Table of Contents
Introduction | What is “Awa no Michi,” the Route Connecting Awaji Island and Awa?
The Myth of the Birth of Awaji Island and Its Ancient Faith
2.1. The Birth of Japan’s First Island, Awaji
2.2. Izanagi Shrine and the Return from the Underworld
What “Awa no Michi” Reveals About the Connection Between Awaji and Awa
3.1. Awaji Island as a Key Hub for Transport and Trade
3.2. The Awa Inbe Clan and Shared Faith with Awaji
Awa no Michi as a Spiritual Path
4.1. A Sacred Route Connecting Humans and Gods
4.2. Awa Odori and Awaji Island’s Ritual Culture
Conclusion | The Meaning of “Awa no Michi” in Modern Times

1. Introduction | What is “Awa no Michi,” the Route Connecting Awaji Island and Awa?
Have you ever heard of “Awa no Michi” (The Road to Awa)?

Awaji Island and Awa (present-day Tokushima in Shikoku) have had a deep historical connection since ancient times. While historical records do not provide a detailed account, mythology, place names, and remnants of religious traditions suggest that this relationship goes beyond mere geographical proximity.

This article explores the ancient faith that remains in Awaji Island and delves into the hidden, mystical connection suggested by “Awa no Michi.” By unraveling this unseen path, we aim to uncover the deeper spiritual and historical ties between these regions.


2. The Myth of the Birth of Awaji Island and Its Ancient Faith
2.1. The Birth of Japan’s First Island, Awaji
Awaji Island holds a special place in Japanese mythology as the first island to be created in Japan.

According to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami stirred the ocean with the celestial spear (Ame-no-Nuboko). The brine that dripped from its tip solidified to form Onokoro Island (Self-Coagulating Island), which is believed to be Awaji Island.

This myth suggests that Awaji Island was regarded as the origin of Japan, a sacred land where the gods first set foot.

2.2. Izanagi Shrine and the Return from the Underworld
Awaji Island is home to Izanagi Shrine (Izanagi Jingu), one of Japan’s oldest shrines.

This shrine is said to be the place where Izanagi retreated after losing his wife, Izanami, marking it as a site of divine retirement and spiritual significance. Additionally, some legends suggest that Awaji Island may be linked to Yomi-no-Kuni (the underworld), which Izanagi visited before returning to the land of the living.

As a critical location for maritime travel, Awaji Island has also served as a crucial hub connecting the Japanese mainland and Shikoku since ancient times.

3. What “Awa no Michi” Reveals About the Connection Between Awaji and Awa
3.1. Awaji Island as a Key Hub for Transport and Trade
“Awa no Michi” was not just a route for travel but also a pathway for political, economic, and cultural exchanges.

During the Nara and Heian periods, the Yamato court used Awaji Island as a stepping stone for entering Shikoku, with Fukura Port in southern Awaji serving as a vital link to Awa (Tokushima).

Through this trade route, Awaji Island and Awa shared cultural and religious influences, establishing a deeply rooted connection.

3.2. The Awa Inbe Clan and Shared Faith with Awaji
In Awa (Tokushima), there existed the Awa Inbe Clan (Awa Inbe-shi), an ancient priestly family responsible for sacred rituals and producing ceremonial textiles such as hemp and silk.

The Inbe clan’s influence extended beyond Awa to Awaji Island, the Kii Peninsula, and even the Boso Peninsula in eastern Japan.

Awa is also home to Oasahiko Shrine (Oasahiko Jinja), dedicated to Ame-no-Hiwashi-no-Mikoto, the ancestral deity of the Inbe clan. Interestingly, shrines with similar enshrined deities can also be found on Awaji Island, further strengthening the theory of shared religious traditions.

This suggests that “Awa no Michi” was not merely a geographical route but a sacred pathway for spiritual exchanges between Awaji and Awa.


4. Awa no Michi as a Spiritual Path
4.1. A Sacred Route Connecting Humans and Gods
Ancient paths and maritime routes were not just means of transportation; they were often believed to be spiritual conduits connecting deities and humans.

Awaji Island, as the island of creation, was regarded as a divine realm, while Awa, home to the Inbe clan, was a center of ritual practice. The route connecting these two lands, “Awa no Michi,” may have served as a spiritual road carrying divine energy.

4.2. Awa Odori and Awaji Island’s Ritual Culture
Awa’s famous Awa Odori dance originated as a Bon festival dance, a ritual performed to welcome and send off ancestral spirits. Interestingly, Awaji Island also has a similar Bon dance tradition, hinting at shared religious and cultural practices.

Additionally, both regions hold Shinto festivals involving “Mikoshi Watari” (portable shrines crossing the sea), a ceremony symbolizing deities traveling across the ocean.

These rituals highlight that “Awa no Michi” was not only a trade route but also a sacred passage that continues to live on through local traditions.


5. Conclusion | The Meaning of “Awa no Michi” in Modern Times
“Awa no Michi” was more than just a historical maritime route—it was a mystical path intertwining history, culture, and faith.

Even today, the connection between Awaji Island and Awa can be seen in their shrines, folklore, and festivals, preserving the sacred bond formed over a millennium ago.

This ancient road reminds us that the past and present are linked, the spiritual and physical worlds are connected, and traditional beliefs still shape modern Japan.

Now is the time to rediscover “Awa no Michi” and its hidden significance, as it holds valuable lessons for the future.

This translation preserves the depth of the original article while optimizing readability and engagement for an English-speaking audience. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!