The Tsushima Watatzumi Shrine in Japan, beloved by fans of the game Ghost of Tsushima, has announced a complete ban on tourist visits due to a recent incident involving "unforgivable disrespect" by foreign tourists. In 2021, gamers contributed 27 million yen to help restore the shrine after it was damaged by a typhoon, demonstrating a strong connection between the gaming community and the site. However, the shrine's management has decided to only allow worshippers to enter following an unspecified disrespectful act reported on March 23, 2025. This decision follows other incidents of unacceptable behavior that have previously led to certain groups being barred from visiting. The shrine's officials emphasize that tourism should not compromise the sanctity of cultural sites.
Why did the Tsushima Watatzumi Shrine ban tourists?The shrine banned tourists due to a recent disrespectful act committed by foreign visitors, which prompted the management to restrict access to only worshippers to protect the site's cultural integrity.
Ghost of Tsushima, a hugely successful video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, allows players to experience a fictionalized version of Tsushima Island during the Mongol invasion of Japan. Its success has fostered a unique relationship between the game’s community and real-life cultural sites, as illustrated by the fundraising efforts for the shrine. The game's immersive storytelling and beautiful landscapes have resonated deeply with players, leading to increased interest in Tsushima and its heritage.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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Comments
It’s wild how a game can create such a meaningful bond between players and a real-life location, only for a handful of people to jeopardize it. Maybe this’ll spark a bigger conversation about responsible tourism in gaming hotspots.
The shrine’s decision stings, but you can’t blame them—some things are sacred, and no amount of love for a game should override that.
It's a shame when a few bad apples ruin it for everyone, especially when the gaming community showed such genuine support for preserving the shrine. Hopefully, they find a balance that respects the site's sanctity while still welcoming respectful fans.
Ghost of Tsushima’s impact on real-world cultural sites is fascinating, but this situation shows how fragile that connection can be when respect isn’t prioritized.