Awa Shrine

Awa Shrine, near the southern tip of Tateyama, has long been revered as the first shrine of the old Awa Province. Its principal deity, Ame-no-Futodama, is the ancestral god of the Inbe clan and is honored as the ancestral god of all industry and craftsmanship, so worshippers come from across the country to pray for prosperous business and good fortune. Counted among the three great money-luck shrines, it has drawn growing attention in recent years as a power spot for wealth.

Highlights

• The long approach from the white torii is lined with cedars and filled with pure, quiet air.
• The upper shrine enshrines Ame-no-Futodama and the lower shrine the deity of Boso settlement, and visitors traditionally pray at both.
• The Awa Shrine cave site on the grounds, where human bones and other remains from the Jomon period were found, is designated a prefectural historic site and tells of a sacred place rooted in ancient times.

Enjoying the Seasons

Set in the mild southern Boso, the area is comfortable even in winter, and the first shrine visit of the year draws large crowds. Spring offers cherry blossoms, early summer fresh greenery, and autumn clear skies for a pleasant visit. Beyond the annual festival on August 10, an old-style rice-porridge divination is held in mid-January, giving each season its own character. On New Year Day, long lines form of those praying for prosperity.

Access and Basic Information

• About 20 minutes by JR bus toward Awa-Shirahama from Tateyama Station on the JR Uchibo Line, then about a 10-minute walk from the Awa-jinja-mae stop.
• Roughly 15 minutes by car from central Tateyama, with free parking available.
• The grounds are open for visits mainly during daylight hours. Goshuin seals and amulets are offered at the shrine office.

Practical Travel Notes

• For an unhurried visit, the early morning, when the grounds are at their quietest, is ideal. Weekends and the New Year season are crowded, so allow extra time on New Year Day, a favorite for money-luck prayers.
• Praying at both the upper and lower shrines and walking once around the grounds takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour.
• The Tateyama area is dotted with sights such as the Cliff Kannon (Daifukuji), Nagoji, and Tateyama Castle, making the shrine a good starting point for a full-day tour of the southern Boso.
• There is no charge to worship, while goshuin seals and amulets start from a few hundred yen. Combined with a meal or shopping near Tateyama Station, the trip stays affordable.

A Quick Tip

Praying at both the upper and lower shrines is considered the proper form of worship. The spacious grounds are calm and tranquil, so allow plenty of time and pray carefully for success in craft and work.

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from the history of Awa-jinja, the ichinomiya of Awa Province, tourism guidance from Tateyama City and the Tateyama City Tourism Association, and public information on the Awa-jinja Cave Ruins designated a prefectural historic site, the annual festival, and traditional rites. The hours of the shrine office and the dates of rites may change, so please confirm fees, hours, and access with official sources before you set out. Please also refer to the on-site history notice and signboards.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to visit both the upper and lower shrines and walk once around the grounds.
• What to bring and prepare: Wear easy-walking shoes for the long cedar-lined approach. Having small change is handy if you receive goshuin seals or amulets.
• Suggested route: Proceed along the cedar-lined approach from the white torii, worship Ame-no-Futodama at the upper shrine and the deity of Boso pioneering at the lower shrine, then also view the Awa-jinja Cave Ruins on the grounds and extend to southern Boso sights such as the Cliff Kannon, Nagoji, and Tateyama Castle.
• Tip for a quiet visit: The quieter early morning is recommended, and since the New Year season and New Year Day are crowded, allow extra time.