Japanese shrines

Ototsurugi Jinja Shrine

乙劔神社

石川県 · 白山市

Located in the city of Katsuragi, Wakayama Prefecture is not correct. It should be found in Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region. Ototsurugi Jinja Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of war, Ototsurugi, a powerful and fierce deity associated with the samurai class. As a symbol of courage and strength, the shrine draws visitors from across Japan. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a stunning torii gate and a serene garden.

Ototsurugi Jinja Shrine

乙劔神社

石川県 · 白山市

Ototsurugi Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kasugayama-cho, Kamikita Ward, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, not white city, but close to it. It enshrines the god Ototsurugi-no-kami, also known as Ōtsūrugi-gami, a deity of archery and war. The shrine's architecture is typical of a late Heian period (11th-12th century) shrine, with a honden and several smaller shrines dedicated to other kami.

Otowa Inari

音羽稲荷

Shiga

Otowa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ryuhaku, Seno-machi, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the primary deity is believed to be Oinagisan, a kami associated with rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its three sacred springs, which are said to grant eternal youth and longevity.

Otoyo Shrine

大豊神社

Shiga

Otoyo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Omi, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of the kami Ame-no-Minakuchi-no-Kami and Ame-no-Himatsuboki-no-Kami, believed to be two ancestral spirits associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a characteristic honden (main hall) and several smaller shrines. Otoyo Shrine is particularly notable for its association with the legend of Emperor Shōmu, who built the shrine in 717 CE as part of his efforts to unify Japan.

Otsubou Shrine

乙房神社

Miyazaki

A Shinto shrine located in Miyazaki Prefecture, serving the local community with traditional religious practices and seasonal festivals.

Otsuka Shrine

大塚神社

Kumamoto

Otsuka Shrine

大塚神社

Ouji Gongen Shrine

岡山県 · 奈義町

Ouji Gongen Shrine, located in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, is one of the oldest shrines in Japan dedicated to Ouji, a legendary samurai and patron deity of scholars and students. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a hub for education and learning during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). As visitors approach the shrine, they are surrounded by serene gardens and tranquil walking paths, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and spiritual reflection.

Oushu Hatchome Tenmangu Shrine

奥洲八丁目天満宮

Fukushima

A Tenmangu shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified spirit of learning and scholarship. Like other Tenmangu shrines, it serves as a place where students and families pray for academic success and protection from misfortune.

Outer Hall of Worship

外拝殿

Shiga

The Outer Hall of Worship is a historic Shinto shrine located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a humble wooden structure built during the Nara period (712-794 CE), with successive renovations and expansions taking place throughout the Heian and Kamakura periods. Today, the shrine is known for its striking vermilion torii gate and traditional Japanese garden.

Ouyada Shrine

大矢田神社

Ishikawa

Located in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Ouyada Shrine is a Shinto shrine that has been an important cultural and spiritual site for over 1,000 years. The shrine is dedicated to the deities of the Ouya region, including the kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity.

Owaki Shinmei Shrine

大脇神明社

Gifu

Owaki Shinmei Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and principal deity of the Shinto pantheon. As a Shinmei shrine, it follows the architectural and ritual traditions associated with the worship of Amaterasu.

Owari Sansha

尾張三社

Owari Sansha refers to the three most important Shinto shrines in the former Owari Province, now part of Aichi Prefecture. These three prestigious shrines - Atsuta Jingu, Masumida Shrine, and Tsushima Shrine - have historically been considered the spiritual heart of the region and hold special significance in local religious and cultural traditions.

Owari-hakusan shirne

尾張白山神社

Gifu

Owaribe Shrine

尾張戸神社

Gifu

Owase Shrine

尾鷲神社

Owase-jinja Shrine

尾鷲神社

Chiba

Located in the city of Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, Owase-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine's main hall was originally built during the Edo period (1603-1867) and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully maintained gardens, which are especially stunning during the spring cherry blossom season.

Owatari Shrine

御渡神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture, distinguished by its name which references the concept of crossing or passage, suggesting possible historical connections to river crossings or spiritual transitions.

Ōya Hachiman Shrine

大谷八幡宮

神奈川県 · 海老名市

Ōya Tenjinsha Shrine

大谷天神社

神奈川県 · 海老名市

Ōyabu Inari Shrine

大藪稲荷神社

Kanagawa

Ōyabu Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kanagawa, dedicated to the kami of fertility and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can experience the traditional Japanese culture by participating in the shrine's festivals and rituals. During the autumnal equinox, the shrine holds a special festival to celebrate the return of spring, where locals gather to pray for a good harvest.

Oyama Afuri Shrine

大山阿夫利神社

Fukushima

Oyama Afuri Shrine is a mountain shrine dedicated to the deity of mountains and sea. The name 'Afuri' derives from the ancient practice of rain prayers performed at this sacred site, reflecting its historical role in agricultural communities seeking divine intervention for favorable weather conditions.

Oyama Gion Shrine

大山祇神社

Shimane

Located in the heart of Japan's scenic Shimane Prefecture, Oyama Gion Shrine is a tranquil oasis dedicated to the revered kami deity Inari Okami. Known as the 'Grand Shrine of Inari,' this beautiful Shinto temple complex boasts stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, historic torii gates, and vibrant vermilion structures, all while honoring the spirit of Inari Okami.

Oyama jinja

大山神社

Nagano

Located in the scenic town of Matsumoto, Oyama Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of Mount Oyama, which overlooks the city. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a large torii gate and a wooden main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a tranquil garden.