Esashi Town in our lives!

by Kazu

This Ubagami Shrine was established for the safety of the fishermen on the ocean. Twenty seven years ago, a big earthquake hit the coastal area of Oshima Peninsula and the big tidal wave called "Ohtsunami" in Japanese swallowed the communities on the coast.

But the town Esashi was not hit by the tidal wave because Okushiri Island offshore of the town prevented the wave from hitting Esashi Town though the island was devastated by the tidal wave and big fire after the earthquake.

This Shrine was protected by the sacred power of the land. Many ships were wrecked offshore of the town before. Kaito-maru is one of the ships wrecked near Esashi Town. The model of the ship was displayed in the museum.