Awashima Jinja

Awashima Jinja is enshrined on a small island called Awashima facing the sea in Kada, and enshrines Sukuna Hikona no Mikoto, Onamuchi no Mikoto, and Okinaga Tarashi Hime no Mikoto. There is an ancient tradition that during Empress Jingu's three-country military expedition, when she encountered a storm in this area, she prayed to the deity of Awashima and safely escaped the calamity. As the head shrine of approximately one thousand Awashima shrines nationwide, it is particularly famous for doll consecration. Tens of thousands of dolls are dedicated within the grounds, and at the Hiina-nagashi Shinto ritual on March 3rd each year, a mystical sight unfolds as hina dolls are set afloat on white wooden boats upon the sea. As the protective deity of women, it is deeply revered for its benefits regarding women's diseases and safe childbirth.