Owadai-jinja Shrine, located in Hokkaido's Rumoi City, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of soil and fertility. The shrine's name, Owadai, translates to 'soil mountain'. This reflects its historical role as a spiritual center for farmers and agricultural communities in the region. Owadai-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with records dating back to 1443.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Owadai
- Kami enshrined
- Owadai
- Coordinates
- 43.2306402, 141.8007498
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's unique charm, visit during the annual Furuya Festival, which honors Owadai, the god of soil and fertility.
Cultural notes
Owadai-jinja Shrine is connected to the mythology surrounding the Ainu people, who revered the land as sacred. The shrine's architecture reflects this by incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional Ainu dwellings, such as wooden frames and thatched roofs. Visitors can still see these unique features today.
Historical note
Founded during the Muromachi period