Awashima Shrine

Awashima Shrine is the head shrine of Awashima Shrines, Awashima (粟島) Shrines, and Awaji Shrines found throughout Japan. It is famous as a shrine where dolls are dedicated, and the sight of 20,000 memorial dolls brought for rites, packed closely together, is overwhelming. The enshrined deity Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto is said to be a god of medicine, and the shrine draws faith for women’s health recovery, safe childbirth, and fertility. Various events are held throughout the year, and the most notable is "Hina Nagashi" on March 3: dedicated dolls are placed onto three boats and set adrift into the sea, drawing worshippers from all over Japan who see the boats off with their wishes. For doll memorial services, note that the shrine does not accept them on certain dates such as Butsumetsu days or during specific periods. Access: take the Nankai Kada Line to "Kada Station," then it’s about a 20-minute walk. If you take the seaside route from Kada Station to Awashima Shrine, you can enjoy an ocean view—perfect for a refreshing stroll. Along the approach there are three souvenir shops selling local specialties like "tsuboyaki yomogi mochi," so you might pick up a souvenir to take home.