20 Shrines in Tokushima worth your time

A historic shrine at Mount Bizan famous for three thousand azaleas and a dedicated folklore tanuki site.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Bizan in Tokushima City
• Dedicated to the deities Homudawake no Mikoto and Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto
• Moved from Yaso Village to its current location between 1661 and 1673
• The surrounding grounds are officially designated as Shiinomiya Park

What to see

• Approximately 3,000 azalea bushes planted across the shrine grounds
• A smaller shrine dedicated to a tanuki from local folklore
• Two natural springs known as Unryusui and Seiryusui
• Views of the forested slopes of Mount Bizan

When to go

• Visit in May to see the azaleas in full bloom
• The annual grand festival takes place on October 16th

Getting there

• Seven-minute walk from the Sako Nanabancho bus stop

Read more about Shiinomiya Hachiman Shrine

An ancient shrine in Tokushima featuring a massive, split-trunk camphor tree and historical ties to the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

What it is

• An ancient shrine dedicated to the deity Toyouke-hime no Mikoto.
• The site is officially listed in the historical Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• The shrine moved to its current location in 1789.
• Minamoto no Yoshitsune reportedly prayed here for success in battle.

What to see

• A massive camphor tree designated as a Tokushima Prefecture natural monument.
• The tree features a root circumference of approximately 25 meters.
• A unique main trunk that splits into four separate sections.
• The Jijinja secondary shrine located within the main grounds.

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from JR Itano Station.
• A five-minute drive from the Itano Interchange.

Read more about Okanoue Shrine

A historic shrine in Tokushima mentioned in ancient chronicles, dedicated to martial deities and linked to Empress Jingu's legends.

What it is

• A candidate for the ancient Shikinaisha Takefutsu Shrine mentioned in historical records.
• Dedicated to the martial deities Takemikazuchi no Mikoto and Futsunushi no Mikoto.
• The site where the Nihon Shoki records Empress Jingu performing a divination ritual.
• Located in an area formerly known as the village of Akanoda.

What to see

• The main shrine grounds situated in Donari Town within Awa City.
• The Tenmangu sub-shrine located within the sacred precinct.
• The Yamagamingu sub-shrine which stands on the shrine grounds.

Getting there

• The shrine is a ten minute drive from the Donari Interchange.

Read more about Akanta Shrine

A historic shrine in Naruto featuring the oldest main hall in Tokushima Prefecture, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ushihiko-no-mikoto, Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku, and Empress Jingu.
• The original founding date of this historic site is unknown.
• Formerly known as Hachimangu during the Edo period before adopting its current name.
• The original buildings were burned by Chosokabe Motochika during the Tensho era.

What to see

• The main hall is the oldest existing shrine building in Tokushima Prefecture.
• A designated National Important Cultural Property representing regional architectural history.

Getting there

• The shrine is a ten minute walk from Awa-Otani Station.

Read more about Ushihiko Shrine

A historic shrine in Tokushima restored during the Muromachi period, enshrining spirits originally invited from the famous Izumo Taisha.

What it is

• A candidate for the ancient shrine mentioned in the historical Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• Lord Harada Yamato-no-kami restored the site during the Muromachi period.
• Enshrines the deities Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto, Takemikazuchi-no-kami, and Futsunushi-no-kami.
• The current site was formed when Nishinomiya Shrine was merged here in 2000.

What to see

• The Takefutsu shrine crest featuring a circle with crossed swords.
• The Nishinomiya shrine crest depicting a circle with creeping oak leaves.

Getting there

• The site is a ten-minute drive from the Donari Interchange.

Read more about Takefutsu Nishinomiya Shrine

Mountain-top shrine for fishermen and travelers, rebuilt after earthquake, with scenic views.

What it is

• Shinto shrine founded in 724 on Mt. Tsunomine summit.
• Dedicated to Kashihahime-no-Okami, revered by fishermen.
• Rebuilt after the 1946 Nankai earthquake.
• A Beppyo Jinja of the Association of Shinto Shrines.

What to see

• Main hall, offering hall, and worship hall.
• Auxiliary shrine for Oyama-tsumi-no-Okami.
• Sub-shrine Ebisu-Okami, one of the Awa Seven Lucky Gods.

When to go

• Cherry Blossom Festival in spring.
• Autumn Grand Festival in fall.

Getting there

• Drive to the 8th station of Mt. Tsunomine.
• From there, take stairs or a lift to the shrine.

Address

徳島県阿南市津乃峰町東分343 Map

Read more about Tsunomine Shrine

A historic shrine in Tokushima featuring ancient deities and a seventeen-meter wide circular burial mound on its grounds.

What it is

• A candidate for the Engishiki Jinmeicho list formerly known as Heiji Gongen.
• Dedicated to the deities Takefutsu-no-kami, Futsunushi-no-kami, Oyamatsumi-no-kami, and Kotoshironushi-no-kami.
• A religious site located in Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture.

