Kaitei Shrine is one of Japan’s most unusual shrines, located beneath the sea within the Hasama Underwater Park off the coast of Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture. A torii gate stands at a depth of approximately 18 meters, while the small shrine itself is located at a depth of about 12 meters.
The shrine can be visited by divers and is dedicated to prayers for diving safety, protection from accidents at sea, and peace of mind. Its unique underwater setting makes it a memorable destination for visitors interested in diving, Japanese culture, and unusual places of worship.
Kaitei Shrine was established on July 20, 1997. It was created as a branch shrine of the historic Sunosaki Shrine in Tateyama, with the aim of praying for the safety of divers and preventing accidents at sea.
Religious ceremonies are held on the 1st and 15th of every month. A major annual festival is held on July 20, commemorating the day the underwater shrine was established.
At New Year, divers also make a special underwater Hatsumode visit, following the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine visit of the year.
Kaitei Shrine is located at a diving site called Takane, within the Hasama Underwater Park, approximately 600 meters offshore from Tateyama.
The area is known for its relatively clear waters and abundant marine life. In addition to the shrine, divers can explore underwater scenery, marine habitats, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs.
The shrine’s torii gate stands approximately 18 meters below the surface. It is about 3.5 meters high and 3.5 meters wide, with pillars approximately 22 centimeters thick.
The torii is made of stainless steel, selected for its durability in the challenging marine environment.
The shrine itself is a compact structure measuring approximately 70 centimeters high, 60 centimeters wide, and 30 centimeters deep. Like the torii, it is constructed from stainless steel.
Located at a depth of approximately 12 meters, the small shrine creates a striking and almost otherworldly scene beneath the sea.
The creation of Kaitei Shrine was closely connected with the growing popularity of scuba diving. The idea was to create a place of worship not only on land but also beneath the sea, reflecting the close relationship between local communities and the surrounding ocean.
The shrine was established with several purposes:
Preventing accidents at sea: Prayers are offered for the safety of people who work and travel on the ocean.
Praying for safety in Tokyo Bay: The shrine serves as a place to pray for safe navigation in the waters around the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
Promoting safe scuba diving: Divers can offer prayers for safe and accident-free dives.
Providing a place for peace of mind: The shrine offers divers a moment of quiet reflection in an extraordinary underwater environment.
During the regular ceremonies held on the 1st and 15th of each month, offerings such as rice, sake, eggs, and sakaki branches are dedicated at the shrine.
A Grand Festival is held every July 20 to commemorate the establishment of Kaitei Shrine. The date is also associated with Marine Day and has become a special occasion for divers.
Divers from various parts of Japan gather for the event, making it one of the most distinctive religious and diving-related events in the area.
At the beginning of each year, divers visit Kaitei Shrine for Hatsumode, the traditional first shrine visit of the New Year.
Making a New Year’s shrine visit underwater is a highly unusual experience and has become a special tradition among diving enthusiasts.
The Hasama Underwater Park is a popular diving area in Tateyama, known for its rich marine life and attractive underwater scenery.
Kaitei Shrine is only one of the area’s attractions. Divers can also encounter shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and a variety of marine creatures. The area attracts divers with different levels of experience, from beginners taking their first underwater excursion to experienced divers exploring the deeper waters.
Takane, the diving site where Kaitei Shrine is located, is known for its relatively shallow waters and good visibility under favorable conditions.
The area attracts many species of fish and other marine life, allowing divers to enjoy both the unusual sight of the underwater shrine and the natural beauty of the surrounding ocean.
By car: The Hasama area can be reached in approximately 20 minutes from the Tomisato Interchange on the Futtsu-Tateyama Road.
By public transportation: From JR Tateyama Station, take a bus to the area. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Several diving shops operate around the Hasama Underwater Park. Visitors can arrange introductory diving experiences and guided diving tours, including options for people who are new to scuba diving.
Advance reservations are required for diving activities, so visitors should check the latest information and availability with the relevant diving operator before their trip.
Kaitei Shrine offers an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else in Japan. A torii gate and small shrine stand quietly beneath the sea, surrounded by clear water and marine life.
For travelers interested in scuba diving, Japanese religious culture, underwater landscapes, and unusual travel experiences, Kaitei Shrine provides a fascinating way to encounter Japanese tradition from an entirely different perspective.
A visit combines the spiritual atmosphere of a Shinto shrine with the beauty and mystery of the underwater world, creating a truly memorable experience off the coast of Tateyama.