Located in the city of Awa, Tokushima Prefecture, Utsu Kannon-san Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Kannon, one of Japan's most revered deities. The shrine is famous for its annual Star Festival, where visitors tie colored paper lanterns on bamboo trees, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The shrine complex also features a five-story pagoda and a beautiful garden.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kannon
- Kami enshrined
- Kannon, Utsunomiya Tsukiyomi, Arawako Mikoto, Okami no Okami
- Coordinates
- 34.2834894, 133.9453554
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's Star Festival, plan your visit for late July when the festival takes place. Be prepared for crowds and long lines, and arrive early to secure a good spot near the main hall.
Cultural notes
In Shinto tradition, Utsu Kannon-san Shrine is a symbol of mercy and compassion. The shrine's Star Festival is believed to bring good fortune and happiness to those who participate. The shrine's complex also features numerous sculptures of Buddhist and Shinto deities, reflecting the blending of Buddhist and Shinto traditions in Tokushima Prefecture.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1888 as the main shrine of the city of Awa, replacing an older shrine that dated back to the Edo period.