[6] According to legend Watasu shrine was established in the second year of Emperor Chuai's reign.

[6] Empress Jingu headed to western Japan and enshrined Watatsumi-no-mikoto on a local sacred stone, praying for safe sea routes after her failed invasion of Korea.

[7]: 7 [8][7]: 7 In the Engishiki Jinmyocho, published in 927,[9] there is a description of a Shikinaisha called 'Numakuma-jinja Shrine' located in Numakuma District, Bingo Province.

[6][5]: 124 In modern times, Watasu Shrine is said to enshrine Sarutahiko-no-kami and Funatama-no-mikoto.

In the Meireki era (1655-1658), the main shrine was rebuilt by the feudal lord Katsutada Mizuno.

[10] The origins of this subshrine are less clear, but it was extant at the time of 927 when the Engishiki Jinmyocho was written.