A place where unspoken feelings blend with the colors of the hydrangeas
Awai Shrine, located in Awai-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a venerable shrine that has long been cherished by the local community.
Stepping into the quiet precincts, the greenery of the trees, the stone steps, and the air—which shifts with the changing seasons—gently soothe the heart.
In early summer, Awai Shrine is especially beloved as the “Hydrangea Shrine.”
Come June, colorful hydrangeas bloom throughout the grounds and the surrounding area; blue, purple, and pink blossoms sway softly in the air, which carries the faint scent of approaching rain.
In the story of Setouchi Whisper, Awai Shrine appears as more than just a scenic spot famous for its beautiful flowers.
It is a place where one might suddenly view someone—someone who has been nearby since childhood—from a slightly different perspective.
It is depicted as the setting for memories that endure across time: feelings left unvoiced, words left unspoken, and a single photograph that arrives unexpectedly in adulthood.
Hydrangeas on a rainy day feel somewhat wistful, yet gentle.
It is a place where the past and present softly overlap, and where you might almost hear the voice of someone dear to you.
In the world of Setouchi Whisper, Awai Shrine is not so much a place where romance begins, but rather a sanctuary where feelings long tucked away in the heart quietly unfurl.
If you visit the town of Kanonji, I encourage you to venture a little further and experience the tranquility of Awai Shrine.
You, too, will surely sense the colors of the hydrangeas that the story’s characters once gazed up at.
Access
Awai Shrine is located in Awai-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
If visiting by car, it is about a 12-minute drive from the Onohara Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway; the shrine is also relatively easy to access from the Kanonji city center.
If using public transportation, it takes about 13 minutes by taxi from either JR Kanonji Station or JR Toyohama Station.
You can also take the “Noriai Bus Awai-Himehama Line” from JR Kanonji Station. However, as the bus runs infrequently, it is advisable to check the schedule in advance.
Parking is available, though the lot can get crowded during the peak hydrangea season or the “Hydrangea Festival.”
If you wish to take your time strolling through the shrine grounds, it is recommended to allow plenty of time for your visit.
Address
1716 Awai-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture