Awashima Shrine

Awashima Shrine (淡嶋神社, Awashima Jinja), located near Kada Port in Wakayama, is famous for its unique connection to women’s health, fertility, and the Dolls Festival. Each year on March 3, the shrine hosts the “Hina Nagashi” ritual, where dolls representing the Imperial Family are floated out to sea in tiny wooden boats with messages of gratitude and prayers. Thousands of dolls, sent from across Japan, fill the shrine grounds, creating a one-of-a-kind and colorful display.

This centuries-old shrine is considered the head of over 1,000 Awashima shrines nationwide. Its bright vermilion hall and the nearby Treasure Hall showcase ancient dolls, including some from the Tokugawa era. Some dolls are believed to have mystical powers—like growing hair or healing abilities. Visitors can explore charming local seafood spots nearby and even pass through a sacred pillar for good health. The ocean views, especially at sunset, are said to be poetic.