What to see

• A circular burial mound called Takefutsu Kofun with a seventeen-meter diameter.
• The Tenmangu and Yamagamigu sub-shrines located within the precinct.
• The main grounds of the shrine and its historical structures.

Getting there

• The shrine is a fifteen-minute drive from the Donari Interchange.

Read more about Takefutsu Shrine

Enomiya Shrine is a historic site dedicated to the goddess of houses and construction.

What it is

• Identified as Ootomahime Shrine in ancient records.
• Only shrine enshrining Ootomabe no Mikoto.
• Main deity is the god of houses and construction.
• Received the rank of Jugoige in 874.

What to see

• Shrine crest is a paulownia with five and seven leaves.
• Ootomabe no Mikoto is a goddess from the Age of Gods.
• Ootoshigami is the god of grain and agriculture.
• Wakatakehiko no Mikoto is a prince of Emperor Korei.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on November 3rd.

Getting there

• Take Tokushima City Bus from JR Tokushima Station.

Address

徳島県徳島市上八万町上中筋558 Map

Read more about Enomiya Shrine

A historic mountain-top shrine founded in 1655, offering deep connections to ancient deities and the legendary Nitta clan.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded in 1655 at the summit of Mount Igasa
• Dedicated to the primary deity Ame-no-futagami-no-mikoto
• Rebuilt in 1729 and considered a candidate for the ancient Takefutsu Shrine
• Believed by some to enshrine members of the historic Nitta clan

What to see

• The main shrine structure dating back to the 1729 reconstruction
• Views from the summit of Mount Igasa where the shrine stands

Getting there

• Accessible by car via the Donari Interchange
• Located along National Route 318 and Prefectural Road 139

Read more about Igasa Shrine

Katsuragi Shrine, founded in 1053, is a pilgrimage site with unique cultural properties and a healing well.

What it is

• The 6th sacred site of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.
• Founded during the Tenki era (1053-1058).
• Dedicated to the deity Hitokotonushi-no-kami.

What to see

• Shrine grounds include Okuni-sha and Kai-jinja.
• The 'Goshinsui' well is known for eye treatment.
• Memorial mounds for knives and glasses.

When to go

• Autumn festival is held on November 5th.
• See the 'Neri' of the Yakko procession, a cultural property.

Getting there

• Take a bus from JR Naruto Station.
• Then, a 15-minute walk to the shrine.

Address

徳島県鳴門市北灘町粟田字池谷2 Map

Read more about Katsuragi Shrine

A mountain shrine dedicated to ancient deities, offering unique natural and historical sights.

What it is

• A shrine on Mt. Tsurugi, at 1420m altitude.
• Dedicated to Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto, Emperor Antoku, Susanoo-no-mikoto.
• Renamed Tsurugi Shrine in the early Meiji era.
• Became a prefectural shrine in 1873.

What to see

• The main shrine, Okutsurugi Shrine, at 1810m.
• Otoseki, a large sacred rock at Okutsurugi Shrine.
• Tsurugisan Oshikimizu, a source of the Iya River.

When to go

• Annual mountain opening ceremony on April 29th.

Getting there

• Minokoshi is a 90-minute drive from Mima Interchange.

Address

徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生201 Map

Official site

www.ctm.ne.jp

Read more about Tsurugi Shrine

Sata Shrine honors local deities and the Mori family, featuring unique architecture and a vibrant autumn festival.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-mikoto and Kaizumi-no-mikoto.
• Also enshrines Sata Kurobe-no-mikoto, ancestor of the Mori family.
• Relocated from Tosadomari in Naruto City.

What to see

• Main shrine building constructed during the Kansei era.
• Honden, Heiden, and Haiden are major buildings.
• Emaden, Mikoshigura, and Shinmeisha are also on grounds.
• Grave of Mori Tadamura is enshrined here.

When to go

• Autumn Grand Festival features a marine procession.
• Autumn Grand Festival is also called Daradara Matsuri.

Address

徳島県阿南市椿泊町東85 Map

Read more about Sata Shrine

Higashiōji Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to Izanami-no-Mikoto, worth visiting for its historical significance.

What it is

• Shrine established on March 11, 783.
• Dedicated to the deity Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Three shrines merged here on November 16, 1912.

What to see

• Wakamiya-sha enshrines Emperor Nintoku.
• Located at the foot of Mount Kien.
• Morimoto-in Temple is south of the shrine.

When to go

• Kayuura-sai festival is on the 14th night of the old New Year.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from JR Tokushima Line Ishii Station.
• 35-minute drive from Aizumi Interchange on Tokushima Expressway.

Address

徳島県名西郡石井町石井蟹谷2034 Map

Read more about Higashiōji Shrine

Historic Hachiman Shrine offers cultural heritage and seasonal festivals near Mount Bizan.

