Awashima Shrine Tanabata Festival

Awashima Shrine on the coast of Kada in Wakayama City is the head shrine of Awashima shrines nationwide, widely known for the many dolls packed across its grounds and for its doll memorial rites. Its deity is revered as a guardian of women and a god of sewing and weaving, with a deep connection to Tanabata, so a Tanabata festival is held in summer. The grounds are decorated with Tanabata bamboo where worshippers tie wish cards, praying for good matches and progress in handicrafts and the arts. Set in scenic Kada overlooking the Kitan Strait, it can be enjoyed with the sea breeze, and is especially popular among women.