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Awamikoto Shrine

Saigen Jiro / CC0

Awamikoto Shrine

阿波命神社

Tokyo · Kanto

An ancient shrine set in a wooded valley near Nagahama, listed in the 10th-century Engishiki and dedicated to Awanomikoto, mother goddess of the island's tutelary deity. Worshippers traditionally pick a flat stone from Nagahama beach, top it with wet sand, and place it beneath the torii as an offering.

Why it's hidden

This over-thousand-year-old shrine sits quietly off the beaten path with a unique local offering ritual few outsiders ever witness.

Best season
Year-round
Crowd level
Hidden gem
Opening hours
Daily Open 24 hours

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Admission
Free-access Shinto shrine in a wooded valley on Niijima; no admission (standard for open shrines).

Today

Open 24 hoursFree

Stored weekly hours

Daily Open 24 hours

Tags

shrinehistoryspiritualcultureforest

Location

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