Location and Historical Background
Awa Shrine is located near the southernmost part of the Boso Peninsula, at the foot of Mount Azuchiyama. According to shrine traditions, the area has been associated with the Inbe clan, an ancient lineage involved in Shinto rituals and religious traditions.
The Inbe are traditionally said to have migrated from the Awa region of present-day Tokushima Prefecture and established a shrine here. The names “Awa” and “Awa Shrine” are traditionally associated with this migration and the subsequent development of the region.
The Importance of Ancient Awa Province
In ancient times, Awa Province was particularly important to the imperial court as a region that supplied valuable food products, especially abalone.
Awa Shrine was consequently held in high regard. Awa was also one of the relatively few regions designated as a Shingun, an area placed under the special religious jurisdiction of an important shrine.
In addition, a deity associated with Awa was worshipped as a food deity, or Miketsu-no-Kami, by the imperial kitchen administration. These traditions demonstrate the close relationship between the shrine, food offerings, regional administration, and ancient court rituals.
Ancient Role of Awa Shrine
Awa Shrine maintained an important religious position throughout the ancient period. Three aspects are particularly notable:
- It was associated with one of the country’s relatively few Shingun, or shrine territories.
- A deity connected with the shrine was worshipped as a Miketsu-no-Kami, a deity associated with food and offerings at the imperial court.
- The Awa Kuni no Miyatsuko, a local administrative and ritual lineage, continued to be involved in religious ceremonies under the ancient Ritsuryo system.
These traditions indicate the important role that Awa Shrine played in the religious and political landscape of ancient Japan.
Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage
An archaeological site was discovered within the shrine grounds, including a cave site containing human remains that provide evidence of the ancient custom of ritual tooth extraction.
The cave has since been reburied, but the site has been designated a Chiba Prefecture Historic Site. Other cultural objects associated with the shrine include octagonal and circular mirrors.
Traditional ceremonies connected with the settlement and development of the region by the Awa Inbe are also said to have continued into the present day.
Connections with Nearby Shrines
Ame-no-Hirito-me-no-Mikoto, one of the deities enshrined alongside the principal deity at Awa Shrine, is also worshipped at nearby Sunosaki Shrine in Sunosaki and Sunomiya Shrine in Sunomiya, both in Tateyama City.
These shrines have a close historical and religious relationship with Awa Shrine and form part of the area’s wider network of ancient Shinto traditions.
Deities Enshrined at Awa Shrine
Upper Shrine: Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary, known as the Ue-no-Miya, enshrines seven principal deities.
Principal Deity
Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto is the principal deity. He is traditionally regarded as the ancestral deity of the Inbe clan, which was closely associated with ancient Shinto rituals.
Consort Deity
Ame-no-Hirito-me-no-Mikoto is enshrined alongside the principal deity and is regarded as his consort.
The Five Deities of the Inbe
- Kushiakarutama-no-Mikoto: An ancestral deity of the Izumo Inbe.
- Ame-no-Hiwashi-no-Mikoto: An ancestral deity of the Awa Inbe.
- Hikosashiri-no-Mikoto: An ancestral deity of the Kii Inbe.
- Taokihooi-no-Mikoto: An ancestral deity of the Sanuki Inbe.
- Ame-no-Mahitotsu-no-Mikoto: An ancestral deity associated with the Tsukushi and Ise Inbe.
The Consort Deity and Historical Records
The Engishiki, an important compilation of ancient Japanese laws and rituals, lists both Awa ni Masu Shrine and the shrine dedicated to the consort deity Ame-no-Hirino-me-no-Mikoto.
Today, the shrines dedicated to this consort deity are generally identified with Sunosaki Shrine and Sunomiya Shrine. However, the deity is also enshrined at Awa Shrine, reflecting the close religious relationship among these sites.
Traditions Recorded in Historical Sources
The Kogoshui and Sendai Kuji Hongi
Historical texts associated with the Inbe tradition, including the Kogoshui and Sendai Kuji Hongi, describe the migration of the ancestors of the Inbe from the Awa region of present-day Tokushima Prefecture and their establishment of Awa Shrine.
These accounts contain elements of mythology and cannot be regarded simply as straightforward historical records. Nevertheless, they are important for understanding the traditions surrounding the Inbe and their role in ancient religious practices.
