Aoshima Shrine [Miyazaki]

【Aoshima Shrine summary】

The exact date of Aoshima Shrine’s construction is unknown, but it is believed that a religious complex was built during the Heian period (794-1185). Aoshima itself has long been revered as a sacred site, and the entire island was forbidden to visitors until the Edo period (1603-1868). According to shrine legend, the deity was enshrined at the site of a palace built by Hikohohodemi no Mikoto on his return from Watatsumi-no-Miya in the myth of the harvest of the mountains and the sea.

The deities enshrined at the shrine are Hikohohodemi no Mikoto, Toyotamahime no Mikoto, and Shiozutsu no Okami.

【Aoshima Shrine Yayoi Bridge】

The bridge to Aoshima was originally built in March 1920, when Emperor Showa visited the island as a Crown Prince, and was named “Yayoi Bridge” in honor of the month of March by Tamesamori Irie, the director of the Imperial Poetry Office at the time.

The original one was completely destroyed by a typhoon in 1940, and the current one was replaced in 1951.

Chiba has similar islands and topography, but Aoshima has a better atmosphere and is a more complete tourist destination.

Okinoshima Uga-Daimyojin Shrine (Okinoshima Park) [Chiba]

【Aoshima Shrine road approaching a shrine】

After crossing the Yayoi Bridge, an approach road appears on a white sandy beach. As you proceed along the approach, you will see devil’s washboard on both sides.

【raised sea bed and peculiar wave-cut erosion(Devil’s Washboard)】

 The wave erosion platforms can be seen along the coast from around Aoshima Island to Irukamisaki Cape on the Nichinan Coast, and are also called “Devil’s Washboard” by locals because they appear at low tide and are uneven like a washboard used in the past for washing clothes.

The rock, which was under the sea surface long ago, emerged above the water surface due to geological changes, and was eroded by waves and sea water, resulting in its present shape. It is now a national natural monument.

【Aoshima Shrine torii】

After walking along the approach with a view of Devil’s Washboard, you will see a torii (gateway to the shrine).

This is the symbolic torii gate of Aoshima. Is it similar in shape to the torii seen at Sugawara Shrine and Kagoshima Shrine, or is it unique to southern Kyushu?

Sugawara Shrine (Arahira Tenjin) [Kagoshima]

【Aoshima Shrine shrine gate】

After passing through the torii gate, there is a magnificent shrine gate.

【Aoshima Shrine Shrine building】

The current shrine pavilion was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1974.

【Aoshima Shrine Motomiya Ancient Path of Prayer】

The approach to the Motomiya Shrine is a tunnel-like pathway made of ema hangings, a view unique to Aoshima Shrine amidst tropical trees.

【Aoshima Shrine Motomiya】

Passing through the “Ancient Way of Prayer,” one comes to the Yuan Palace. Located almost in the center of Qingdao, it was only open to priests and royalty until the 1960s, but is now open to the public.

【Aoshima Shrine throwing place】

Behind the main shrine, there is a place where the “Ten-no-Hiramawage” ritual, in which earthenware plates used for divination of good fortune and bad fortune are thrown, is performed. It is believed that if the unglazed cup is thrown into the rocky boundary at the back of the shrine, it will fulfill a person’s wish, and if it breaks, it will bring good luck and purify bad luck.

【Aoshima Shrine Nearby attractions】

Udo Jingu Shrine, Miyazaki Jingu Shrine

Udo Jingu Shrine [Miyazaki]

Miyazaki Jingu Shrine and Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine [Miyazaki]

【Aoshima Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

I visited the shrine without prior knowledge, but the atmosphere and scenery were wonderful. The vermilion shrine pavilions, the blue sea, and the subtropical vegetation created a tropical atmosphere, and I was convinced that this was a standard honeymoon destination in the Showa period (1926-1989). It is one of Miyazaki’s representative spots and an indispensable sightseeing spot.

Site/Facility Size

 (4)

Richness of Nature

 (4)

Ease of access

 (4)

Number of tourists

 (4.5)

Aoshima Shrine

2-13-1 Aoshima, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki, 889-2162, Japan

※Free parking available.

Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Aoshima Station on the JR Nichinan Line

参考

青島神社

青島神社

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Miyazaki Jingu Shrine and Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine [Miyazaki] Udo Jingu Shrine [Miyazaki] Saitobaru Burial Mounds [Miyazaki] Shiratori Shrine [Miyazaki]