Awashima-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Awashima-jinja is a Shinto shrine perched on a forested hill in Yonago, reached by climbing a stone staircase of 187 steps. The simple wooden structure features a large stone lantern at the entrance and well-maintained stone pathways, with views of Nakaumi Bay from the top.
The shrine traces back to very ancient times, possibly linked to old local legends about gods and their arrival on the land. During the Edo period, the sanctuary was maintained by local lords and remained an important religious site for the community.
The shrine is dedicated to the god Sukunabikona, venerated by the local community for health and protection. Visitors leave handwritten wishes on wooden plaques and make small offerings, revealing the daily religious practices of the place.
The shrine is about 10 minutes by car from Yonago Station and has parking available for visitors. Climbing the stairs requires a moderate pace and is manageable for most people, with an easy return to your car.
A local legend tells of a mermaid whose flesh was eaten by a girl who then remained young for over 800 years. This story is so central to the site's identity that the shrine is visited today for blessings of longevity and good health.
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