Kenga-ike Pond on Kamishima Island
Located on Kamishima Island, Kenga-ike Pond (“Sword Pond”) is one of the five ascetic training sites that remain on the four islands of Tomogashima. When En no Gyoja confined a dragon that had been harassing the islanders to Shinja-ike Pond, legend has it that he prayed for success to the god Sukunahikona no Mikoto, who resided on the island, and obtained an all-powerful sword from Kenga-ike Pond. Tradition holds that the sword remains thrust into Shinja-ike Pond and that the dragon will resume a reign of violence if the sword is removed. According to the mythology described in the ancient historical records Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the enshrinement of the gods Sukunahikona no Mikoto and Ooanamuchi no Mikoto, who created Japan, on Kamishima Island is the origin of Kada Awashima-jinja Shrine.
| Inquiries | Wakayama City Tourism Department 073-435-1234 |
|---|---|
| Address | Kada, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama Prefecture |
| Access | Take a 20 min. boat ride from Kada Port and walk 30 min. from Nonaura Pier Note: Worshipers are limited to the location provided for worship at a distance since there is no way to get to Kamishima Island. |
| Admission | — |
| Hours | — |
| Closed | — |
| Parking | None |