The Kashiwade and Takahashi Clans
Historical documents also indicate that the Kashiwade clan and Takahashi clan played important roles in rituals associated with Awa Shrine.
These clans were involved in supplying goods to the imperial court and administering areas connected with shrine territories, illustrating the close relationship between religious institutions and ancient regional administration.
Awa Shrine and the Eight Shingun
One of Japan’s Eight Shingun
Awa was designated as one of the country’s eight Shingun, special territories associated with important shrines. This system demonstrates the exceptional status that certain shrines and their surrounding regions held in ancient Japan.
The Role of the Awa Kuni no Miyatsuko
The Awa Kuni no Miyatsuko lineage was responsible for managing the shrine and conducting its religious ceremonies. This local ruling lineage was trusted by the imperial court, further reflecting the importance of Awa Shrine in the ancient political and religious system.
History of Awa Shrine
Traditional Foundation Story
According to the shrine’s tradition, Ame-no-Tomi-no-Mikoto, the deity enshrined at the Lower Shrine, traveled from the Awa region of present-day Tokushima to the Awa region of the Boso Peninsula during the reign of Emperor Jimmu.
He is said to have developed and cultivated the region and subsequently established worship of the ancestral deities Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Hirito-me-no-Mikoto at Otokoyama and Onnayama near Mera Beach.
In 717, during the first year of the Yoro era, the shrine is traditionally said to have been moved to its present location at the foot of Mount Azuchiyama. Ame-no-Tomi-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Oshihi-no-Mikoto were then enshrined at the Lower Shrine.
There is no conclusive historical evidence proving the Inbe migration and settlement exactly as described in these traditions, so the historical accuracy of the foundation story remains uncertain.
At the same time, archaeological discoveries indicate that the site had an ancient ritual significance. A ritual vessel known as a takatsuki from the Kofun period was discovered on the shrine grounds, while a cave site used as a burial area from the Jomon to Yayoi periods has also been identified.
Historical Development
Awa Shrine was highly regarded by the imperial court from an early period and was associated with the supply of food, particularly abalone.
Records of the shrine’s increasing Shinto rank appear in historical chronicles, and its inclusion as a Myōjin Taisha in the Engishiki demonstrates its high status in ancient Japan.
Medieval Period
In 1180, during the Genpei War period, Minamoto no Yoritomo is recorded as having ordered prayers at Awa Shrine and made an offering of shrine territory.
During the Kamakura period, the shrine received support from the Kamakura shogunate, which contributed to the repair and construction of shrine buildings. Repairs and improvements continued through the Muromachi and Edo periods.
From the Meiji Period to the Present
In 1871, under Japan’s modern shrine-ranking system, Awa Shrine was designated a Kanpei Taisha, the highest rank.
Following World War II, the traditional shrine-ranking system was abolished, and Awa Shrine was designated a Beppyo Shrine by the Association of Shinto Shrines.
Major restoration work was carried out on the main sanctuary and worship hall in 2009.
Changes in Shinto Rank
- 836: Raised from no rank to Junior Fifth Rank.
- 842: Raised to Senior Fifth Rank.
- 852: Raised to Junior Third Rank.
- 859: Raised to Senior Third Rank, Eighth Class of Merit.
The Shrine Grounds
Main Shrine Buildings
The present main sanctuary was constructed in 1881 and follows the Shinmei-zukuri style of Shinto architecture. Major restoration work was carried out in 2009.
The worship hall was constructed in reinforced concrete in 1977. Together, these buildings form the central sacred area of Awa Shrine.
Cave Site and Inbe Mound
The Awa Shrine Cave Site was discovered in 1932. Human remains and ornaments dating from the Yayoi period were among the discoveries, and the site has been designated a historic site by Chiba Prefecture.
Although the cave has since been reburied, some of the human remains were reinterred at Miyanotani and are commemorated at a site known as the Inbe Mound.
Subordinate Shrines
Shimosha: Lower Shrine
The Lower Shrine enshrines Ame-no-Tomi-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Oshihi-no-Mikoto. Its foundation is traditionally dated to 717.
