Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami
塩土老翁神
Wise deity of salt, sea, and navigation; guided Hoori to Watatsumi's underwater palace; advisor to Emperor Jimmu's eastern campaign
About
Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami (塩土老翁神, 'Old Man Salt-Soil') is a wise deity of the sea and salt who appears at key moments in Japanese mythology as a guide and advisor. In the Hoori myth, when the hunter Hoori (Mountain Luck) lost his brother's fishhook and despaired, the Salt-Soil Old Man appeared and advised him to build a small boat and sail to the underwater palace of Watatsumi. He is also credited with advising Emperor Jimmu to begin his eastern campaign from Kyushu.
He is enshrined at Shiogama Shrine (Miyagi Prefecture) and is the patron deity of salt production, fishing, and seafaring in the Tohoku region.
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shiogama Shrine 鹽竈神社 | Miyagi | head |
| Okama Shrine 御釜神社 | Miyagi | branch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami in Japanese mythology?
Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami (塩土老翁神) is Wise deity of salt, sea, and navigation; guided Hoori to Watatsumi's underwater palace; advisor to Emperor Jimmu's eastern campaign. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 2 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami?
There are 2 shrines in our database dedicated to Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami, including Shiogama Shrine, Okama Shrine.
What myths involve Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami?
Shiotsuchi Oji no Kami appears in myths from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki. The deity is known as Wise deity of salt, sea, and navigation; guided Hoori to Watatsumi's underwater palace; advisor to Emperor Jimmu's eastern campaign.