Onokoro Shrine

On the small remote island of Nushima south of Awaji stands Onokoro Shrine, an old sanctuary deeply tied to the creation myth of Japan. Nushima is regarded as one of the strongest candidates for the island of Onokoro that appears in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, and this shrine honors Izanagi and Izanami, the first married couple among the deities. As the sacred place where the two were united, it is known for blessings of matchmaking, love fulfilled, and marital harmony.

About 10 kilometers around and 2.67 square kilometers in area, Nushima is an island of crystalline schist within Setonaikai National Park, and the whole island holds a distinctive scenery like a stage for myth. Because it lies on an island reachable only by boat, visitors are still few, and it remains a little-known secluded power spot where one can quietly immerse in the world of myth.

Highlights

• The sacred hall on a low hill honoring the two creator deities
• The mythic worldview unique to Nushima, where the Onokoro legend lives on
• The strange rock Kamitategami, about 30 meters tall, also called the heavenly pillar
• The scenic cliffs and strange rocks around the island created by crystalline schist
• The faith of people praying for matchmaking and marital harmony

Enjoying the Seasons

Surrounded by calm seas, Nushima offers pleasant island walking from spring through autumn, with strolls that take in the blue water and the shrine. The Onokoro cruise, which views strange rocks such as Kamitategami from the sea, is also popular. Fresh seafood is another charm of the island, so it is recommended to savor island time slowly alongside your visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Nushima, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo
• Access: About 10 minutes by the Nushima Kisen ferry from Hanyu Port on Awaji, with about ten round trips a day. After landing at Nushima Port, walk through the village toward the shrine approach
• Hours: Grounds open freely
• Admission: Free, with a separate ferry fare

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: Spring to early summer and autumn, when the sea is calm and island walking is comfortable, are recommended. In winter the sea can be rough and the ferry may be cancelled
• Time of day: For a day trip, crossing on a morning boat, touring the island, and returning on an afternoon boat is reassuring. Always check the round-trip schedule
• Time needed: About half a day for the visit and a stroll to spots such as Kamitategami. The shrine is on a hill reached by stone steps, so plan with some leeway
• Nearby real spots: The Kamitategami rock, the Nushima Onokoro cruise, and fresh seafood such as pike conger at island eateries. On the main Awaji side, the town of Fukura and roadside stations
• Budget feel: The visit is free. Even including the round-trip ferry fare and a meal, it is an affordable island experience

A Quick Tip

The ferry runs a limited number of times and may be cancelled in bad weather, so be sure to check the round-trip schedule before setting out. There are no convenience stores on the island and getting around is mainly on foot, so bring comfortable clothing and a drink. Wear comfortable shoes, as the shrine is reached by stone steps. This is a shrine where myth lives on, well worth visiting for anyone wishing for a good match.

📚 Sources

For Onokoro Shrine on Nushima, the tourism information of Minami-Awaji City, the guidance of the Nushima Kisen ferry and the local history are reliable references. Its standing as the leading candidate for the Onokoro Island legend, the history of enshrining Izanagi and Izanami, and the Kamitategami Rock can be confirmed through this public information and on-site guidance. Ferry timetables and operating status and the Onokoro cruise services may change, so please confirm the operator's official information before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Approximate time needed: About half a day for worship and a stroll to sights such as the Kamitategami Rock. The shrine is on a hill reached by stone steps, so plan with some margin.
• What to bring and prepare: There are no convenience stores on the island and travel is mostly on foot, so bring easy-to-move clothing and drinks, and wear comfortable shoes for the shrine's stone steps. Worship is free, and the round-trip ferry fare and a meal remain affordable.
• Suggested route: Cross to Nushima by ferry from Habu Port on Awaji Island, walk through the village to worship at the shrine, and enjoy the Kamitategami Rock, the Onokoro cruise and local seafood such as pike conger at an island diner, following the flow described in the article. Always check the round-trip times.