⛩️ Enoshima Shrine Okutsumiya

A 10-minute walk from Nakatsumiya will lead you to the highest geographical point of "Enoshima Shrine," known as Okutsumiya. The deity enshrined here is Takiri-hime no Mikoto, the eldest sister among the three sister goddesses worshipped at Enoshima Shrine, revered as the guardian of maritime safety. The ceiling of the worship hall features a painting of a turtle, known as the "Kame no Tenjōzu," created by the Edo period artist Sakai Hōitsu and restored in 1994. From any angle, it appears as if the turtle is watching you, earning it the nickname "Turtle Observing in All Directions." Additionally, the stone torii gate at the entrance of Okutsumiya is said to have been built with donations from Minamoto no Yoritomo, preserving a precious architectural piece that evokes memories of the past. Next to Okutsumiya is Iwaya Honsen, the origin of the Enoshima Benzaiten faith. Directly above Iwaya is the Ryūgū, which enshrines the Dragon Palace deity. It is believed to bless smooth childbirth and abundant offspring; it is said that Hōjō Tokimasa also came here to pray for the prosperity of his descendants.

Located at the highest point of the Enoshima Shrine. The ceiling of the worship hall is painted with "The Eight-Directional Tortoise," which seems to be watching you from any angle. The stone torii gate at the entrance of Okitsu-miya is said to have been built with donations from Minamoto no Yoriie. The nearby Ryugu can bless for smooth childbirth and many children and grandchildren.