Wada Shrine

Wada Shrine is a historic shrine in Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrining Amenominakanushi-no-Okami, Hiruko-no-Okami, and Ichikishimahime-no-Okami. Access is about a 2-minute walk from Wadamizaki Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway, or about a 5-minute walk from JR Sanyo Main Line Wadamizaki Branch Wadamizaki Station. Wada Shrine is one of the stops on the Hyogo Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage (Hyogo Shichifukujin Meguri), a route visiting seven temples and shrines scattered around Hyogo-no-tsu, a key point on the Saigoku Kaido highway. It is said that by making the pilgrimage you can escape seven misfortunes and receive seven blessings. Wada Shrine represents Benzaiten. Benzaiten is associated with Sarasvati, a deity from ancient Indian mythology, whose name means “one who possesses water.” Because she is often enshrined near bodies of water such as seas, ponds, and rivers—and because flowing water connects to music—she has been widely revered as a deity of performing arts. Although the shrine was damaged in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, it has since been repaired and restored: the large vermilion torii gate, as well as the main hall and worship hall, stand out impressively today.