Emperor Nintoku
The volcanic springs and a geyser at Atami were regarded in ancient Japan as manifestations of the kami, and ancient records indicate that a shrine already existed here by 594 AD. The actual date of the shrine’s foundation is unknown, with shrine legend mentioning the semi-legendary Emperor Kōshō and Empress Suiko as possible candidates. The shrine legend also claims that it was appointed as an official shrine for prayers to the Imperial clan under Emperor Nintoku, Emperor Seinei, Emperor Bidatsu, Emperor Kōtoku and Emperor Go-Nara.