Japanese shrines

Nakayama Shrine

中山神社

Nara

Nakayashiki Tenjin Shrine

中屋敷天神社

Kochi

A local Tenjin shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified scholar and poet who became the patron deity of learning and academic achievement.

Nakazato no Fujizuka

中里の富士塚

Saitama

Nakazato no Fujizuka Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to Fujisan, the mountain goddess of Mt. Fuji, a revered symbol of Japan's natural beauty and spiritual power. The shrine is situated near the Nakazato River, which is said to be the source of the river that flows into the ocean. According to legend, the shrine was established by a local daimyo who built a temple dedicated to Fujisan in the 17th century. Over time, the temple was transformed into a Shinto shrine, reflecting the changing spiritual landscape of Japan.

Nakazato Shrine

中里神社

Kanagawa

Namba Yasaka Shrine

難波八坂神社

Osaka

Namba Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka's Namba district. Founded in 1564, during the Momoyama period, the shrine was originally dedicated to the god of medicine and health, Koshin'etsu-Okami. Over time, it has come to be revered as a protector of children, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, with a mix of old and new features. Its iconic eight-storied torii gate is a popular spot for photos. Visitors can still see the remains of the original torii gate built in 1564.

Nambu shrine

南部神社

Iwate

Nambu Shrine, located in Iwate Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, patron god of messengers and soldiers. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major pilgrimage site during the Edo period. Its main hall, called the hon-do, features a wooden structure with a tiled roof, typical of traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a tranquil garden.

Nami Shrine

那美神社

岡山県 · 奈義町

Located in the scenic town of Naniwa-cho, Okawa Prefecture, Nami Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami (deity) of the sea and fertility. This shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a main hall featuring a tiled roof and sliding doors. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in the shrine's New Year's (Shogatsu) festival, where offerings are made for the prosperity of the sea and its bounty.

Namia Jinja

浪合神社

Nagano

Naria Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of the god of the sea, Namia, who is believed to have been the patron deity of the region's fishing industry. According to legend, Namia was a powerful kami who protected fishermen and their vessels from harm. Today, visitors can still see the beautiful wooden torii gate that marks the shrine's entrance, as well as the tranquil gardens and ponds that surround it.

Namiho Shrine

波穂神社

Shiga

Namiho Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the sea and fishing. The shrine's name, Namiho, roughly translates to ' wave god' or 'god of waves'. According to local lore, the shrine was established by a fisherman who prayed for a bountiful catch after a long period of drought. His prayer was answered, and the shrine has since become an important cultural and spiritual center for the region's fishermen.

Namiki Inari-jinja Shrine

並木稲荷神社

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Namiki Inari-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of fertility and rice, Inari Okami. This beautiful shrine complex features a unique torii gate adorned with colorful papers and threads, symbolizing the connection between humans and the divine. Visitors can stroll through the serene gardens and temples, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and admiring the intricate wooden carvings.

Naminoue Shrine

波上宮

沖縄県 · 那覇市

Located on the scenic coast of Naminoue Bay in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Naminoue Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a rich history dating back to the Muromachi period (1333–1568). Dedicated to the worship of the sea and the protection of fishermen, the shrine's primary deity is Okarimya-kami, a local kami believed to bring good fortune and success to those who honor him.

Namiwake Jinja

浪分神社

Miyagi

Namiwake Jinja, located in the picturesque town of Osuchi in Miyagi Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, patron of rice, agriculture, and fertility. This ancient shrine dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and boasts a distinctive architectural style characteristic of the region's unique cultural heritage.

Namiyoke Inari Shrine

波除稲荷神社

Chiba

Namiyoke Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Located in Chiba Prefecture, the shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional architecture. The shrine's main hall is adorned with vermilion lanterns, symbolizing good luck and longevity. Visitors can walk through the tunnel of vermilion torii gates, a unique feature of Inari shrines, which represents the connection between heaven and earth.

Namiyose Shrine

波寄神社

Namiyose Shrine is a Shinto shrine whose name literally means 'wave gathering' or 'wave calling,' suggesting a connection to maritime activities and ocean worship. The shrine likely serves coastal communities with prayers for safe voyages and abundant fishing.

Namiyose-cho Shrine

波寄町神社

Gifu

Nanae Inari Shrine

七栄稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Nanae Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, featuring a traditional gongen-zukuri style with a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several shrines and temples within the compound, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.

Nanahiko Shrine

七日子神社

Saitama

Located in the town of Ōmiya, Saitama Prefecture, Nanahiko Shrine is dedicated to three kami: Nanahiko, a Shinto god associated with the discovery of new land and the settlement of foreign lands; Ushinohi, believed to be responsible for the health and well-being of travelers; and Mino no Mikoto, a legendary emperor credited with introducing rice cultivation to Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a route between Tokyo and Yokohama, with a unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements.

Nanakura-inari-jinja Shrine

七倉稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Nanakura-inari-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, Nanakura, refers to its founding location near two rice paddies. Built in 1845, the shrine showcases traditional Japanese architectural style, with a wooden torii gate and a main hall adorned with vibrant vermilion paint. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner courtyards and pray for blessings related to agriculture, prosperity, and good fortune.

Nanakuri Shrine

七久里神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Nanakuri Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune, the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and spiritual rejuvenation.

Nanaoten shrine

七尾神社

Gifu

Nanasha-jinja Shrine

七社神社

Ibaraki

Nanasha-jinja Shrine is a small Shinto temple located in the town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of seven mountains, it is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the local landscape and the surrounding mountains, featuring traditional Japanese wooden buildings with tiled roofs. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and explore the various shrines dedicated to each of the seven mountains.

Nanasho Shrine

七所神社

Gifu

Nanasho Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture whose name means 'Seven Places Shrine,' typically indicating a shrine that enshrines seven different kami or represents seven sacred locations consolidated into one worship site.

Nanasho Shrine

七所神社

Nanasho Shrine, meaning 'Seven Places Shrine,' is a Shinto shrine that typically enshrines seven different kami or represents seven sacred locations consolidated into one worship site. The name reflects the historical practice of combining multiple local deities or sacred sites under one shrine complex.

Nanaura-benzaiten Shrine

七浦弁財天

Ibaraki

Nanaura-benzaiten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, and fertility. The shrine's name, Nanaura, refers to its location near the Nanaura River. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall featuring a vermilion-colored torii gate. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and learn about its rich cultural heritage.