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It has two component shrines Watasu Shrine (渡守神社, Watasu Jinja) and Tomo Gion Shrine (鞆祇園宮, Tomo Gion-gu)[3] which were merged together due to the Shrine Consolidation Policy.
The shrine is ancient. It was originally two shrines, and both are mentioned in the Engishiki Jinmyocho written in 927.[5]: 124 Its area was very strategically important on the Seto Inland Sea.[5]: 124
In 1711 a Korean emissary said it was the most beautiful place in Japan, even more than Itsukushima Shrine.[5]: 124
In the Meiji era, Watasu Shrine (渡守神社, Watasu Jinja) and Tomo Gion Shrine (鞆祇園宮, Tomo Gion-gu) were combined and renamed as Nunakuma Shrine according to the Engishiki Jinmyocho. according to the Shrine Consolidation Policy. The shrine continues to enshrine two deities, Owatatsumi-no-Mikoto and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who were originally enshrined separately by each shrine.[6]
Watasu Shrine
According to legend Watasu shrine was established in the second year of Emperor Chuai's reign.[6]Empress Jingu headed to western Japan and enshrined Watatsumi-no-mikoto on a local sacred stone, praying for safe sea routes after her failed invasion of Korea. On her way back, she reportedly said to Watatsumi no Mikoto, "Takatomo Izuno." The name "Tomo" is said to have originated from the fact that "tomo" was one of the tools used for bows.[6][5]: 124 Tomo is a wrist protector used when firing arrows.[5]: 124 She gave hers to the shrine as a gift to thank Watatsumi for her safe return from Korea.[5]: 124
There are 22 Watatsumi shrines in the region that claim to have been founded by her after her return from Korea.[7]: 7 Most notably Watatsumi Shrine in Kobe.[7]: 7 [8][7]: 7
In modern times, Watasu Shrine is said to enshrine Sarutahiko-no-kami and Funatama-no-mikoto. The shrine was originally located in Gojihira Village or Tomonoseki-cho and was moved to its current location during the Keicho era (1596-1615) as a precinct shrine of Gion Shrine. In the Meireki era (1655-1658), the main shrine was rebuilt by the feudal lord Katsutada Mizuno.
It has a three day long festival on august 11th of the lunar calendar.[10]
Tomo Gion Shrine
The origins of this subshrine are less clear, but it was extant at the time of 927 when the Engishiki Jinmyocho was written.[5]: 124
According to the Engishiki Jinmyocho, this shrine is the shrine is the source by which Gozu Tenno entered Yasaka Shrine through Kanjo, this makes it highly significant to the history of the Gion cult.[5]: 124
The shrine is commonly referred to as 'Gion-san' by locals.[1]
