The popularity of Sucker Punch's 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima, ignited a global interest in feudal Japan and the real-life locations that inspired the game.  One notable example is the Watatsumi Shrine on Tsushima Island.  While not featured in the game itself, the shrine benefited greatly from the game's success when crowdfunding efforts, fueled by passionate fans, helped restore it after typhoon damage in 2021.

This heartwarming story of game-inspired preservation has unfortunately taken a dark turn.  The Watatsumi Shrine's caretakers have recently announced a ban on all non-worshipping visitors. This decision follows a serious incident of vandalism on March 22nd, described as a "grave and unforgivable act of disrespect" by foreign visitors.  Shrine staff reported experiencing significant distress due to the vandalism and expressed concerns for the shrine's safety.

The specific details of the vandalism remain undisclosed.  However, this incident is not isolated. In 2024, the shrine banned South Korean visitors following reports of misconduct.  This issue echoes recent controversies surrounding the depiction of Japanese shrines in video games, notably the initial release of Assassin's Creed Shadows which allowed players to damage shrines. This feature drew criticism, even from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and was subsequently removed by Ubisoft in a pre-launch patch.

The vandalism at Watatsumi Shrine is a stark reminder of the challenges involved in balancing tourism with the preservation of culturally significant sites.  While video games like Ghost of Tsushima can inspire appreciation and support for these locations, they can also inadvertently attract unwelcome behavior.  The ban on tourists at the Watatsumi Shrine, a place restored through the generosity of fans, is a disappointing consequence of this complex dynamic.

The incident underscores the importance of respectful tourism and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards cultural heritage.  It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential downsides of video game tourism and the shared responsibility of both visitors and game developers in protecting these valuable sites.