Japanese shrines

Amaterasu Daijingu

天照大神宮

Kanagawa

A shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon. As indicated by the title 'Daijingu', this shrine holds special significance in venerating the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family.

Amaterasu Kodai Jinja

天照皇大神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Amaterasu Kodai Jinja Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto goddess Amaterasu, who is considered the symbol of the sun and the emperor. The shrine's name, meaning 'Great Heavenly Deity Shrine,' reflects its importance as a sacred site for the imperial family and the worship of the sun goddess.

Amaterasu Kotaijingu

天照皇大神宮

Kanagawa

A shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon. As indicated by the name Kotaijingu, this shrine holds special significance in venerating the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family.

Amaterasu Kotaijingu Shrine

天照皇大神

Nara

A shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon. As the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family, Amaterasu holds the highest position in Japanese mythology and religious practice.

Ame-no-Mikumari Shrine

天水分神社

Nara

An ancient Shinto shrine in Nara dedicated to Ame-no-Mikumari-no-Kami, a deity responsible for the distribution and management of water. The shrine is particularly revered for its connection to agricultural irrigation and water resources, playing an important role in local farming communities. As one of the traditional Mikumari shrines, it serves as a spiritual center for prayers related to rainfall, water supply, and agricultural prosperity.

Ame-no-Minakanushi Shrine

天御中主神社

Kagoshima

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, the primordial deity of the universe's center according to Japanese mythology. This kami represents the fundamental creative force and cosmic order.

Ame-no-Minakanushi Shrine

天御中主神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, the primordial deity who appears first in Japanese creation mythology. This kami is considered the supreme divine being who existed before the formation of heaven and earth, representing the center of the universe and cosmic order.

Amemiya Shrine

雨宮神社

Kumamoto

Amemiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to rain and weather deities. The name 'Amemiya' literally means 'rain shrine,' reflecting its primary function as a place of worship for agricultural communities seeking favorable weather conditions.

Amenofuchikomajinja shrine

天之斑駒神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Amenofuchikomajinja Shrine is dedicated to the deity Amenofuchi-koma, a kami associated with good fortune, prosperity, and protection. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Naka River and features a unique architecture style typical of Heian-period shrines in the region.

Amenokoyane Jinja Shrine

天児屋根神社

石川県 · 白山市

Located in Kakuma-cho, Kamikawa-machi, Whitey City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Amenokoyane Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of a legendary mountain spirit from the Noto region. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture. Its historical note dates back to 1716 when it was rebuilt after an earthquake. Today, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Amenominakanushi Shrine

天御中主神社

Kagoshima

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Amenominakanushi-no-Mikoto, the primordial deity of the center of heaven according to Japanese mythology. This kami is considered the first of all deities and represents the original creative force of the universe.

Amenominakanushi Shrine

天御中主神社

Kochi

A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Amenominakanushi-no-kami, the primordial deity who stands at the center of heaven according to Shinto cosmology. This kami is revered as the supreme deity and the source of all creation in the universe.

Amenomiyanimasuhiyoshi Shrine

雨宮坐日吉神社

Nagano

Amenomiyanimasuhiyoshi Shrine, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami. This shrine is particularly notable for its unique architectural style and historical significance as one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine's primary enshrinement is dedicated to Inari Okami, a kami associated with rice, fertility, and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture, including the Haiden (main hall) and the Honden (main shrine), which houses a sacred mirror and ema (wooden prayer posts). The shrine is also famous for its 'hakama-tsuki no machi' or 'sacred dress festival', where devotees dress up in traditional hakama garments to pray and offer prayers.

Amida-do

阿弥陀堂

Okayama

Amida-do, located in the Okayama prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Buddhist deity Amida Bodhisattva. This unique blend of Buddhist and Shinto traditions reflects the cultural exchange that took place in Japan during the Edo period. The shrine's architecture, inspired by traditional Japanese design, features a distinctive torii gate adorned with intricate carvings and ornate details. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred space, where both Shinto and Buddhist practices coexist.

Ana Hachiman Shrine

穴八幡宮

東京都 · 新宿区

Ana Hachiman Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku district, is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the deity Hachiman, patron god of warriors and messenger kami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and a rectangular main hall. According to local legend, the shrine was founded by Emperor Chuo in 746 CE, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

Anagami Shrine

穴神神社

Kochi

A Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture, known for its connection to cave or underground spiritual practices as suggested by its name containing the character for 'hole' or 'cave'.

Anaguri Shrine

穴栗神社

Nara

Anamori Inari Shrine

穴守稲荷神社

Kanagawa

Anamori Inari Shrine is a prominent Inari shrine located in Haneda, known for its distinctive red torii gates and its history of protection for the local area. The shrine was particularly revered by fishermen and local residents for bringing good fortune and protecting against disasters. Originally situated closer to Tokyo Bay, the shrine has adapted to the changing landscape of the area while maintaining its spiritual significance.

Anamori-Inari shrine

穴守稲荷神社

Chiba

Anamori-Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fukuda, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility, and is known for its numerous fox statues, which are believed to be messengers of the god. Visitors can explore the shrine's many torii gates, shops, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for those interested in Japanese culture and history.

Anazawa Tenjinsha

穴澤天神社

Tokyo

Anazawa Tenjinsha is a Shinto shrine located in the Minato Ward of Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, also known as Tenjin, who was a revered figure in Japanese history and culture. According to legend, Tenjin was a powerful Buddhist priest who played a key role in bringing Buddhism to Japan from China. He is said to have been a close advisor to Emperor Saga and was instrumental in the unification of Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a tiled roof and wooden torii gate. Visitors can admire the beautiful garden and tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful oasis in the midst of bustling Tokyo.

Ancestral Spirit Shrine

祖霊舎

Kochi

A shrine dedicated to ancestral spirits, representing the traditional Japanese practice of honoring deceased family members and ancestors through Shinto ritual observance.

Ancestral Spirits Shrine

祖霊社

A shrine dedicated to the veneration of ancestral spirits (sorei), representing the deep-rooted Japanese tradition of honoring deceased family members and community founders. These shrines serve as sacred spaces where the spirits of ancestors are believed to reside and continue to watch over their descendants.

Ando Shrine

安藤神社

Kochi

Anjo Benzaiten Shrine

安城弁財天

A shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess who became integrated into Shinto practice. Benzaiten is revered as a deity of water, music, eloquence, and wisdom, often depicted playing a biwa (traditional lute).