Nestled in the center of Minamiawaji city on Awaji Island, Onokorojima Jinja is a shrine dedicated to the first island created in the Japanese genesis story. Onokorojima was an island bade by the gods Izanagi and Izanami by using a spear to swirl the deformed mass of the mortal world until a piece of that mass dripped off the tip of the spear and became an island. This shrine is supported by the imperial family of Japan and is noted for the massive tori gate which stands in front.

For the casual: 3. For the educated: 3.

Onokorojima Jinja is a cool shrine given its history and location. The shrine itself is a bit of a letdown, but that's only based on the standards instilled from going to shrines in the two biggest hubs of Japan and therefore are subject to serious funding and embellishment. If the Japanese were also as religious as those that follow some other major religions, Onokorojima Jinja would be a massive complex supported by whoever was in power dating back to when the shrine was first built. Sadly that's not how things are, but it is important to remember that the shrine is backed by the imperial family. Awaji Island is a hidden gem in the backyard of the Kansai area. It's an area that most foreigners never even imagine to visit, but please, if you have the chance to visit Awaji and the city of Minamiawaji, please come visit this shrine, because I guarantee that the people who work diligently there every day will be more than happy to give you tips on some special places in town to visit that only the locals know. Hot springs anyone?