Enshrined in Watatsumi Shrine is the god for sea voyages.

It is said that the origins of “Chibu” in Chiburijima are found in the word “michiburu,” which relates to sea voyages. As Chiburijima Island is not only the closest to the mainland among the islands of the Oki Archipelago, but is also accessible from the south, it may have flourished as a base in sea voyages. Though the large ships of modern times cannot enter a bay so narrow, the sailboats in the past should have had an especially easy time docking there.

Even today, people make prayers at Watatsumi Shrine for safe voyages whenever a new boat is completed.