"Japan's oldest shrine, where the creator deity rests beneath the altar"
Izanagi Shinto Shrine
Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
On Awaji Island—the first land formed in Japanese creation mythology—stands the shrine built over the tomb of the god who created Japan. Izanagi Shrine enshrines the deity who, with his consort Izanami, churned the primordial ocean and gave birth to the Japanese islands. Here, at one of only 24 shrines bearing the supreme 'Jingu' designation, you stand at the mythological origin of a nation.
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Quick Facts
Location
Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
34.4594, 134.8508
Last Updated
Jan 12, 2026
Learn More
Izanagi Shrine's significance derives from its position in Japanese creation mythology as the resting place of the deity who brought forth the Japanese islands.
Origin Story
In the age before the world took form, Izanagi and Izanami were sent from the High Plain of Heaven to create land from the primordial ocean. Standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, they stirred the waters with a jeweled spear. Drops falling from the raised spear formed the first island, Onogoro. The divine couple descended and created the eight great islands of Japan, beginning with Awaji. Izanami died giving birth to the fire god; Izanagi journeyed to Yomi, the underworld, to retrieve her but fled in horror at her decayed form. After purifying himself—a process that created Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo—Izanagi retired to his Hidden Palace on Awaji to spend his final days. The shrine marks this location.
Key Figures
Izanagi-no-Mikoto
Principal deity enshrined; creator of Japan; buried beneath the main hall
Izanami-no-Mikoto
Co-creator of Japan; Izanagi's consort; jointly enshrined
Spiritual Lineage
Izanagi Shrine is one of only 24 shrines in Japan designated with the supreme 'Jingu' rank, indicating its position at the apex of Shinto sacred sites. The shrine has maintained continuous worship since ancient times and was formally elevated during the Meiji period's reorganization of Shinto.
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