What it is

• A Hachiman shrine, originally from Iyo Province.
• Moved to current site on June 15, 1697.
• Designated a village shrine in 1873.

What to see

• Zuishinmon gate, built in the mid-Edo period.
• Zuishinmon gate is a city cultural property.
• Main shrine building, rebuilt in April 1987.

When to go

• New Year Kagura Festival on January 15.
• Summer festival is held on July 3.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Awa-Tomida Station.
• Awa-Tomida Station is on the JR Mugi Line.

Address

徳島県徳島市伊賀町1丁目7番地 Map

Read more about Hachiman Shrine (Tokushima City)

Kasuga Shrine in Tokushima City is a historic site with unique springs and subordinate shrines.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to four deities, including Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto.
• Enshrines same deities as Kasuga Taisha in Nara Prefecture.
• Originated from a Kasuga shrine in Yamato Province.
• Designated a prefectural shrine in 1873.

What to see

• Kasuga-sui, a spring from the Bizan spring group.
• Toyotamahime Shrine, a subordinate shrine.
• Wakamiya Shrine, a subordinate shrine.
• Akiba Shrine, a subordinate shrine.

Getting there

• About 5 minutes by car from JR Tokushima Station.

Address

徳島県徳島市眉山町大滝山1 Map

Read more about Kasuga Shrine

Ōji Shrine, or "Cat God," offers unique cultural insights and blessings for academic and business success.

What it is

• A shrine affectionately known as "Nekogami-san" (Cat God).
• Also called "Ōjin-san."
• Dedicated to a prince of Amaterasu Ōmikami.
• Enshrines Omatsu Daimyōjin and Otama Daimyōjin.

What to see

• The enshrined deity Amatsuhikone-no-mikoto.
• Shrine known for academic achievement and business prosperity.

Getting there

• Tokushima City Bus to "Bunka no Mori" stop.
• Bus to "Sonosebashi" stop, then walk 10 minutes.
• Bus to "Ichihara" stop, then walk 20 minutes.

Address

徳島県徳島市八万町向寺山55 Map

Official site

oujijinja.com

Read more about Ōji Shrine

Kenmi Shrine, founded in the 5th century, offers mountain views and ancient festivals.

What it is

• Ancient shrine in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Founded in the late 5th century.
• Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Emperor Ojin.
• Affectionately known as "Kenmi-san."

What to see

• Main hall, renovated in 1888 and 1975.
• Worship hall, renovated in 1975.
• Views from an altitude of 400m.

When to go

• New Year's Day festival on January 1.
• Spring Festival on April 15 and 16.
• Summer Festival on July 15 and 16.
• Autumn Grand Festival on October 15 and 16.

Address

徳島県三好市山城町寺野112 Map

Read more about Kenmi Shrine

Hanoura Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine with multiple enshrined deities, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Renamed Hanoura Shrine in 1890.
• Twenty-three shrines merged into this one in 1890.
• Designated a prayer place by Hachisuka Yoshishige in 1603.

What to see

• Enshrines Hōda wake no mikoto.
• Enshrines Awa ya wake no mikoto.
• Enshrines Ame no miya ne no mikoto.
• Enshrines Kotoshiro nushi no mikoto.
• Enshrines Sugawara no Michizane no mikoto.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from JR Mugi Line Hanoura Station.

Address

徳島県阿南市羽ノ浦町中庄千田池32 Map

Read more about Hanoura Shrine

Katsura Shrine, a historic site with multiple enshrined deities, is a short walk from Jizobashi Station.

What it is

• A shrine in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Called Sugio Daimyojin until 1875.
• Mainly enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
• Susanoo-no-Mikoto was enshrined here.

What to see

• Shrine dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto.
• Shrine dedicated to Suseri-hime-no-Mikoto.
• Shrine dedicated to Sukuna-bikona-no-Mikoto.
• Shrine dedicated to Tamagushi-hime-no-Mikoto.
• Shrine dedicated to Oyamatsumi-no-Mikoto.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Jizobashi Station.

Address

徳島県徳島市勝占町中山26 Map

Read more about Katsura Shrine

Tokushima Bizan Tenjinsha is a historic shrine dedicated to learning, easily accessible from Tokushima Station.

What it is

• A shrine in Tokushima, Japan.
• Dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane.
• Originated from a wooden statue of Tenjin.
• Built at the current site in 1809.

What to see

• Sub-shrines Kujin Daimyojin and Inari Daimyojin.
• Located at the foot of Mount Bizan.

When to go

• New Year's Festival on January 1st.
• Coming of Age Ceremony on January 15th.
• Annual Festival on July 24th.

Getting there

• 11-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.

Address

徳島県徳島市眉山町天神山1 Map

Official site

www.bizan-tenjinsha.org

Read more about Tokushima Bizan Tenjinsha