Japanese shrines

Ishi-jinja

為志神社

Nara

Ishizono-za Takumushitama Shrine

石園坐多久虫玉神社

Nara

An ancient Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture, known for its historical significance as one of the shrines listed in the Engishiki, a 10th-century collection of laws and customs. The shrine is dedicated to Takumushitama-no-mikoto and represents an important example of early Shinto religious practice in the Yamato region.

Isonokami-Jingu

石上神宮

Nara

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Nara

A local Itsukushima Shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the sea goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto. Like other Itsukushima shrines throughout Japan, it derives its spiritual lineage from the famous UNESCO World Heritage shrine in Hiroshima, serving the local community with prayers for safety, prosperity, and protection.

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Nara

A local Itsukushima Shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the sea goddess Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto. Like other Itsukushima shrines throughout Japan, it venerates the same deity as the famous shrine in Hiroshima, often associated with water, islands, and protection of travelers.

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Nara

A branch shrine of the famous Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, dedicated to the three sister goddesses of the sea. These deities are revered for protection of sailors, safe travel across water, and feminine virtues including beauty and artistic accomplishment.

Juhachi Shrine

十八神社

Nara

Kagami Shrine

鏡神社

Nara

Kagamitama Shrine

鏡玉神社

Nara

Kagamitama Shrine is a Tenman shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified scholar and politician. The shrine's name incorporates 'kagami' (mirror), one of the three sacred regalia of Japan, suggesting connections to imperial or sacred mirror symbolism in Shinto tradition.

Kagamitsukuri Maki Shrine

鏡作麻気神社

Nara

A shrine dedicated to Ishikoridome-no-mikoto, the kami of mirror-making and metalworking crafts. Located in the historic Kagamitsukuri region of Nara, this shrine has deep connections to ancient mirror craftsmen who served the imperial court. The shrine preserves traditions related to metalworking and is revered by artisans and craftspeople.

Kagamitsukuri-niimasu Amaterasu Mitama Shrine

鏡作坐天照御魂神社

Nara

A historic shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Amaterasu Mitama-no-Kami, closely associated with the ancient craft of mirror-making. The shrine's name indicates its connection to the kagami-tsukuri (mirror makers) who served the imperial court, creating sacred bronze mirrors used in Shinto rituals and imperial regalia.

Kamikura Shrine

神倉神社

Nara

Kamikura-jinja Shrine

神倉神社

Nara

Kamotsuba Shrine

鴨都波神社

Nara

Kamotsuba Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine in Gose, Nara Prefecture, considered one of the oldest shrines in the Yamato region. Known as the birthplace of kemari (ancient Japanese kickball), the shrine has deep connections to both spiritual practices and traditional Japanese culture. The shrine's name combines 'kamo' (duck) and 'tsuba' (wing), reflecting its association with waterfowl and the Kamo deity lineage.

Kango Shrine

漢國神社

Nara

Kashihara Jingu Shrine

橿原神宮

Nara

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the Kasuga kami, part of the widespread network of Kasuga shrines throughout Japan that trace their spiritual lineage to the famous Kasuga Taisha in Nara.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

Kasuga Shrine in Nara is dedicated to the Kasuga deities who serve as protective kami of the Fujiwara clan and the ancient capital. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line the pathways and fill the grounds, creating a mystical atmosphere especially during lantern festivals. Connected to nearby Kasuga Taisha, this shrine maintains the sacred traditions of deer as divine messengers.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

Kasuga Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line the pathways and buildings. Located in Nara, it was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan as their family shrine and became closely associated with nearby Kofukuji Temple during the period of shrine-temple syncretism.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

Kasuga Shrine in Nara is part of the renowned Kasuga Taisha shrine complex, one of Japan's most important Shinto establishments. The shrine is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that create mystical pathways through the sacred grounds, particularly stunning when lit during special festivals.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the Kasuga kami. While sharing the name with the famous Kasuga Taisha, this appears to be a local shrine that may have historical connections to the Fujiwara family's patronage of Kasuga worship in the region.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

Kasuga Shrine in Nara is one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line the pathways and fill the grounds. The shrine complex is renowned for its vermillion-lacquered buildings set against the backdrop of the primeval Kasugayama forest, creating a mystical atmosphere especially during lantern festivals.

Kasuga Shrine

春日神社

Nara

One of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line the pathways and fill the grounds. The shrine complex is renowned for its vermillion-lacquered buildings set within a primeval forest of ancient trees.