Other Subordinate Shrines
- Itsukushima Shrine: Enshrines Ichikishima-hime-no-Mikoto and has been associated with an ancient sacred rock site, or iwakura.
- Kotohira Shrine: Enshrines Omononushi-no-Kami.
Major Festivals and Rituals
Ariake Festival
The Ariake Festival is held on January 4. In the past, priests and shrine representatives stayed at the shrine for ten days beginning with the Shinkari Festival on December 26.
The period of ritual seclusion ended with the Ariake Festival. Today, the ceremony continues to feature distinctive sacred food offerings, including shita-mochi, making it an important traditional ritual.
Okizumi Ritual
The Okizumi Ritual is held on the evening of January 14. A fire is made using pine wood from the New Year’s pine decorations, and rice porridge is prepared.
The way the 12 pieces of pine wood burn is interpreted as an omen for the weather conditions of the coming year.
Kayu-ura Divination Ritual
Also held on the evening of January 14, the Kayu-ura Ritual uses rice porridge to forecast the year’s agricultural harvest.
Reed tubes are placed into the porridge and removed the following day. The amount of porridge that has entered the tubes is interpreted as an indication of whether crops will have a good or poor harvest.
The ritual reflects the close connection between the shrine and the agricultural traditions of the surrounding community.
Annual Grand Festival
The Annual Grand Festival, held every year on August 10, is also known as the Hamaori Festival or Isode Ritual. It is considered the most important festival of Awa Shrine.
The festival is traditionally connected with the story of Ame-no-Tomi-no-Mikoto gathering the Inbe people from various regions and bringing them together for worship.
Kokushi Festival
The Kokushi Festival takes place in mid-September as part of the annual festival of Tsurugaya Hachimangu, the former provincial grand shrine of Awa Province.
On the second day, a ritual is conducted at the worship hall used for remote worship of Awa Shrine, continuing a long-standing regional tradition.
Shinkari Festival
The Shinkari Festival is held on December 26. It expresses gratitude for the traditional hunting of harmful animals attributed to Ame-no-Tomi-no-Mikoto.
Special offerings, including shita-mochi, which symbolically represents an animal’s tongue, are presented during the ceremony. The ritual also expresses a wish for the purification and protection of the local community.
Cultural Properties
Chiba Prefecture-Designated Cultural Property
The Awa Shrine Cave Site was designated a Chiba Prefecture Historic Site in 1967. Human remains and artifacts dating from the Jomon and Yayoi periods were discovered there, providing valuable evidence of the area’s ancient history.
Tateyama City-Designated Cultural Properties
The shrine also preserves a number of cultural properties designated by Tateyama City. These include octagonal and circular mirrors dating from the Kamakura and Northern and Southern Courts periods, as well as a ritual high-footed vessel believed to have been used during ceremonies in the Kofun period.
Other designated objects include a fire-making container used in the traditional hunting ritual and wooden bowls used for preparing sacred food offerings.
Awa Shrine Today
A Scenic and Cultural Destination
Awa Shrine is valued not only for its historical and religious importance but also as a place where visitors can experience the natural beauty of southern Chiba.
During the Sakura Festival, the approach to the shrine is beautifully decorated with blooming cherry trees, creating an especially attractive seasonal landscape.
Access
From Tateyama Station on the JR Uchibo Line, visitors can take a bus for approximately 20 minutes and get off at the Awa Shrine-mae bus stop. The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
Highway buses also provide access from Tokyo and Chiba, making the shrine a convenient destination for travelers exploring the southern Boso Peninsula.
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding area also contains historical sites, including the memorial monument for the seven local peasant leaders of Daijingu, who were victims of a peasant uprising during the Edo period.
Discover the Ancient History of Awa Shrine
Awa Shrine is a remarkable place where ancient religious traditions, archaeological discoveries, local history, and the natural beauty of southern Chiba come together.
Its traditions surrounding the Inbe clan, its status as an important shrine of ancient Awa Province, and its long history of worship make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the development of Shinto and Japanese culture.
Visitors can explore the shrine buildings, subordinate shrines, cultural properties, and traditional festivals while also enjoying the seasonal scenery of the Boso Peninsula. A visit to Awa Shrine offers an opportunity to encounter layers of Japanese history extending from prehistoric times to the present day.