Top 5 Highlights of Tokushima’s Premier Power Spot: Oasa Hiko Shrine

Oasa Hiko Shrine is located in Awa Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. This venerable shrine is not only steeped in history and tradition but also renowned as one of the top power spots in the prefecture. People from across and beyond Tokushima flock here to receive its blessings. Being close to the first worship hall, Ryōzenji, it’s also an ideal stop for praying for safe pilgrimages. In this article, we’ve narrowed down the must-see highlights of Oasa Hiko Shrine to five key spots.

*Note: The information presented is as of January 2020.

The Red Torii Gate

Upon arriving at the shrine, your eyes are immediately drawn to the large red torii gate. This iconic gate was once damaged by aging but was rebuilt in 2002. Proceed along the approach path beyond the torii, and you’ll reach the shrine grounds in about 10 minutes.

The path is lined with abundant trees, with the greenery beautifully accentuating the vibrant red of the torii—especially striking on clear days with blue skies.

The Thousand-Year-Old Great Camphor Tree

Beyond the purification font (temizuya) stands a sacred camphor tree, designated as a natural monument of the city. This venerable tree is said to be over a thousand years old, with a height of 22 meters and a trunk circumference of 8.3 meters.

Many worshippers report feeling a divine energy emanating from this ancient tree. Tradition even holds that if you hold out your hand near the tree, you can receive its power—use your right hand to dispel negative energy and your left hand to invite positive energy. However, be careful not to touch it directly so as not to harm this revered natural treasure.

The Main Hall Enshrining Oasa Hiko and Sarutahiko Ōkami

Moving further along, you will encounter the worship hall (haiden), and behind it lies the main hall (honden). In the main hall, two deities are enshrined: Oasa Hiko and Sarutahiko Ōkami. The atmosphere here is particularly solemn and reverent, so be sure to take a moment to view the rear of the worship hall.

■ About Oasa Hiko

Oasa Hiko is the principal deity of the shrine and is believed to be the same as Amenofutodama-no-mikoto from Japanese mythology. According to legend, during the time of Emperor Jimmu, Amenofutodama-no-mikoto’s grandson, Amatomi-no-mikoto, along with the ancestors of the Awa Kimbe clan, migrated to Awa Province and pioneered the cultivation of hemp and paper mulberry. In honor of his achievements—laying the foundation for the production of hemp cloth and cotton—Amenofutodama-no-mikoto was enshrined as the deity of this land.

■ About Sarutahiko Ōkami

Originally enshrined on Mt. Oasa, Sarutahiko Ōkami was later merged into this shrine as a secondary deity. He is famed as the divine guide during the descent of the heavenly grandson (the descent of Ninigi), and during festivals, he leads the portable shrines, appearing in a form reminiscent of a tengu, to drive away misfortunes.

The “German Bridge” and “Megane Bridge”

Past the Nakamiya-sha (the middle shrine), another torii appears, leading you toward further points of interest, including Maruyama Park—a famed spot for autumn foliage—and the subsidiary shrines Maruyama Shrine and Maruyama Inari Shrine. Along the way, two additional attractions stand out: the “German Bridge” and the “Megane Bridge.”

Both bridges were constructed by German soldiers who were held as prisoners of war. But what is the connection between the German military and Naruto City?

■ The Relationship Between the German Military and Naruto City

During World War I, at the behest of its ally Great Britain, Japan attacked the German-controlled territory of Qingdao in China. Following Germany’s defeat, many German soldiers were captured and taken to internment camps across Japan, with about 950 soldiers held in Naruto City.

Despite their status as prisoners, these soldiers were treated with dignity—thanks to the compassionate approach of camp director Toyo Matsue, who ensured they lived with a degree of independence.

Over time, local citizens and the German POWs forged close bonds through shared music and cultural exchanges.

After the war, as the soldiers returned to Germany, they constructed ten bridges in Naruto City as a gesture of gratitude. Two of these bridges—the German Bridge and the Megane Bridge—remain at Oasa Hiko Shrine.

■ German Bridge

Located along the route toward Maruyama Shrine and Maruyama Inari Shrine, this stone bridge was built using German civil engineering techniques, spanning a small valley.

■ Megane Bridge

Accessible via a different route than the torii in front of Nakamiya-sha, this stone bridge, characterized by its twin arches, spans a pond known as “Kongan no Kagami Ike” (Mirror Pond of Fulfilled Wishes).

Warding Off Evil and Embracing Divine Power

The two deities enshrined at Oasa Hiko Shrine are widely revered as protectors against misfortune.

Many visitors come specifically to ward off evil. In front of the worship hall, you will find a purification wand (harai-gushi) which you can use for your own cleansing ritual. Additionally, if you request, a priest can perform a prayer using hemp paper streamers. The shrine also offers various charms for traffic safety, easy childbirth, and other blessings. Purchasing one of these amulets can be a meaningful way to receive divine benefits.

Oasa Hiko Shrine: Gain Power Just by Strolling

Oasa Hiko Shrine is enveloped in a mysterious power, and it’s reputed that simply wandering around can infuse you with positive energy. The deities who ward off misfortune protect you from various hardships, so when touring Tokushima, be sure to stop by for a visit. Additionally, attractions like the German Bridge and Megane Bridge offer a distinct atmosphere worth experiencing. When you visit Oasa Hiko Shrine, be sure to check out the five highlighted spots mentioned above.

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Top 5 Highlights of Tokushima’s Premier Power Spot: Oasa Hiko Shrine