Charms of Minamiboso (7) Awa Shrine

安房神社

The legendary origin of Awa Shrine goes back 2,670 years, when the Imbe family from Shikoku landed in the area. It has been the highest ranked shrine in the Awa area for a long time. The stout shrine building with the blue bronze roof and the forest in the backdrop creates a silent but dignified presence. Locals visit here for special shinto occasions, but the place becomes especially busy with visitors during the New Year holidays. In the crisp, fresh air of New Year’s eve, you are sure to feel a bracing atmosphere to see in the New Year.

安房神社の起源は神話時代、忌部一族が四国からやってきてこの地に降り立った、という2670年前にさかのぼります。以来、安房地域での一ノ宮です。青銅色の屋根のどっしりとした社殿と森に囲まれた境内は、静かでおごそかなたたずまい。様々な行事で地元の人たちが訪れますが、中でも年末年始は参拝客でにぎわいます。大晦日の冷気の中、身が引き締まるような雰囲気で新年を迎えることができますよ。