The shrine is ancient. It was originally two shrines, and both are mentioned in the
Engishiki Jinmyocho written in 927.
Watasu Shrine According to legend Watasu shrine was established in the second year of
Emperor Chuai's reign. Tomo is a wrist protector used when firing arrows. Most notably
Watatsumi Shrine in
Kobe. there is a description of a
Shikinaisha called 'Numakuma-jinja Shrine' located in Numakuma District,
Bingo Province.
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. that was later syncretized with
Susanoo-no-Mikoto. 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. The shrine is commonly referred to as 'Gion-san' by locals. Its
torii are listed as
Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima prefecture. == See also ==