Japanese shrines

Kawamata Shrine

川俣神社

Kawana Goryo Shrine

川名御霊神社

Kanagawa

Kawana Goryo Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to goryo, or vengeful spirits that have been pacified and transformed into protective deities. Goryo shrines were established to appease the souls of those who died in unfortunate circumstances, particularly nobility who met tragic ends, and to channel their power for protection and blessing rather than curse.

Kawanabe Shrine

河邊神社

岡山県 · 津山市

Kawanabe Shrine, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the water spirit kami, Mimi no Mikoto. The shrine is situated near the Kawanabe River and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, adorned with elegant sliding doors and intricately carved wooden beams.

Kawanabe Shrine

河邊神社

岡山県 · 津山市

Kawanabe Shrine, located in Okayama City, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good fortune and prosperity, Kusunoki Masashige. The shrine is situated on the banks of the Kawanabe River, which flows into the nearby Ikawa River. Founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the shrine has maintained its significance as a revered site for locals seeking blessings and good fortune.

Kawanaka Shrine

川中神社

Yamaguchi

Kawanami Shrine

川併神社

Kawanishi Shrine

川西神社

Hokkaido

Located in the picturesque town of Kawanishi, Hokkaido, Kawanishi Shrine is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the enshrined deity(s) unknown. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a striking main hall and ornate torii gates. Despite its remote location, the shrine attracts visitors drawn to its tranquil atmosphere and connection to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Kawanoe Hachiman Shrine

川之江八幡神社

Hiroshima

A Hachiman shrine located in Hiroshima Prefecture dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin and associated deities. As part of the extensive Hachiman shrine network throughout Japan, it serves the local community as a center for worship of the protective war deity and divine guardian.

Kawara Shrine

加和良神社

Kawaramachi Shinmei Shrine

瓦町神明神社

Kawaramachi Shinmei Shrine is a Shinmei-style shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. As indicated by its name 'Shinmei,' this shrine follows the architectural and religious traditions associated with Ise Grand Shrine, serving as a local center for worship of Japan's most important Shinto deity.

Kawarazawa Yahashira Jinja

河原澤八柱神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kawarazawa Yahashira Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Yahashira, the god of rivers and streams. The shrine is situated near a tranquil pond and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and traditional wooden structures, while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Kawasaki Inari Shrine

川崎稲荷社

Chiba

Kawasaki Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the goddess of rice, Inari Okami, located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, not Chiba (mistake) but originally from Mikage town which is now part of Kawasaki city. The shrine was built in 1646 and is famous for its many vermilion torii gates, a symbol of Shintoism. It attracts millions of visitors each year, primarily to pray for good luck, prosperity, and fertility.

Kawashima Shrine

川島神社

Gifu

A Shinto shrine located in Gifu Prefecture, serving the local community with traditional religious ceremonies and seasonal festivals.

Kawashima Shrine

川嶋神社

Gifu

Kawauchi Daimyojin Shrine

川内大明神

Kochi

Kawauchi Daimyojin is a local Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture, serving as a spiritual center for the surrounding community. The shrine follows traditional Shinto practices and maintains the cultural heritage of the region.

Kawawa Shrine

川勾神社

Kanagawa

Kawawa Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Ninomiya, Kanagawa Prefecture, with origins tracing back over 1,500 years. The shrine is particularly known for its distinctive architecture and historical significance as one of the oldest religious sites in the region. It serves as an important cultural landmark preserving traditional Shinto practices and local heritage.

Kawazu Hachiman Shrine

河津八幡神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Fujioka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazu Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, a kami associated with war and protection. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a Heian-period (794-1185 CE) temple, featuring a traditional Japanese gabled roof and sliding doors. Over time, the shrine has undergone renovations and expansions, including a significant reconstruction during the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Today, visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several shrines dedicated to Hachiman's various aspects and those of other kami such as Inari Okami and Kannon. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'tsukubai' water basin, used for purification rituals.

Kaya-jinja

賀野神社

兵庫県 · 姫路市

Kaya-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of the god of war and prosperity. The shrine's main hall is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, with a vermilion roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and tea at the on-site teahouse.

kayanojinja

萱野神社

Shiga

Located in the picturesque village of Maibara, Kayanojinja Shrine is a serene oasis nestled amidst the rolling hills of Shiga Prefecture. This ancient Shinto shrine has been a place of worship and devotion for centuries, attracting visitors from far and wide with its tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

Kayao-jinja Shrine

萱尾神社

Shiga

Located in the picturesque town of Kotohira, Kayao-jinja Shrine is a minor Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity, Shimenawa no Orochi. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical period, with a main hall built during the Heian era (794-1185 CE). A wooden torii gate, donated by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1630, adds a touch of Edo-era elegance to the grounds. As one of Shiga Prefecture's lesser-known shrines, Kayao-jinja Shrine remains an overlooked gem waiting to be discovered.

Kazahaya Shrine

風早神社

Ibaraki

Kazahaya Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of wind and harvest, Katsuragi no Okami. This shrine is one of the most important centers for the worship of rice, a staple crop in Japan's agricultural society. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical ties to the Kamakura period, with a distinctive octagonal tower known as a 'haiden' that houses the main deity. Kazahaya Shrine also plays a significant role in local festivals and ceremonies, particularly during the autumn harvest season.

Kazan Shrine

崋山神社

Kazaninari Shrine

花山稲荷神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Kazaninari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, Inari Okami. The shrine's name, Kazaninari, translates to 'Great Rice Inari,' reflecting its historical connection to the region's agricultural industry. As one of the oldest shrines in Shiga, Kazaninari has played a significant role in the local community for centuries.

Kaze Shrine

風神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine dedicated to wind deities, particularly significant in Japanese agricultural and maritime traditions. Wind shrines like this one were historically important for communities dependent on favorable weather conditions for farming and sea travel.