Japanese shrines

Orii-jinja Shrine

折居神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Nakaminato, Ibaraki Prefecture, Orii-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of fishermen and the sea. The shrine is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and traditional architecture. The primary enshrined deity is Amaterasu-omikami, the Sun Goddess, but it also honors the kami of the sea, such as Ryujin.

orosugi inari jinnjya

王老杉稲荷神社

Fukushima

Oryodo Shrine

五百立神社

Nara

Osagami Suijin Shrine

大相模水神社

Kanagawa

A water deity shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to the protective spirits of water sources and irrigation. The shrine serves the local community's spiritual needs related to water blessing and agricultural prosperity.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Ōsaka Tenmangū)

大阪天満宮

Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning and culture, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine's architecture is reminiscent of traditional Heian period (794-1185 CE) styles, with a five-story pagoda and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature a stunning cherry blossom tree and a tranquil pond. At night, the shrine takes on a magical quality as its thousands of paper lanterns are lit up.

Osakabe Shrine

長壁神社

Hyogo

Located in the town of Osakabe in Hyogo Prefecture, Osakabe Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Konoha Mikoto and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture. The shrine's main hall is a wooden structure with a tiled roof, and it features several stone lanterns and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a forested area and a pond.

Osaki Hachiman-gu Shrine

大崎八幡宮

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, Osaki Hachiman-gu Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman Okami, known as the patron god of warriors and travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period origins, with a vermilion torii gate surrounded by a tranquil forest environment. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Osaki Hachiman-gu Shrine has played a significant role in the region's history and mythology.

Osaki Jinja

大崎神社

Miyagi

Osaki Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of agriculture and fertility, Hachiman. It is also known as 'the god of the sea' for its proximity to the coast. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a large torii gate and a wooden vermillion roof. In recent years, Osaki Jinja has gained popularity among tourists due to its scenic coastal location and historic significance.

Osato Hachiman Jinja

小里八幡神社

Miyagi

Osato Hachiman Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of Hachiman, the god of war and protector of travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a tiled roof and wooden gate. According to local legend, the shrine was built to honor Hachiman, who is said to have appeared in the area after being wounded during a battle. The shrine complex includes several small shrines dedicated to other regional kami, such as the Shimo-Ko Shrine, which honors the god of the sea and fishing. Visitors can explore these smaller shrines to gain insight into the diverse deities worshipped in the region. As one of the many Hachiman shrines throughout Japan, Osato Hachiman Jinja is an important site for pilgrims seeking protection and blessings from the god of war.

Oshika Miyake Shrine

大鹿三宅神社

A Shinto shrine located in the Oshika area, dedicated to local kami and serving the surrounding community through traditional religious practices and seasonal festivals.

Oshima Hachimangu Shrine

大島八幡宮

Yamaguchi

A Hachiman shrine located in Yamaguchi Prefecture dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin. As a Hachiman shrine, it serves as a center for worship of the god of war, culture, and divine protection, particularly revered by warriors and local communities seeking protection and prosperity.

Oshima Nanasugi Jinja

大洲七椙神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Shimojishiro, Nagano Prefecture, Oshima Nanasugi Jinja is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name, 'Nanasugi,' refers to its striking cedar tree with 28 branches, said to resemble the eight districts of Shimojishiro town. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene grounds, which feature a tranquil pond and walking paths lined with traditional Japanese pine trees.

Oshima Shrine

大島神社

Shiga

Oshima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on Oshima Island in Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional styles of Japanese temples and shrines, with a main hall adorned by lacquerwork and shōgen pine tree branches. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines dedicated to regional deities, including Oshima no Kami.

Oshima Shrine

意冨志麻神社（おおしま神社）

Ishikawa

Oshima Shrine, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), when it was originally constructed as a sacred site for the region's founders. Over time, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, with notable restorations taking place during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). Today, visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds and traditional architecture, including its iconic torii gate.

Oshima Shrine

大島神社

Oshimizu Shrine

大清水神社

Oshina Suwa Jinja

尾科諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Oshina Suwa Jinja is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the kami Suwa no Okami, patron deity of agriculture and fertility. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), this ancient shrine has played a significant role in local rituals and ceremonies for centuries. Visitors can explore the traditional architecture, adorned with vibrant autumn foliage, and experience the serene atmosphere that pervades this sacred space.

Oshite-jinja Shrine

押手神社

Ibaraki

Oshite-jinja Shrine, located in the rural area of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of a hand that offers a helping hand. According to local legend, the shrine's name refers to its reputation as a place where travelers can find assistance and guidance during times of hardship. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several shrines dedicated to various kami, including the primary deity of Oshite-jinja Shrine.

Osugi Shrine

大杉神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Ōtō, Ibaraki Prefecture, Osugi Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the Japanese cypress tree, known as 'daidaidai' or 'matsu', which is considered sacred by the local residents. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional influence, with a distinctive Shinto-style wooden gate and a traditional torii gate. Visitors can explore the serene grounds and admire the beautiful cedar trees that surround the shrine.

Ota Hime Inari Jinja

太田姫稲荷神社

Chiba

Located in the town of Tsukudo, Chiba Prefecture, the Ota Hime Inari Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, revered as the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a main hall constructed from Japanese cypress and a wooden vermillion gate. Visitors can walk through the vermilion torii gates, symbolizing purification and protection, to reach the inner shrine dedicated to Inari Okami.

Ota Nogami Shrine

太田農神社

Fukushima

Ota Nogami Shrine is a local Shinto shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to agricultural deities. The name 'Nogami' literally means 'field god' or 'agricultural deity,' indicating the shrine's primary focus on protecting crops and ensuring successful harvests for the local farming community.

Ota Susano Shrine

太田素盞神社

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god and brother of Amaterasu in Japanese mythology. As indicated by its name, this shrine serves the local Ota area community while honoring one of the most prominent deities in the Shinto pantheon.

Ota-daimyojin shrine

太田大明神

Nara

Otadaneko Shrine

大直祢子神社

Gifu