Awaka Jinja Shrine

Overview

Awaka Jinja Shrine, located in Awaka, Santo-cho, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a Suki-naisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese record) and a Myojin Taisha (a particularly important Suki-naisha) and is considered either the first or second most important shrine in Tajima Province. Established over 2000 years ago, it continues to attract numerous devotees from across Japan. In times of national crisis, imperial envoys were dispatched four times to the shrine. The Chokushi-mon gate, built to commemorate the imperial patronage, was constructed approximately 600 years ago and is designated as a municipal cultural property. Also notable are the rare wooden komainu. The shrine is known for blessings of household safety and bountiful harvests, and visitors during New Year's Day are offered sake served in bamboo stalks.