Watazumi Shrine on Tsushima Island has officially banned all tourists after a foreign visitor committed a serious act of disrespect on March 22. The shrine's administration called the incident "grave and unforgivable," leading to the decision to limit entry strictly to parishioners and worshippers. While the exact details remain unclear, the impact was serious enough to prompt immediate action from shrine officials.
The shrine, known for its historical and cultural significance, gained worldwide attention due to its connection with the hit video game Ghost of Tsushima. Many believe that the game's Scarlet Rock Shrine was inspired by Watazumi Shrine, making it a popular spot for international fans. However, despite this global admiration, the site has faced ongoing issues with tourist behavior, including littering, smoking, and inappropriate conduct.
According to reports by Tokyo Weekender, shrine officials have been struggling with these problems for some time. In June 2024, Watazumi Shrine even banned South Korean tourists due to similar incidents, showing a pattern of growing frustration over disrespectful behavior. Now, with this new ban in place, all tourists—both domestic and international—will no longer be allowed entry.
This move comes despite the shrine's past positive interactions with international fans. Back in 2021, when a typhoon caused severe damage to the shrine, Ghost of Tsushima fans came together and raised around $180,000 to support its restoration. That goodwill, however, seems to have been overshadowed by concerns over cultural preservation.
In an official statement, the shrine’s caretakers expressed their distress, saying that the influx of disrespectful visitors has caused "unbearable mental anguish." They warned that "the destruction of Japanese culture" is accelerating due to reckless tourism and emphasized the need to protect sacred sites from further damage.
This decision also reflects a broader conversation in Japan about the impact of mass tourism on religious and historical sites. In recent months, reports of vandalism and inappropriate behavior at places of worship have increased, pushing local communities to demand stricter regulations. The Japanese government has also been addressing these concerns, exploring ways to balance tourism with cultural preservation.
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