Japanese shrines

Miyoshi-jinja Shrine

三吉神社

Miyagi

Miyoshi-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine is known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and its unique torii gate. According to local legend, the shrine was established by Emperor Jimmu, who is said to have visited the area during his mythical founding of Japan.

Miyoshino Shrine

三芳野神社

埼玉県 · 川越市

Miyoshino Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, and is one of the oldest shrines in the area, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine is dedicated to the god of the town's founding and has played an important role in local history and culture. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture and experience its tranquil atmosphere.

Mizu Shrine

水神社

Kanagawa

A Shinto shrine dedicated to water deities, reflecting Japan's deep reverence for natural water sources and their spiritual significance. Water shrines like this typically serve local communities in prayers for clean water, protection from floods, and agricultural prosperity.

Mizugami Shrine

水神社

Yamaguchi

A Shinto shrine dedicated to water deities, reflecting the vital importance of water in Japanese agricultural and spiritual traditions. The shrine serves the local community's needs for prayers related to water sources, irrigation, and protection from water-related disasters.

Mizuhime Daimyojin Shrine

水姫大明神

Nara

A shrine dedicated to Mizuhime no Mikoto, a Shinto water deity. The name 'Mizuhime Daimyojin' translates to 'Great Bright Deity Water Princess,' reflecting the shrine's focus on water-related blessings and purification.

Mizukagami Tenjin Shrine

水鏡天神社

Nara

Mizukagami Tenjin Shrine is a Tenjin shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified scholar and politician revered as the god of learning and literature. The shrine's name 'Mizukagami' meaning 'water mirror' suggests a connection to reflective waters, possibly indicating the presence of a sacred pond or spring within the shrine grounds.

Mizukami Shrine

水上神社

Gifu

Mizukami Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to water deities. The shrine's name literally means 'water god shrine' and it serves as a place of worship for those seeking protection related to water, including safe river crossings, fishing, and agricultural irrigation.

Mizukamifunayama Shrine

水上布奈山神社 (Mizukamifunayama Shrine)

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Mizukamifunayama Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Katsurahime, known as the 'Wife of the Sea God'. The shrine's name reflects its proximity to the nearby Mizukami River, which was believed to be the boundary between the human world and the spirit realm. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich history, Mizukamifunayama Shrine is a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture.

Mizunaga Daimyojin Shrine

水長大明神

Nara

A Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Mizunaga Daimyojin, a water deity. The name suggests veneration of a divine spirit associated with water and longevity, reflecting the ancient Japanese practice of deifying natural forces and local protective spirits.

Mizuno no Atago-Sama

御園の愛宕様

Nagano

Mizuno no Atago-Sama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fujikawa, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Atago-no-kami, a kami associated with love, fertility, and prosperity. According to local legend, the shrine was built during the Edo period (1603-1867) by a wealthy merchant named Mizuno, who wanted to ensure his family's good fortune and happiness.

Mizunomi-oji

水呑王子跡 Mizunomi-oji

Nara

Mizunuma Shrine

水沼神社

Miyazaki

A Shinto shrine located in Miyazaki Prefecture, with a name meaning 'water marsh' that suggests historical connections to water management or wetland areas in the region.

Mizushima Isobe Shrine

水嶋礒部神社

Niigata

Located in the city of Sanju, Niigata Prefecture, Mizushima Isobe Shrine is a small but historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Isobe no Okami, a kami believed to have created the town's famous river, the Agano River. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Edo-period designs, with a simple yet elegant roofed vermillion torii gate and a traditional honden (main shrine hall). Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the shrine's garden, which features beautiful Japanese maples and a peaceful pond.

Mizuta Shine

水田天満宮 Mizuta Shine

Kumamoto

Mizutake Shrine

水竹神社

Mizutama Inari Daimyojin Shrine

水玉稲荷大明神

Nara

Mizutama Inari Daimyojin is a local Inari shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the rice and prosperity deity Inari Okami. The name 'Mizutama' (water jewel) suggests a connection to water sources or purification rituals, which are often important elements in Inari worship alongside agricultural abundance.

Mochio Shrine

母智丘神社

東京都 · 町田市

Mochio Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takaoka, known as the 'Place of Wise and Noble Mind'. Dedicated to the Kami of wisdom and nobility, Mochio Shrine has been an important cultural landmark in the region for centuries. As one of the few shrines that remain from ancient times, it offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.

Mochioka Shrine

母智丘神社

Miyazaki

Mochioka Shrine is located on Mount Mochioka in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, famous for its spectacular cherry blossom displays in spring. The shrine sits atop a hill covered with approximately 2,600 cherry trees, making it one of Kyushu's most celebrated hanami spots. The sacred site has served as a place of worship for centuries, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Miyakonojo basin.

Mofuku Shrine

茂福神社

Gifu

A local Shinto shrine located in Gifu Prefecture, serving the spiritual needs of the surrounding community through traditional worship practices and seasonal festivals.

Mogi Inari Shrine

茂天木稲荷神社

Fukushima

Mogi Inari Shrine is a local Inari shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to the rice and prosperity deity Inari Okami. Like other Inari shrines, it serves the local community's prayers for good harvests, business success, and general prosperity.

Moire Shrine

茂入神社

北海道 · 余市町

Moire Shrine, located in the rural town of Raisetsu in northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture, is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (spirits) of the land and its people. The shrine is situated near a scenic river and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While not as famous as some other Shinto shrines, Moire Shrine remains an important cultural and spiritual hub for the local community.

Mokushi Hachiman Shrine

杢師八幡神社

千葉県 · 君津市

Mokushi Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kinutsu City, Chiba Prefecture. Dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the shrine is known for its distinctive architecture and historical significance. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period, although its origins can be traced back to the Heian era.

Momotaro Shrine

桃太郎神社

Ishikawa

Momotaro Shrine, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary hero Momotaro, who is said to have defeated the evil Baku. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Hakusan and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with notable additions made during the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Today, visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a stunning statue of Momotaro, as well as stroll through its serene gardens and tranquil forests.

Mononobe Shrine

物部神社

Gifu

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto, the legendary ancestor deity of the Mononobe clan, one of ancient Japan's most powerful military families. The Mononobe clan served as hereditary military leaders and weapon keepers for the imperial court during the Kofun and Asuka periods.