What is Awashima Shrine? Summary of History, Annual Events, and Visitor Information

About Awashima Shrine

Located in Kada, Wakayama City, Awashima Shrine is the head shrine of all Awashima Shrines in Japan. It’s renowned for the Hina Nagashi ritual, and its main hall is filled with countless hina dolls! Many visitors are amazed by this rare sight that unfolds before their eyes.

Besides doll purification, Awashima Shrine is also popular as a spiritual place for women, offering blessings for women’s health, safe childbirth, and love fulfillment.

The History of Awashima Shrine

Long ago, Empress Jingu encountered a fierce storm in the Seto Sea on her way back from a military campaign in Korea. As she prayed aboard the nearly sinking ship, she received a divine message: “Throw the mat of the ship into the sea and let the ship move with its flow.” Following this guidance, she reached Tomogashima, where the deities Sukunahikona no Mikoto and Omononushi no Mikoto were enshrined. In gratitude, she dedicated treasures brought from Korea.

Later, Emperor Nintoku, the grandson of Empress Jingu, visited Tomogashima for hunting and, upon hearing this story, decided to move the shrine to the opposite shore in Kada and built a shrine building, marking the beginning of Awashima Shrine.

Annual Events at Awashima Shrine

Now let's take a look at the annual events held at Awashima Shrine.

Needle Festival

The deity Sukunahikona no Mikoto, enshrined at Awashima Shrine, is the god credited with introducing sewing techniques. Every year, needles collected from across the country are purified at the main hall, then placed in a mound and returned to the earth with salt, as part of a memorial ritual.

The Needle Festival (Hari-matsuri) is held on February 8th each year at 11:00 a.m.

Hinamatsuri

Awashima Shrine is closely associated with the Hina Festival and is famous for this event. The grounds are filled with dolls for purification, symbolizing this tradition.

The name "Hina Festival" is said to originate from the “Sukunahikona Festival,” named after the shrine’s deity, Sukunahikona no Mikoto. The date, March 3rd, is also believed to commemorate the relocation of the shrine from Tomogashima to Kada on March 3rd in the 5th year of Emperor Nintoku’s reign.

At Awashima Shrine, known for its connection to the Hina Festival, a ritual called Hina Nagashi is held every year on March 3rd at noon, where hina dolls are placed on a wooden boat and floated out to sea in Kada. Watching the dolls drift across the water is a moving sight.

Other Events

・Summer Festival: July 31st (after sunset)

An event to pray for health during summer by passing through a circle of miscanthus grass. Visitors receive a free grass ring to take home.

・Autumn Festival: October 3rd (11am)

The shrine’s deity, Sukunahikona no Mikoto, is also associated with brewing. Known as the Sweet Sake Festival (Amazake matsuri), the autumn festival involves making sweet sake from new rice and offering it at the shrine to pray for health through winter. Sweet sake is served free to visitors.

・Tanabata Festival: late June to July 7th

Children can write their dreams and wishes on strips of paper.

Amulets available at Awashima Shrine

Here are some charms you can receive at Awashima Shrine:

・Women's health amulet

Available in five types: bag charm, wallet charm, hina metal charm, key holder, and strap.

・Good health

Available in three types: turtle charm, pink, and green (gourd).

・Safe birth charm

Available in three types: bag charm, strap, and wallet charm.

・Child-bearing amulet

Available in two-color set, bag charm, tadpole charm, and doll charm.

・Matchmaking/Marriage

Available in seven types: strawberry, heart of happiness, red thread, cherry, koi nobori, four-leaf clover, and shell.

・Protection from misfortunes

Available in nine types: nantambashi chopsticks, nantam charm, wishing frog, lucky stone, happy frog, strap, owl (2 types), and wallet charm.

・Heart-shaped votive plaque

There are three types: red, white, and pink.

- Traffic safety

Available in eight types: vermilion (white cord), wooden tablet (red or green), with cue board, car-shaped strap, and key holder (gold, light blue, pink).

Visiting Information for Awashima Shrine

Address: 118 Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

・By Train (Recommended!): About a 20-minute walk from Nankai Electric Railway Kada Line “Kada Station”

・By Car: About a 40-minute drive from Wakayama IC on the Hanwa Expressway

Parking information: Available (15 spaces, free for the first 30 minutes for visitors)

The Hina Dolls at Awashima Shrine are a Must-See!

Awashima Shrine, where you can receive blessings for women’s health, safe childbirth, and love fulfillment, features an enchanting display of hina dolls in the main hall, creating a surreal atmosphere. Visit to experience the mystical ambiance unique to this shrine, unlike any other!

Original article: https://otent-nankai.jp/category/topic/221013_awashima-shrine_805