Shiinomiya Hachiman Shrine

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

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.