Tamatushima Jinja

Tamatsushima Jinja is a kokushi-kenzaisha (shrine recorded in official histories) situated in Wakaura, Wakayama City. According to shrine tradition, its origins lie in Empress Jingu's campaign through the Kii Peninsula, when she received the divine protection of Tamatsushima no Kami. The first historical record dates to 724, when Emperor Shomu visited Wakaura, was moved by its scenic beauty, and issued an imperial decree to enshrine the spirits of Tamatsushima and Akanourano. The site was cherished by Man'yo-era poets such as Yamabe no Akahito and Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, and the shrine has long been venerated as a deity of waka poetry — one of the Three Waka Deities alongside Sumiyoshi Myojin. The shrine precincts are included in the nationally designated historic and scenic site Wakaura. The annual festival is held on April 13th.