Awa Shrine [Chiba]

【Awa Shrine summary】

Awa Shrine was founded in 660 B.C. (the first year of the Imperial era). Amatomi-no-mikoto (the deity of the lower shrine) received an order from Emperor Jinmu to seek fertile land, and first landed in Awa-no-kuni (present Tokushima Prefecture), where he planted hemp and grain (kaji = raw material for paper and other products), and proceeded to cultivate the land. Later, in search of more fertile land, Amatomi-no-mikoto and his party, accompanied by a part of the Imobe clan living in Awa Province, rode the Kuroshio Current to the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, where they also planted hemp and grain. At this time, Amatomi-no-mikoto enshrined his ancestors, Ama-no-Otama-no-mikoto and Ama-no-Hiritono-no-mikoto, on the two mountains of Nurahama (Male God Mountain and Female God Mountain), which is the origin of the present Awa Shrine.

The deity is Ametamatodamakoto. Many businessmen and executives visit the shrine to pray for “luck in business, good fortune, and prosperity. When industry develops, the area becomes prosperous and the people living there become rich. The reason why Awa Shrine is called a shrine of “luck in money” is because its deity is a god that promotes the development of industry.

Awa Shrine is also known as one of the three major money-luck shrines in Japan.

Japan’s three major money shrines are Arayayama Shrine in Yamanashi Prefecture, Kinzurugi Shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture, and Awa Shrine in Chiba Prefecture.

【Awa Shrine first torii】

Ichino-torii, the first torii gate, is visible in an open area that has been transformed from a residential area. The impressive white torii gate, set against the greenery, clearly delineated the boundary between the shrine and the sacred area.

【Awa Shrine road approaching a shrine】

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The approach from the torii gate is lined with cherry trees, and if you go there when the cherry trees are in bloom, the view will be even better.

【Awa Shrine Mitaraike Pond (Mitaraike)】

Walking along the approach to the shrine, you will see a large pond. It is rare to see such a large pond at a shrine. The name suggests that people used to wash their hands before praying here.

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Walking along the approach to the shrine, past the second torii gate, you will see the shrine office and water closet.

【Awa Shrine Chozuya】

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It is a traditional Chozuya with no decoration.

【Awa Shrine subordinate shrine Itsukushima Shrine】

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Itsukushima Shrine is located in front of the Awa Shrine worship hall. The moss-covered rock surface and tree roots attached to the rocks give a sense of age. The shrine enshrines the deity Ichikishimahime no Mikoto.

【Awa Shrine Upper shrine】

The Upper shrine enshrines Amenetodamanomikoto, the general ancestor of Japanese industry. The hall of worship was built in 1977 and is a reinforced concrete Shinmei-zukuri structure. The main shrine is located behind the hall of worship, but it is off-limits so that visitors cannot go around it. The main hall was built in 1881.

The configuration of the upper and lower shrines and the Mitarashi Pond were built in a manner reminiscent of the Ise Jingu Shrine, and the atmosphere was similar. In addition, it is thought that the arrangement was made with the male and female deities of Nurahama in the background.

【Amenetamatama no Mikoto from the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters).】

In the Kojiki, Amenetamatodamikoto is described as follows It is said that when Amaterasu went into hiding in Ama-no-Iwato, “the eight million deities were troubled and conferred at An-no-Kawara.

The eight million deities were at a loss, and conferred at the An-no-Kawara of Heaven. However, they could not come up with a good plan, so they left it to Omoinokinomikoto, the “God of Wisdom. He devised a plan for a “festival.

First, he would make all the chickens cluck at once. Next, he had them make an eight-foot mirror and an eight-foot jewel, which would later become the three sacred objects of the festival. Then he had Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Amenofutodama-no-Mikoto divine with the shoulder bone of a stag and the kaniwa-zakura cherry tree on Mount Amanokayama, and the festival began.

Ama-no-Mikoto commanded the deities of Imobe, who were in charge of the mirrors, balls, offerings to the gods, textiles, weapons such as halberds and shields, and the building of shrine pavilions, all of which were essential for the festival. For this reason, he has come to be revered as the “general ancestor of all industries in Japan.

【Awa Shrine cave site】

Behind the main shrine (Upper shrine), there is a sea cave about 11 m long, 2 m high, and 1.5 m wide. Twenty-two human bones, shell bracelets, earthenware, and other items were excavated from the cave, and it was found to be the burial place of ancient people. The human bones excavated here were again buried in Miyanotani near Awa Shrine and named Imobezuka

【Awa Shrine Lower shrine】

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The lower shrine enshrines Amatomi-no-mikoto, who led the Awa Imobe to pioneer the Awa and Boso regions.

【The deity of the lower shrine, Amatomi-no-Mikoto, under the command of Emperor Jinmu.】

Under the order of Emperor Jinmu, Amenotomi-no-mikoto (Amenotomi no Mikoto) first landed in Awa Province (Tokushima Prefecture). There, hemp and grain (kaji = raw material for paper and other products) were planted.

Later, he took a part of the Imobe clan living in Awa Province, rode the Kuroshio Current by sea, and landed at the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, where he planted hemp and grain there as well. It is said that the country where hemp grew well was called “Fusa,” hence the name “Boso.

【Awa Shrine GOSHUIN】

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【Awa Shrine Nearby attractions】

Sunosaki Shrine

Sunosaki Shrine [Chiba]

【Awa Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Awa and Awa are read the same way, but that is because the people who moved to this region from the Land of Awa settled this Awa area. The shrine is the only one in the Awa Province, and is a magnificent shrine surrounded by a large natural environment. Personally, I felt that this is a place where I would like to stay for a while and spend some peaceful time.

Site/Facility Size

(4.5)

Richness of Nature

(4.5)

Ease of access

(1)

Number of tourists

(4)