Amanoiwatowake Yakurahime Shrine, a Mystical Ancient Shrine on a Burial Mound in Tokushima

Resting in Nishiyano, Kokufu town, in the western part of Tokushima city, this shrine is a mystical ancient sanctuary known to a discerning few. Its enshrined deity is Oohirume no Mikoto, also called Yakurahime no Mikoto, regarded as the same deity as Amaterasu. Its sacred body is said to be Mount Sugio rising behind it, and the shrine hall stands on that mountainside. It is said to have originally been enshrined on the summit of Mount Kinobe behind it. This area was long the heart of Awa province, and the shrine is said to have once been the chief shrine of Awa. The wooded grounds are filled with a stillness that seems to draw visitors back into distant antiquity.

Highlights

• A shrine of deep lineage enshrining Oohirume no Mikoto, regarded as the same deity as Amaterasu
• Mount Sugio, regarded as the sacred body, and the guardian forest enfolding the grounds
• The deep lineage and history, said to have once made it the chief shrine of Awa
• The mysterious pentagonal stone altar, the Tsurugi stone, said to remain at the inner sanctuary

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring young leaves wrap the grounds in soft green, and strolling the approach is pleasant. In summer the shade is cool and stillness spreads within the cry of cicadas. In autumn the calm air lets you feel the history, and in winter the bracing air heightens the mystery of the ancient shrine.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Nishiyano, Kokufu town, Tokushima city, Tokushima
• Access: driving from JR Tokushima Station is convenient; by Tokushima bus it is about a ten minute walk from the Yakurahime guchi stop and similar
• At the eastern foot lies Awa Shiseki Park, with reconstructed ancient dwellings on display and a parking area
• A mountain path leads to the inner sanctuary, so comfortable shoes are recommended
• As a quiet place of prayer, visit respectfully and keep your voice low

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: the daytime in the fresh greenery and foliage seasons is pleasant, and visiting in the bright hours is reassuring
• Time needed: about thirty minutes for the main hall, or around an hour if you continue to the inner sanctuary
• Avoiding crowds: it is a quiet ancient shrine to begin with, and on weekdays there may be almost no one, so it suits those who want an unhurried visit
• Nearby real spots: Awa Shiseki Park at the eastern foot, with reconstructed ancient dwellings and the Tokushima city archaeological museum, the historic sites of Kokufu town, and Mount Kinobe
• Budget sense: worship is free; since the outing centers on strolling, including Awa Shiseki Park, allow for transport and meals
• There are mountain paths and stone steps, so take care underfoot in bad weather or after rain

A Quick Tip

After paying respects at the main hall, try continuing on to the inner sanctuary. Touching the air of grounds guarded by a mound like a burial tumulus and by the sacred mountain, you may feel yourself give way to the flow of timeless ages. Visiting together with Awa Shiseki Park at the eastern foot lets you feel the history of ancient Awa more deeply.

📚 Sources

This article draws mainly on the history published on site by Yakurahime Shrine and the sightseeing information of Tokushima city and Tokushima Prefecture on the historic sites of Kokufu and Awa Shiseki Park. It also reflects the interpretive signs in the precinct, the inner sanctuary, and Awa Shiseki Park. Worship information and mountain path and site conditions may change, so please confirm with the official information of Tokushima city or the relevant bodies before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About thirty minutes for the main hall, or around one hour if you continue to the inner sanctuary.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, as a mountain path leads to the inner sanctuary.
• How to get around: A car is convenient from JR Tokushima Station; Awa Shiseki Park at the eastern foot has parking and is easy to combine.
• Time of day: A visit in the bright hours of the fresh greenery and foliage seasons is pleasant and reassuring.
• Note: There are mountain paths and stone steps, so take care underfoot in bad weather or after rain.