Watatsumi no Kami
綿津見神
God of the sea, ruler of the undersea palace (Ryugu)
About
Watatsumi is the great sea deity whose undersea palace (Ryugu-jo) features prominently in the Umisachi-Yamasachi narrative. When the young prince Hoori descended to the ocean floor seeking his brother's lost fishhook, he was received at Watatsumi's magnificent palace, married the sea god's daughter Toyotamahime, and spent years in luxury before returning to the surface with magical tide-controlling jewels.
The Kojiki describes three sea deities corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the sea, born during Izanagi's purification. Watatsumi's domain thus parallels the threefold structure of the Sumiyoshi deities. In later tradition, Watatsumi became associated with the Chinese dragon king concept, and his palace was reimagined as the Dragon Palace (Ryugu).
As an ancestor of the imperial line through his granddaughter Tamayorihime, Watatsumi occupies an important position in the divine genealogy. Watatsumi Shrine in Fukuoka is among the shrines dedicated to this oceanic deity.
Mythology
Family Relationships
Animal Messenger
Sea turtle (海亀（うみがめ）)
Sea turtles are associated with Watatsumi and the Dragon Palace. In later folklore, the turtle carried Urashima Taro to the undersea palace, a story rooted in the Watatsumi mythology.
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Nunamae Shrine 沼名前神社 | Hiroshima | |
| Furou Shrine 風浪宮 | Fukuoka |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Watatsumi no Kami in Japanese mythology?
Watatsumi no Kami (綿津見神) is God of the sea, ruler of the undersea palace (Ryugu). This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 2 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Watatsumi no Kami?
There are 2 shrines in our database dedicated to Watatsumi no Kami, including Nunamae Shrine, Furou Shrine.
What myths involve Watatsumi no Kami?
Watatsumi no Kami appears in 2 myths including The Tale of the Sea Prince and the Mountain Prince (Umisachi-Yamasachi), The Purification and Birth of the Three Noble Children (Misogi). These stories come from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki.