it will be a valuable experience that can only be found there.
Ojika Island promotes tourism based on the concept of “traveling like a local,” and through a visit to Kamishima Shrine, you can experience the island’s history, culture, and the warmth of its people. Please visit Kamishima Shrine, located on a remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture, where you can feel the origins of Japanese religious culture.
