Warei Shrine
和霊神社
A shrine dedicated to Yamaga Seibei Kimiyori, a loyal retainer of the Uwajima domain. Its Warei Grand Festival and Ushioni Festival in late July are the largest summer festivals in the Nanyo region.
Warei Shrine was founded in 1653 and enshrines the loyal retainer Yamaga Seibei Kimiyori, who was wrongly executed. He is revered as a guardian deity of the Nanyo area. The large stone torii in front of the shrine is said to be one of the largest stone torii in Japan, and the main hall is imposing. The Warei Grand Festival and Uwajima Ushioni Festival, held July 22 to 24 each year, is the liveliest time to visit. Giant ushioni floats, with bull heads and demon bodies, parade through the streets. On the final night, the dramatic rush of the mikoshi (portable shrine) through the Suga River, along with fireworks and Bon dances, makes an unforgettable sight. The shrine is open to visitors at other times and is about 10 minutes' walk from Uwajima Station.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Ryukoin Temple
- Uwajima Bullfighting Arena
- Michi-no-Eki Uwajima Kisaiya Hiroba
- Uwajima Castle
- Uwajima City Historical Museum
- Date Museum
- Tenshaen Garden
- Nametoko Gorge