- Culture
- Hyogo
Izanagi-jingu Shrine
Wish for a harmonious marriage at the shrine connected to the myth of the birth of Japan
Located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Izanagi-jingu Shrine is Japan’s oldest shrine believed to have been founded by the deity Izanami-no-mikoto, who created the country as described in "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," the oldest historical texts of Japan. The ancient camphor tree on the grounds called Meoto-no-okusu (husband and wife giant camphor tree) is said to bring good luck for a harmonious marriage and relationships.
Husband and wife giant camphor tree, a designated natural monument of Hyogo Prefecture
The Meoto-no-okusu is a 900-year-old camphor tree standing around 30 meters tall. It was noted in a topographical report of Awaji during the Edo period (1603-1868) as Renri-no-kusunoki (intertwined camphor tree) and has been widely known as an object of worship. Originally two separate trees, the unusual camphor merged into one as they grew together, earning the husband-and-wife name. Two pillar spirits of the couple deities Izanagi and Izanami reside in the sacred tree, and in the small shrine called Iwakusu Shrine standing at its side, the couple’s first-born god Hiruko-okami is enshrined. To this day, the tree has been worshipped with the belief of bringing good luck in marital relations, safe and blessed childbirth and romantic relationships.
The path of the sun
Hi-no-michishirube (the path of the sun) is a circular monument indicating the relation of the path of the sun’s movement and famous shrines around the country, with Izanagi-jingu Shrine at the center. Due east is Ise-jingu Shrine (Kotai Jingu (Naiku)), due west is Kaijin Shrine (Tsushima), due south is Yuzuruha Shrine (Awaji Island) and due north is Izushi Shrine (Tajima). On summer solstice, in the direction of the sunrise is Suwa Taisha Shrine (Lake Suwa) and the sun sets toward Izumo Taisha Shrine and Hinomisaki Shrine. On winter solstice, the sun rises from Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine (Nachi Falls) and sets on Takachiho Shrine (Miyazaki Prefecture). How the ancient people knew of the precise path of the sun is quite fascinating.
Location
| Name | Izanagi-jingu Shrine |
|---|---|
| Website | (In Japanese) https://www.awajishima-kanko.jp/manual/detail.php?bid=448&lid=&at |
| Address | 740 Taga, Awaji-shi, Hyogo |
| Access | From Maiko Station on the JR Kobe Line, take the JR/Honshi Kaikyo Bus to Tsuna Port, then change to Nishiura Line Awaji Kotsu Bus, and ride for approximately 20 minutes. From Sannomiya Station on the JR Kobe Line, take the Shinki Bus to Gunge bus stop, then change to Nishiura Line Awaji Kotsu Bus and ride for approximately 5 minutes. Get off at Izanagi Shrine bus stop |
| Business Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0799-80-5001 |