Awa Shrine

History and Divine Virtue

The ichinomiya — first shrine — of old Awa Province, traditionally dated to the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign. According to shrine tradition, Ame-no-Tomi no Mikoto led the Inbe clan of Awa in Shikoku across to the Boso Peninsula, opened this land, and enshrined his ancestral deity Ame-no-Futodama no Mikoto. Futodama is the deity who presided over the sacred rites when Amaterasu concealed herself in the heavenly rock cave, and is revered as the ancestral deity of all craft and industry. The upper sanctuary enshrines Ame-no-Futodama; the lower sanctuary, Ame-no-Tomi, pioneer ancestor of the Boso region. As a deity connected with the founding of every industry, the shrine draws deep devotion for business prosperity, and in recent years it has come to be spoken of as one of "Japan's three great shrines of money fortune," alongside Kanetsurugi-gu in Ishikawa and Araya-yama Shrine in Yamanashi, drawing worshippers from across the country to pray for wealth and business fortune. The white-sand grounds are bright and refreshing, and together with the mild climate of southern Boso, the shrine is filled with a luminous air.

Visiting Notes

• Custom holds that one should worship at both the upper and lower sanctuaries; the sacred maki tree is also worth seeing.
• Known for prayers for business growth and commercial prosperity, the shrine draws many company owners.
• The shrine lies away from central Tateyama — plan to arrive by car or bus.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Ame-no-Futodama no Mikoto, Ame-no-Tomi no Mikoto

Location

千葉県館山市大神宮 (Chiba)

Access

From Tateyama Station (JR Uchibo Line), take the bus to the Awa-jinja-mae stop

Lineage

Wealth & Prosperity

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.