Located on the island of Awaji in Hyogo Prefecture, Shrines at Ise and Wakasa are famous for their sacred significance, but the Shrine on Awaji is equally revered as a site where the sun goddess Amaterasu was said to have descended during the mythological era. Today, the shrine honors the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1918, but the grounds still feature the remains of an ancient Shinto shrine built on the site where Amaterasu's daughter, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, first touched the ground after her descent.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 34.6473779, 134.9717874
Visitor tip
When visiting, be sure to try some of the local specialties at the on-site izakaya, including oysters and sake, which are said to have been blessed by Susanoo-no-Mikoto himself.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, which include a traditional Japanese pond with a water lily-covered surface. According to legend, Susanoo-no-Mikoto was so pleased with the beauty of this pond that he declared it one of his favorite places in all the world.
Historical note
The original shrine was destroyed during the Battle of Awaji in 1600, but it was rebuilt several times over the centuries before its current form.