Japanese shrines

Nonomiya Shrine

野宮神社

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nonomiya Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of rice and agriculture, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a wooden main hall and a distinctive tiled roof. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and grounds, which feature beautiful cherry blossom trees and a tranquil pond.

Norikurahongu

乗鞍本宮

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano, Norikurahongu Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity of rice and fertility. The shrine's name is believed to be derived from its location near an ancient post station called 'norikura,' which played a crucial role in the region's agricultural trade. Visitors can walk along the traditional Japanese paths surrounding the shrine, taking in the serene atmosphere and picturesque views.

North Soka Hikawa Shrine

北草加氷川神社

Ibaraki

Located in the rural town of Higashi-Morofushi, Ibaraki Prefecture, North Soka Hikawa Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the region's natural resources and fertility. The shrine's name reflects its proximity to the Soka River and the surrounding agricultural lands. While not as famous as some other shrines in Japan, it remains an important spiritual center for local residents and a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat from urban life.

Nosohatimangu

曩祖八幡宮

Fukuoka

Nosohatimangu Shrine, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susa-no-Okami, a kami associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a wooden torii gate and a traditional honden (main hall). Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens, which feature a serene pond and walking paths. Nosohatimangu Shrine is also notable for its connections to local folklore, particularly in relation to the Fukuoka-style ' Hatamoto-gashira' samurai armor on display.

nouhon jinja

農本神社

Hokkaido

Nouhon Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the rural areas of Hokkaido, Japan. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'God of Agriculture' and reflects its historical association with the local agricultural community. The shrine's architecture and design are influenced by traditional Japanese Shinto styles, featuring a rustic wooden torii gate and a simple yet elegant main hall. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of Hokkaido's natural surroundings while paying respects to the kami enshrined at Nouhon Jinja.

Noya Shrine

箆矢神社

Noya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Ojin (Hondawake no Mikoto) and associated deities. The shrine's name derives from 'noya' meaning arrow shaft, reflecting its connection to archery and military prowess associated with Hachiman worship.

Nozawa Hachimansha

野笹八幡社

Nagano

Nozawa Hachimansha Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hachiman Okami, revered as the god of war and patron of travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred site for merchants and traders, with a wooden torii gate and an imposing stone statue of Hachiman. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a traditional Japanese garden and a historic merchant's house.

Nukazuka Inari Shrine

糠塚稲荷社

Tochigi

Nukazuka Inari Shrine, located in the town of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a rectangular hall built on a stepped platform. The complex is famous for its many vermilion torii gates and shrines dedicated to various kami, including those associated with agriculture and industry.

Nukui Shrine

貫井神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Nukui Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined kami of water and fishing. The shrine's architecture reflects the Edo period style, with a traditional vermilion torii gate and a wooden main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens, which feature a serene pond and a statue of the god of rice, who is also revered as the patron deity of fishermen.

Numayamatsu Shrine

沼山津神社

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for its connection to local maritime and coastal traditions. The shrine's name references marshland and harbor areas, reflecting the historical geography of the region.

Nunamae Shrine

沼名前神社

Hiroshima

A historic Shinto shrine located in Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its ancient origins and connection to local maritime traditions. The shrine serves as an important spiritual center for the local community and maintains traditional Shinto practices.

Nushigami Shrine

主人神社

Nara

Nyakuichioji Shrine

若一王子神社

Kagawa

Nyakuichioji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Ise no Mikoto, also known as the God of Wisdom and Culture. The shrine is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, which reflect the traditional Japanese style of the Heian period. Visitors can explore the main hall, which houses a magnificent wooden statue of Ise no Mikoto, as well as the nearby garden featuring a large pond with walking paths. In addition to its historical significance, Nyakuichioji Shrine is also known for its association with the legendary Prince Niou, who was said to have lived in the shrine's grounds during the Heian period.

Nyakuōji Shrine

若王子神社

Hyogo

Nyakuōji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Asahi-ku ward of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its association with the legendary hero Ryūjin and is believed to be the site where he was born. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and explore its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Nyakuoji-jinja Shrine

熊野若王子神社

Shiga

Nyakuoji-jinja Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's name, Nyakuoji, roughly translates to 'young lord of the forest.' It is believed that the shrine was originally built in the 7th century as a sacred site for the worship of this deity. Over time, the shrine has undergone numerous transformations, with its current structure dating back to the Edo period. Visitors can observe traditional Shinto architecture and admire the serene natural surroundings of the shrine's grounds.

Nyotai Shrine

女躰神社【正式名：女躰大神】

神奈川県 · 川崎市

Nyotai Shrine, located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Nyotai, a female kami associated with women's health and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Edo-period styles, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a vermilion torii gate and a wooden hall. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a small pond and a peaceful garden.

Nyukawakami-jinja-Chusha

丹生川上神社中社

奈良県 · 東吉野村

O-SAWA shrine

大澤神社

北海道 · 松前町

Located in the snowy landscape of Hokkaido's Matsue town, O-Sawa Shrine is a tranquil Shinto temple dedicated to the reverence of rural life and the bounty of nature. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic surroundings with wooden structures adorned with moss-covered roofing, blending seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area.

O-SAWA shrine

大澤神社

北海道 · 松前町

Located in the scenic town of Matsuyama, Hokkaido's northernmost city, O-Sawa Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the Shinto god Susano-o, a powerful deity from Japanese mythology. The shrine is situated near a beautiful river and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors to connect with nature. As one of the oldest shrines in Hokkaido, O-Sawa Shrine has been an important cultural hub for the local community for centuries.

Oarai Isosaki Jinja Shrine

大洗磯前神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, Oarai Isosaki Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deities) of the sea and fishermen. The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion torii gate and its association with the legendary princess Otohime, daughter of the sea god Ryujin. According to myth, Princess Otohime fell in love with a mortal man and was subsequently banished to the human world. The shrine's current name, Isosaki, is derived from this legend, with 'Isoshi' meaning 'princess' in Japanese.

Obaien Benzaiten Shrine

黄梅園弁財天社

A shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess who was syncretized into Shinto as a kami of water, music, eloquence, and wealth. The name 'Obaien' suggests an association with plum blossoms, indicating the shrine may be located in or near a plum garden.

Obara-jinja Shrine

小原神社

Ibaraki

Obara-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Sōka, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Ōhōmori-Ōno-mikoto, a minor kami associated with the local area. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. Obara-jinja Shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and walking paths.

Obayashi Hachimansha

尾林八幡社

Nagano

Obayashi Hachimansha Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hachiman, located in the town of Kamitakama, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine's main hall, Kondo, is adorned with a vermilion torii gate and features a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several shrines dedicated to various kami, including Obayashiniwa, the deity of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, when it was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto.

Obihiro Shrine

帯廣神社

Hokkaido

Obihiro Shrine, located in the heart of Obihiro City in Hokkaido, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Sukunaregami, who watches over farmers and the land. The shrine's main hall was built during the Edo period (1603-1868) and features a unique curved roof design that resembles a rice paddy. Visitors can admire the serene gardens, which are said to be particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.