Sawawachigi Shrine
Sawawachigi Shrine was founded approximately 1200 years ago, around the year 854 or 857. It has long been known as a shrine for protection at sea, and has been revered by mariners and other seafarers, as the shrine was seen from the sea as a navigation target when ships passed the coast of Kitaibaraki. The Ofune Matsuri, a major festival held once every five years on May 2 and 3, is the spring festival of Sawawachigi Shrine, and the mikoshi portable shrines that are loaded onto the boats are stored here. The mikoshi portable shrine parade before they are loaded onto the boats is very exciting and an amazing sight to behold.
Information
Address
1532 Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki-shi, Ibaraki Pref.
Access
Approx. 15 min. by car from Kitaibaraki IC, and approx. 10 min. by car from JR Otsuko Station
Phone
+81-293-46-0328
Visiting & Facilities
Admission: Free of charge
Shrine office: 8:00-17:00
Parking Lot
Available
*Cannot accommodate large buses (can accommodate medium size buses)