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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/SeaTree8731 on 2025-03-23 11:23:28+00:00.

Watadzumi Shrine of Tsushima’s instagram post

As of today, Sunday, March 23, we hereby prohibit entry to the shrine grounds to all individuals except registered parishioners (*ujiko*) and devoted worshippers (*sūkeisha*). This includes strict prohibition of all photography, video recording, and live streaming of any shrine buildings, structures, and objects, including the torii gate in the sea.

Furthermore, we will no longer permit entry for sightseeing purposes, including participation in domestic or international bus tours.

On Saturday, March 22, at around 4:00 PM, an extremely serious and unacceptable act of disrespect was committed within the sacred grounds by a foreign visitor.

Despite repeated consultations with the City Hall, the Tourism and Local Products Association, and the Nagasaki Prefectural Police, no resolution has been reached. Shrine staff have endured immense psychological distress from the repeated desecration of the sacred area, in addition to frequent verbal abuse and even acts of violence, leading us to a grave sense of crisis regarding the continued operation of this shrine.

The way in which inbound tourism is destroying the places, things, and people that Japanese have long cherished is nothing less than the erosion of Japanese culture itself.

We hereby express our deep regret and have decided to take this action to protect the shrine and the hearts of those who hold it sacred.

March 23, 2025 (Reiwa 7)  

Chief Priest: Shizuki Hirayama  

Senior Priest: Yuichi Hirayama  

  

It’s sad that a few disrespectful tourists have caused things to come to this