Japanese shrines

Mihizuka Shrine

御日塚神社

Gifu

Mihizuka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to Emperor Nintoku, the legendary 16th Emperor of Japan. The shrine serves as a local center of worship and community gatherings, maintaining traditional Shinto practices and seasonal festivals.

Miho Kashima-jinja Shrine

御穂鹿嶋神社

Chiba

Miho Kashima-jinja Shrine, located in the scenic town of Miho in Chiba Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of the same name. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mt. Tama and is famous for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and historic significance as a stopping point on the ancient trade route known as the Nakasendo.

Miho Shrine

美保神社

Tottori

Located in the scenic town of Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, Miho Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to the sea goddess Otohime, patron deity of the island of Shikoku and wife of the ocean god Ryujin. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with traditional Japanese-style buildings and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

Miho Shrine

御穂神社

Shizuoka

Miho Shrine, located in the city of Katsuura, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. The shrine's name, 'miho,' means 'sun' or 'bright,' reflecting its connection to the celestial deity. Built during the Edo period, the shrine's architecture blends traditional and modern elements, showcasing the cultural harmony of Japan. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and tranquil pathways that reflect the tranquility of nature.

Miho Shrine

三穂神社

岡山県 · 奈義町

Miho Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of grain, rice, and fertility in the city of Nanyo, Okayama Prefecture. The shrine's main building is a wooden structure with a tiled roof, typical of traditional Japanese architecture from the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine complex also features several small shrines and altars dedicated to various kami, including the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of war Susanoo.

Mihokitama Shrine

御舳玉神社

Mihono Inari Shrine

三保野稲荷

千葉県 · 君津市

Mihono Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Kominato, Chiba Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, 'Mihono', literally means 'middle road' or 'central path', reflecting its significance as a crossroads between the provinces of Shimousa and Mito. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a wooden torii gate dating back to 1715. Visitors can explore the shrine's many temples and shrines, each dedicated to a specific aspect of rice production and fertility.

Mihotsu Himesha

三穂津姫社

Tokushima

Located in the heart of Tokushima Prefecture, Mihotsu Himesha Shrine is dedicated to the legendary Princess Mihotsu-hime, a mythical figure from Japanese mythology. According to legend, she was a princess from the island of Awaji who fell in love with a local fisherman and was eventually turned into a statue by her father's curse. The shrine is famous for its stunning vermilion torii gate, which stands out against the lush greenery of the surrounding forest.

Mikado Shrine

御門神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture, distinguished by its name which incorporates 'mikado,' an ancient term for the Japanese emperor. The shrine serves the local community while maintaining connections to imperial reverence traditions.

Mikami Jinja Shrine

御髪神社

Kyoto

Mikami Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, dedicated to the kami Mikamimi-no-Kami, the guardian of hair and beauty. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a site for traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies, with many couples visiting the shrine before their nuptials. The shrine's tranquil gardens and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Mikami Shrine

御上神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Maibara, Mikami Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Mikami-no-kami, the god of rice and fertility. Founded during the Edo period, the shrine has played an important role in local agriculture and festivals, particularly the Shishimai festival held annually to celebrate the goddess's bounty.

Mikami Shrine

三上神社

滋賀県 · 野洲市

Located in the heart of Nara Prefecture's rural countryside, Mikami Shrine is a serene and secluded Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of various kami, including the prominent deity Mikamigami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical roots in the Heian period, with traditional tatami-matted main halls and wooden structures adorned with vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, adorned with seasonal flowers and carefully curated stone lanterns.

Mikane Shrine

御金神社

Shiga

Mikane Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the town of Teshima, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to the water deity, Mikane-jin, the shrine has maintained its traditional architecture and cultural significance over the centuries. The shrine's wooden torii gate is adorned with cherry blossoms during spring festivals, symbolizing the arrival of warmer seasons.

Mikasa Shrine

三笠神社

Gunma

Mikasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Mikasa, Gunma Prefecture, and is dedicated to the deity Mikasa, who was believed to have protected the nearby Kusatsu Onsen hot spring resort from fire. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall (honden) built in 1742 and several smaller shrines (torii and haiden). Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Gunma mountains and experience the serene atmosphere of this historic shrine.

Mikasa Shrine

三池藩総鎮守 三笠神社

Kumamoto

Mikasa Shrine served as the chief protective shrine (sōchinju) of the Miike Domain during the Edo period. Located in what is now Kumamoto Prefecture, this shrine played an important role in the spiritual protection of the domain and its people.

Mikawa Ebisu Shrine

三河えびす社

A local Ebisu shrine in the Mikawa region dedicated to the fortune deity Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese folk religion. The shrine serves the local community as a place to pray for prosperity in business and good fortune in fishing.

Mikawa Inari Shrine

三河稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Mikawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of rice and prosperity. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflects the Heian period style. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, altars, and shrines dedicated to various regional deities, including the primary enshrined deity Inari Okami.

Mikawa Inari Shrine

三河稲荷神社

Fukushima

Mikawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. Like other Inari shrines, it serves as a place where local communities pray for good harvests, business success, and general well-being.

Mikawa Sosha Shrine

三河総社

Mikawa Sosha serves as the provincial shrine (sosha) for the former Mikawa Province, now part of eastern Aichi Prefecture. As a sosha, it traditionally enshrines the collective kami of all shrines within its provincial boundaries, serving as a central place of worship for the region's Shinto deities.

Mikazuki Shrine

三日月神社

Ibaraki

Mikazuki Shrine, located in the town of Kamakura in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Mikazuki-no-kami, a god of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name refers to its association with the three days of the month (, mikazuki), when the full moon is visible in the sky. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall built using materials from the nearby Kanto region. A unique feature of the shrine is the presence of a rare type of Japanese cedar tree known as 'Katsuragi' that is said to possess spiritual power. Visitors can experience this power by touching the trunk of the tree and making a wish.

Miki Shrine

三鬼神社

Shimane

Miki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Iwami City, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to the three spirits of death, Yamabiko, Yatagarasu, and Tengoku. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the local kami and its role as a gateway for the souls of the deceased. Visitors can explore the shrine's historic buildings and grounds, which are surrounded by scenic natural beauty.

Mikisato Shrine

三木里神社

Miko Stone

巫女石

Tochigi

Miko Stone Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tochigi, Tochigi Prefecture. The shrine's name, 巫女石 (miko-ishi), literally means 'stone priestess' or 'priestess stone', reflecting its association with the mythological miko, a spiritual assistant to the kami. While not extensively documented, it is likely that Miko Stone Shrine honors a regional kami or a minor deity related to fertility, prosperity, or protection.

Mikumari Shrine

水分神社

Nara

Mikumari Shrine is dedicated to water deities who control the distribution and flow of water for agricultural purposes. These shrines were historically crucial for farming communities dependent on proper water management for rice cultivation.