A Sanctuary of Serenity: Discover Awashima Shrine in Moji, Fukuoka

Hidden in the Forest, Guarded by Time

Tucked away in the quiet woodlands of Moji, Kitakyushu City, Awashima Shrine is a sacred site steeped in over 850 years of history. Originally enshrined during the reign of Emperor Rokujō in the late Heian period, the shrine was brought from the famous Awashima Shrine in present-day Wakayama. Revered for its blessings of safe childbirth, fertility, and recovery from illness, this tranquil retreat has long been a place of prayer and protection.

A Sacred Haven for New Beginnings

More than a picturesque forest shrine, Awashima Shrine is a revered destination for those seeking blessings of safe childbirth and fertility. For centuries, women and families from near and far have come to this sacred place to offer prayers for healthy pregnancies and the gift of children. The surrounding nature, ever-changing with the seasons, seems to cradle the shrine in quiet support. Here, nature does not simply decorate the shrine—it amplifies its role as a sanctuary for life's most cherished beginnings.

A Shrine at the Heart of Local Life

On the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd of every month, the shrine hosts the “Sarukui Fureai Market,” a charming local event where visitors can purchase seasonal vegetables, homemade pickles, and traditional delicacies. It's a rare opportunity to connect with the local community and experience the warm, down-to-earth hospitality that defines rural Japan.

A Retreat for the Soul

Awashima Shrine is more than a cultural relic—it is a living, breathing sanctuary where tradition, nature, and spirituality intertwine. For discerning travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan, this shrine offers the chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with heritage, and perhaps with oneself.

Awashima Shrine Official website

◆Address

4 Chome-9-5 Okuda, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 800-0011