- What kind of shrine is Izanagi jingu Shrine? A shrine dedicated to the god who created the Japanese archipelago
- What’s in Izanagijingu Shrine? Buildings are maintained in the Meiji Era (Meiji Era Grand Construction)
- Are there more attractions than just buildings? Let’s see the garden and the camphor tree!
- Access to Izanagi Jingu Shrine
- Parking around Izanagi Jingu Shrine
- Izanagi Jingu Shrine Official Website
- Recommended around Izanagi Jingu Shrine
What kind of shrine is Izanagi jingu Shrine? A shrine dedicated to the god who created the Japanese archipelago
Izanagi jingu Shrine is located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and is dedicated to Izanagi (Izanagi) and Izanami (Izanami), two deities known in Japanese mythology for their role in the “birth of the nation” and “birth of the gods. The shrine was founded in the year 1592.
According to the Kojiki and Nihonshoki, the shrine was founded during the Jin dynasty (before the accession of Emperor Jinmu). Izanagi, who gave birth to the nation and created the gods, was enshrined in his final residence, Kakurimiya, on Awaji Island, and later a mausoleum (imperial tomb) was built on the site of his palace, which is said to have been the origin of this shrine.
It is said that when Izanagi and Izanami created the Japanese archipelago, the first island they created was Awaji Island.
From the end of the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine became the first shrine in Awaji Province (the highest shrine in the region), and was revered by the Tamura clan, lords of the Tokushima Domain from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the Warring States period (1467-1568), who were also the Shinto priests of the shrine, and by the Hachisuka clan, lords of the Tokushima Domain in the Edo period (1603-1867).
What’s in Izanagijingu Shrine? Buildings are maintained in the Meiji Era (Meiji Era Grand Construction)
The buildings on the shrine grounds were constructed in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Construction of the main shrine building began in 1869 (the first year of Meiji), and over the next 20 years, the hall of worship, the hall of offerings, the main gate, and other structures were gradually built.
In addition, the shrine was built at the expense of the government, as it was a kanshusho (a shrine that received offerings from the national government and the Imperial Court) under the old shrine ranking system (from the Meiji Restoration to the Second World War).
The shrine became a kanpeitai-sha, the highest shrine under the former shrine ranking system, and after the war became an attached shrine encompassed by the Jinja Honcho, a religious corporation.
Are there more attractions than just buildings? Let’s see the garden and the camphor tree!
Other than the shrine pavilions and other structures, there is also the “Houjyou no miike” (Pond for the God of Release) and the “Husband and Wife Ookusu”.
In the old days, people released birds and fish into the pond to pray for the perpetuation of life. Even today, the custom of releasing carp for the healing of illness and turtles in thanksgiving for recovery still remains.
The other is a camphor tree called “husband and wife camphor trees.
This 900-year-old camphor tree is said to have grown into its present form by merging two trees, and is believed to be the sacred tree where the spirits of Izanagi and Izanami reside.
It is designated as a natural monument by Hyogo Prefecture.
Access to Izanagi Jingu Shrine
740 Taga, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-1521 Japan
Parking around Izanagi Jingu Shrine
Izanagi Jingu Shrine Official Website
Official site：https://www.awajishima-kanko.jp/en/