氏之宮三嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Ayagawa, Ehime Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of Mt. Iwata and the nearby Iwata River, which are believed to be sacred by the local inhabitants. The shrine's architecture is typical of a Heian-period shrine, with a rectangular main hall and a vermillion torii gate. Visitors can admire the beautiful gardens and take a stroll along the riverside path.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mt. Iwata no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Mt. Iwata no Kami
- Coordinates
- 33.7943524, 132.9388899
Visitor tip
Visitors can take a boat ride on the Iwata River to see the shrine from a different perspective.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its autumn foliage, with the surrounding mountains turning golden in the fall. During the Obon festival, locals perform traditional dances and offer prayers to honor the spirits of their ancestors. The shrine's name '氏之宮' roughly translates to 'palace of noble birth', referring to Prince Shotoku's high social status.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 733 CE as a mausoleum for Prince Shotoku, a renowned Buddhist saint and politician of the Asuka period.