[2024 Wakayama Attraction] Travel Guide for Awashima Shrine (Updated Oct)

Our friends took us to this quite small shrine and we were immediately fascinated by all the small statues that people had left there as gifts or something (was a bit confused as to the reasoning). The dolls are just beautiful and there are so many of them !!! We were also amazed at the areas where specific animal items had been left, for example heaps of small pigs including money box pigs, frog garden ornament type items etc. We also enjoyed learning about the water cleansing and the ringing of the bells and the clapping hands. You can also buy a small piece of fortune paper that our Japanese friend translated as very good luck. Highly recommend if you're in this area as not crowded and very different to other shrines because of the dolls and animal statues. #givethanks #givethanks

Awashima Shrine, a Unique Attraction in Kada, Wakayama

Awashima Shrine in Kada, Wakayama is a recommended tourist spot. Located by the seaside of Kada, Awashima Shrine is a well-known attraction and a shrine where Japanese people hold beliefs about dolls and figurines. It is very popular among tourists. Inside the shrine, there is a variety of series and dolls, figurines, Daruma, and other items that people bring to place there. First, you need to go to the service counter to remove accessories, stands, and nails, and then hand them over to the staff for recycling. The staff will arrange the subsequent placement. The shrine also holds a blessing ceremony for babies' full-month celebrations, making it a very unique shrine. There is also a famous local seafood restaurant nearby where you can enjoy a meal.