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Standing by the seaside, bathed in the sea breeze, the locals have long cherished this shrine as the birthplace of fragrant wood. Fragrant wood measuring over 2 meters is enshrined there and has been revered for generations by the guardians of the incense industry on Awaji Island, which boasts the highest production volume in Japan and is a symbol of a spiritual home. In 2019, after 44 years, the aging shrine was restored, continuing to embody the essence of fragrance culture in Japan.
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It is a shrine that enshrines the two gods "Izanagi no Mikoto" and "Izanami no Mikoto," who are recorded as the first couple in Japanese mythology. In a shrine enveloped in pure air, two trees are connected, and now, the "Husband and wife giant camphor tree" stands as one. With a history of 900 years, this great tree is believed to house the spirits of the two gods and is revered for granting marital harmony, safe childbirth, fertility, and matchmaking to those who pray.
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Located on a small hill overlooking the town and the sea in the Ei district, which is the heart of incense production on Awaji Island, is a revered site worshipped as sacred since ancient times. Within its grounds stands the "Five-storied memorial pagoda" dedicated to the pioneers who contributed to the development of the local incense industry, which is said to have begun in Kaei 3 (1850). Every year, on the day of the autumnal equinox in September, a memorial service is held to honor these pioneers and pray for the continued prosperity of the industry.
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In the past, shipping wholesalers lined the streets surrounding the port, and the town still retains the remnants of its prosperity, which were so great that it was said that "seventy percent of Awaji's wealth was gathered in the Ei district." The incense industry on Awaji Island was born as a countermeasure against the winter downturn for sailors who lost their jobs in the winter due to the harsh seasonal winds. Today, the town has replaced the shipping wholesalers, and many incense factories line the streets. The history of the area can be sensed in the distinctive fragrance of the incense and the sea breeze that wafts through the air.
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Parchez is a theme park with a unique "fragrance" concept, located in a hilly area surrounded by sea and mountains, which is rare in Japan. Visitors can enjoy activities such as gathering herbs, workshops for making incense and perfumes, discovering gourmet cuisine using herbs and locally sourced ingredients, and natural hot springs with accommodation facilities. The park cultivates around 100 types of herbs, allowing visitors to experience different fragrances according to the season and participate in various programs using these herbs, which adds to its charm.