What is Izanagi Shrine?
Izanagi Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Japan. The establishment of Izanagi Shrine, also called Izanagi-jingu Shrine is recorded in the oldest Japanese texts, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It is said to be the remains of the residence of the god Izanagi, who built the shrine to spend the rest of his days in, after entrusting his powers to his daughter, Amaterasu Ōmikami. Facing his eventual demise, Izanagi constructed a tomb at his Taga residence on Awaji Island. Izanagi Shrine was built around this tomb’s relics and is the oldest shrine in Japan.
Izanagi Shrine Origins
According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, after the god Izanagi entrusted the rule of the land to his daughter, Amaterasu Ōmikami, he retired to Awaji Island—the first island to be created—to spend the rest of his days.
Kakurinomiya
The first chapters of the Nihon Shoki are written; ‘Izanagi no Mikoto, his divine task having been accomplished… built himself an abode of gloom on the island of Awaji, where he dwelt forever in silence and concealment’. After handing over rule to his daughter, Amaterasu, Izanagi retired to Awaji Island – the first island to be born from the holy couple, Izanagi and Izanami – to spend the rest of his days. This place, Izanagi’s final resting place, became the current Izanagi Shrine – the oldest shrine in Japan.
＜Izanagi Shrine Must-Visit Spots＞
1) Husband and Wife Tree
画像提供：伊弉諾神宮
This spot is part of Hyogo Prefecture’s designated natural heritage site. The 900-year-old tree began as two separate stumps and eventually grew into one tree. It is worshipped within Izanagi Shrine as a sacred tree housing the spirits of Izanagi and Izanami. Edo-period maps also listed it as a miraculous camphor tree with entwined branches, and worshippers still come to pray for conception, safe birth, and happy marriage.
2) Shinto Blessing Experience
On rare occasions, Izanagi Shrine offers the opportunity to receive a traditional Shinto blessing. The experience begins at the temizuya (手水舎), the purification fountain, where you wash your hands to cleanse both body and spirit before passing through the shrine’s tamagaki (玉垣), a sacred fence marking the transition into the holy grounds. A priest will then greet you and guide you to the worship hall, or haiden (拝殿), an open-air structure with a roof but no walls, allowing nature to flow freely through the space. Once there, the solemn ceremony at Izanagi Shrine begins.
Picture： Izanagi Shrine (Front)
Main Building: Izanagi Shrine
Izanagi Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, visited by many people from all around the world
| Name | Izanagi Jingu Shrine/Izanagi Shrine |
| Address | 740 Taga, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 〒656-1521 |
| TEL | 0799-70-1010 (10:00-16:00) |
Izanagi Shrine is one of the most significant sites for understanding the birth history of Japan. Awaji Island is home to many other locations where you can further explore this rich history. For more information, check out the article below.
