Japanese shrines

Izuki Hachimangu

伊豆木八幡宮

Nagano

Izuki Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of warriors. Located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine's name, Izuki, refers to the nearby Izuke River, which is said to be a sacred site for purification.

Izuki Tenmangu

伊豆木天満宮

Nagano

Located in the town of Okuizuki in Nagano Prefecture, Izuki Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a famous Buddhist priest who is enshrined as Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style main hall and a unique five-story pagoda. Visitors can admire the beautiful gardens and enjoy traditional tea ceremonies at the shrine.

Izumi Shrine

伊豆味神社

Okinawa

Izumi Shrine, located in Naha, Okinawa, is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the Ryukyu Kingdom. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Izumi no Okami, who was revered as a god of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture is typical of Ryukyu-style Shinto shrines, featuring a large torii gate and a rectangular main hall with a tiled roof. The shrine complex also includes several smaller shrines and a museum showcasing traditional Ryukyu crafts.

Izumi Shrine

伊豆美神社

Tokyo

Located in the Chiba Prefecture, not Tokyo, Izumi Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity of fertility and prosperity, often associated with rice fields and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with traditional Japanese designs such as a vermillion torii gate and a large wooden hall. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere, making it a serene escape from Tokyo's bustling streets.

Izumi Shrine

出水神社参道

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for its peaceful approach pathway (sando) that leads visitors through a traditional spiritual entrance to the sacred grounds.

Izumi-jinja

出水神社

Kumamoto

Izumo Grand Shrine

出雲大社

Shimane

Located in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Izumo Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most renowned Shinto shrines and the largest Shinto shrine in the country. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami and the storm god Susanoo, it is said to be the ancestral home of Japanese royalty and the place where the imperial family's ancestors descended upon the earth. The shrine's vast grounds cover over 10 hectares, featuring numerous temples, shrines, and gardens, showcasing a mix of ancient and modern architectural styles.

Izumo Jinja

出雲神社

Miyagi

Located in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan, Izumo Jinja is a Shinto shrine that enshrines the god Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of fertility, prosperity, and trade. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a mix of traditional wooden and tiled roofs. Visitors can explore the shrine's various buildings, including the main hall, the shrines dedicated to Inari Okami's siblings Otohime and Fujin, as well as the famous Izumo Taisha Festival, which takes place in October.

Izumo Jinja

出雲神社

Miyagi

Izumo Jinja, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is situated near the coast and is known for its stunning ocean views. According to legend, the shrine was founded by the imperial regent Prince Naka no Ōe in 711 CE. The shrine's main hall was rebuilt in 1869, following a fire that destroyed the original structure. Today, Izumo Jinja is one of Japan's most famous and revered shrines, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Izumo Shrine

出雲神社

Yamaguchi

Izumo Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a regional shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the great deity of nation-building and good fortune. As with other Izumo-affiliated shrines throughout Japan, it serves as a spiritual connection to the grand Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, sharing similar architectural elements and ritual practices while serving the local community.

Izumo Taisha Shrine Tokyo Branch

出雲大社東京分祀

Chiba

Izumo Taisha Shrine's Tokyo Branch is a Shinto shrine located in Chiba Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Oinagisan, a minor kami associated with fertility and agriculture. As part of the Izumo Taisha complex, this branch maintains traditional Japanese architecture and practices, while also serving as an important cultural center for the local community. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a torii gate, shrines, and a museum showcasing the history and traditions of the shrine.

Izumo Taisha Tosa Branch Shrine

出雲大社　土佐分祠

Kochi

A branch shrine of the famous Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, established in Kochi Prefecture to serve the local Tosa region. This shrine maintains the spiritual connection to the main Izumo Taisha while serving the religious needs of the local community in Shikoku.

Izumo-taisya Osaka bunshi Shrine

出雲大社大阪分祠

大阪府 · 堺市

The Izumo-taisya Osaka bunshi Shrine in Osaka's Bayeshi ward is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, patron deity of rice, industry, and fertility. Built in 1889 as a branch shrine of the Hie Shrine in Tokyo, this modest structure reflects its origins as a smaller satellite of a more prominent worship center.

Izusan Shrine

伊豆山神社

Kanagawa

Izusan Shrine, located in the town of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Izu Peninsula. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, during which it was established as a small mountain shrine. Over time, its influence grew, and today it serves as a major Shinto site for locals and tourists alike.

Jaike Shrine

蛇池神社

Gifu

A local Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture whose name translates to 'Snake Pond Shrine,' suggesting historical connections to water worship and serpent mythology common in Japanese folk religion.

Jamongan (Serpentinite)

蛇紋岩

Nagano

Janganji Temple, a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the worship of the serpent deity, Ryujin. The temple's name, Jamongan, translates to 'Serpentinite,' reflecting its unique granite structure. The site's association with the serpent god dates back to the region's rich mythological heritage, where serpents were revered for their strength and adaptability.

Jaou Daigongen Shrine

蛇王大権現

Kochi

A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Jaou Daigongen, a powerful snake deity. The shrine represents the syncretic tradition of gongen worship, where Buddhist and Shinto elements merged to create unique local deities with protective powers.

Jiandō

慈安堂

千葉県 · 君津市

Jiandō Shrine, located in Kintsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of longevity and good health. The shrine's name, Jiandō, roughly translates to 'Hall of Long Life' in English. According to local legend, the shrine was founded by a pious patron who built the original hall to ensure the well-being of their family. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded several times, with the current main hall dating back to the Meiji period.

Jihanki Jinja Shrine

自販機神社

Miyagi

Jihanki Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of vending machines and modern technology. The shrine's primary deity is Hachiman, patron god of war and technology, while also enshrining other kami such as Tsukuyomi, god of moon and communication, and Fujin, god of wind and technology. The shrine's architecture reflects its focus on modernity, with a striking modernist design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding urban landscape. Visitors can experience the shrine's unique energy by visiting during the annual 'Vending Machine Festival', where offerings are made to the kami at vending machines that have been specially decorated for the occasion.

Jin no Hachimangu Shrine

仁ノ八幡宮

Kochi

Jinbei Inari Shrine

甚兵衛稲荷

Ibaraki

Jinbei Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its large number of vermillion torii gates that form a tunnel leading to the inner sanctum, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. According to local legend, the shrine was founded in the 17th century by a peasant who offered his first rice crop to the kami, and it has since become an important pilgrimage site for locals seeking blessings for their livelihoods.

Jingi Taisha Shrine

神祇大社

Shizuoka

Jingi Taisha Shrine, located in the heart of Japan's scenic Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the kami of the heavens, thunder, and lightning, this majestic shrine has been a symbol of power and protection for centuries. The shrine's stunning architecture, adorned with vibrant vermilion torii gates, reflects its historical significance as a center of spirituality and governance.

Jinmei Shrine

神明神社

Chiba

Located in the city of Sakurako, Chiba Prefecture, Jinmei Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's primary deity is believed to be a variant of the god Inari Okami, revered for his association with rice, fertility, and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features traditional wooden architecture and a striking tiled roof. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the annual Jinmei Shrine Festival in October, which celebrates the harvest season.

Jinmeisha

神明社

Gifu