Japanese shrines

Iwata Hachiman Shrine

岩田八幡宮

Iwata Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the deified Emperor Ojin who serves as the patron deity of warriors and protector of Japan. As a Hachiman shrine, it forms part of the extensive network of shrines honoring this important war deity throughout Japan.

Iwato Hachimangu Shrine

岩戸八幡宮

Yamaguchi

Iwato Hachimangu is a Hachiman shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin and associated deities. The shrine serves the local community as a place of worship for the war god Hachiman, who is also revered as a protector of warriors and the nation.

Iwato Ochiba Shrine

岩戸落葉神社

Kyoto

Iwato Ochiba Shrine, located in Kyoto Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the sacred tree, Ochiba. The shrine's name, Iwato, translates to 'tree stump,' referring to its unique origins as a memorial for Prince Shotoku, who died at the site. The shrine was rebuilt in 1885 after the original structure burned down. Today, visitors can explore the serene garden and historic buildings while paying respects to Ochiba, the guardian of the forest.

Iwato Shrine

岩戸神社

Shiga

Iwato Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, which is said to be the final resting place of Prince Shotoku, a prominent figure in Japanese history. According to legend, Prince Shotoku was buried on this site after his death in 621 CE, and since then, the shrine has been an important pilgrimage destination for those seeking blessings and good fortune.

Iwatotsuko Wakegi Shrine

石都々古和気神社

Fukushima

A historic shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to Ajisukitakahikone no Mikoto, known for its ancient origins and connection to local agricultural prosperity. The shrine serves as an important spiritual center for the surrounding community.

Iwatsurugi Shrine

岩剣神社

Kagoshima

A Shinto shrine located in Kagoshima Prefecture, distinguished by its name which combines 'iwa' (rock) and 'tsurugi' (sword), suggesting possible connections to sacred stones or legendary weapons in Japanese mythology.

Iwauchi-Jinja shrine

岩内神社

石川県 · 能美市

Located in the city of Namerikawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Iwauchi-Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection and prosperity of the area. The shrine's name, Iwauchi, roughly translates to 'rock cave,' which may refer to the geological features surrounding the site or the traditional dwelling style of the local inhabitants.

Iwaya Shrine

岩屋神社

Nagano

Iwaya Shrine, located in the Nakamachibayashi neighborhood of Nagano City, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deities) of the Iwaya family. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a rural shrine, with a traditional wooden torii gate and a rustic honden. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Iwaya Shrine

岩屋神社

Kochi

A Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture, known for its cave-like setting or rock formations as suggested by its name 'Iwaya' meaning 'rock cave'.

Iwaya Shrine

岩屋神社

Oita

A cave shrine built into natural rock formations, representing the ancient Japanese tradition of sacred cave worship. The shrine's name literally means 'rock cave,' reflecting its unique architectural integration with the natural landscape.

Iwaya-jinja Shrine

岩屋神社 (Iwaya-jinja Shrine)

Hyogo

Located in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Iwaya-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, known as the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a key stopover on the famous Katsuren Kaido Road, which connected Osaka with Hiroshima during the Edo period. The shrine's wooden torii gate, designed in the traditional Heian style, is particularly notable for its beauty and historic value.

Iwayama Inari Shrine

岩山稲荷

Ibaraki

Iwayama Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning autumn foliage. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's grounds, which include a peaceful pond, walking trails, and various types of trees, including maple and cherry.

Iyahiko Jinja

伊夜日子神社

北海道 · 札幌市

Iyahiko Jinja, located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Iyahiko, revered by locals as a guardian deity of the city and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate and a serene garden. Its history dates back to the 19th century, with records indicating that it was initially established as a small shrub, but has since grown into a thriving spiritual hub for Sapporo residents.

Iyataka Shrine

彌高神社

Akita

Iyataka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Inari. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Iyato-jinja Shrine

射矢止神社

Hyogo

Iyato-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of arrows and protection. The shrine's name, Iyato, refers to the concept of 'arrow stop' or 'bullet stop,' indicating its historical role as a sacred site for archers and hunters. The shrine's architecture and design reflect traditional Japanese styles, with a focus on harmony with nature. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several scenic walking paths, including a path dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, patron deity of rice and fertility.

Izanagi Shrine

伊弉諾神宮

Hyogo

Izanagi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Izanagi, one of the two main deities who created Japan along with his wife Izanami. The shrine is said to be the site where the imperial family descended from the gods and features traditional Japanese architecture and decorations. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the surrounding forest while paying respects to Izanagi at this serene shrine.

Izanagi Shrine

伊佐奈岐宮拝殿

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto, one of the primordial creator deities in Japanese mythology. Izanagi is revered as the divine father who, along with Izanami, created the Japanese islands and gave birth to numerous kami including Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

Izanagi Shrine Main Hall

伊佐奈岐宮本殿

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto, one of the primordial creator deities in Japanese mythology. The shrine houses the main hall (honden) where the deity is enshrined and worshipped.

Izanami-no-Miya Main Hall

伊佐奈彌宮本殿

A shrine dedicated to Izanami-no-Mikoto, one of the primordial creator deities in Japanese mythology. As the female half of the divine couple who created the Japanese islands, Izanami is revered as a mother goddess and deity of creation and life.

Izanami-no-miya Shrine

伊佐奈彌宮拝殿

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Izanami-no-Mikoto, one of the primordial creator deities in Japanese mythology. The shrine serves as a place of worship for the goddess who, together with Izanagi, created the Japanese islands and gave birth to numerous kami.

Izawa Shrine

伊雜社

One of the most sacred auxiliary shrines of Ise Grand Shrine, located in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Known as the 'remote sanctuary' of Ise Shrine, it enshrines Amaterasu-Omikami and is considered equally sacred to the main Ise shrines.

Izokosha

伊雑皇社

Nagano

Izokosha Shrine, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period and was originally a small shrine serving the local community. Over time, it has grown into a significant Shinto site. Despite its modest size, the shrine is notable for its well-preserved architecture, which reflects traditional Japanese design principles.

Izu Jinja

伊豆神社

Nagano

Izu Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Izu, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of the same name, it is one of the few shrines dedicated to the god of the sea and earthquakes in Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's history as an important center for trade and navigation, with a simple yet elegant design that has been preserved over time.

Izu-San Shrine Head Shrine Building

伊豆山神社 本宮社

Kanagawa

Izu-San Shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the mountain god and protector of fishermen, Izu San. The shrine's primary enshrinement is the deity Inari Ō-no-mikoto, revered for its fertility and abundance. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including the Heian-style main hall and the vermilion torii gate. The shrine is also famous for its ritual dances performed during the annual Cherry Blossom Viewing festival.