Shrines & temples

Japanese shrines

OSM directory

Explore Shinto shrines mapped from OpenStreetMap — filter by prefecture, city, or denomination. For curated travel listings, see featured landmark shrines below.

Search shrines

Prefecture

Denomination

City

1,794 shrines

地守神社

Shiga

Located in the picturesque town of Ryōgoku, Geisha Shrine in Kyoto honors the spirit of geishas and their art. Dedicated to the kami Ōya, it is believed that this spirit protects those who work as entertainers or artists. The shrine's design reflects its historical importance, with a traditional Japanese architecture featuring a large torii gate adorned with cherry blossoms. The shrine grounds also include several geisha-themed statues and a tranquil pond where visitors can relax. Geisha Shrine is often visited by those seeking inspiration for their own artistic pursuits or looking to honor the memory of a loved one who was a geisha.

戸津八幡神社

Shiga

Hozu八幡神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. It is one of the most famous and historic shrines in Japan, known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The shrine enshrines the kami of agriculture and fertility, Sakuramoto and Atsushi, as well as the god of war, Hachiman. Visitors can explore the shrine's many buildings, including the main hall and the five-story pagoda, which dates back to the 17th century. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional festivals, such as the Hikone Matsuri, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

奥石神社

Shiga

Otsu-jinja Shrine, located in Otsu city, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. The shrine is dedicated to the god of wisdom, education, and prosperity, as well as the patron deity of the city of Otsu. The shrine's architecture reflects its long history, with a wooden torii gate dating back to the 17th century and a sacred pond that was said to have been created by the god himself.

地主大神

Shiga

Located in the town of Ena, Shiga Prefecture, the Jūshō Daikami Shrine is dedicated to the deity known as Jūshō Daikami, a kami associated with the land and agriculture. This shrine is one of few remaining examples of traditional Japanese architecture in Japan. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this serene oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and teeming with wildlife.

四松大明神

Shiga

The Shrine of the Four Winds, located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, enshrines the kami Matsu no Okami, a deity revered for its power to protect travelers and fishermen. The shrine is known for its distinctive architecture, featuring four large stone windcatchers that are said to represent the four winds. According to legend, these windcatchers can change direction according to the weather conditions.

吉長大明神

Shiga

Gyō no Tsukai Daimyōjin Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is a lesser-known yet fascinating Shinto site dedicated to the deity Gyō no Tsukai, a god of rivers and waterways. This shrine's architecture reflects the Kamakura period style, characterized by simplicity and functionality. Located near Lake Biwa, the shrine honors the importance of water sources in Japanese culture.

織姫神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Himeji Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to Princess Yamato no Kuni Katsushika, who was believed to have protected the region from invading forces. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to regional mythology and historical period.

豊田神社

Shiga

Located in the heart of Hikone, the historic city in Shiga Prefecture, Toyoda Shrine has been a revered Shinto site since the 8th century. Dedicated to the god of good fortune and prosperity, Toyoda Shrine is a prime example of traditional Japanese architecture, featuring a majestic torii gate and intricately carved wooden buildings.

祖霊社

Shiga

The Ōmi Jōsui Shrine, also known as the Ōmi no Kami Shrine or Ansei Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Ōmi no Kami, it is said to be the ancestral home of the Ōmi-no-mimi-no-omi family and a sacred site for the region's inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center of the Ise-Sha Arai Shrine during the Edo period.

岩瀬神社

Shiga

Located in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, 岩瀬神社 is a tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Katsuragi and the region's prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a key stop for travelers and traders along the ancient Kiso Road. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, traditional buildings, and exhibits showcasing local history and culture.

愛宕神社

Shiga

Ayatagahara Shrine, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Atsuta Ō no Kami and Katsuragi Amaterasu Ōmikami. As one of Japan's oldest and most sacred shrines, it boasts an impressive history dating back over 1,200 years. The shrine complex features a stunning five-story pagoda and a tranquil garden, making it a serene oasis in the heart of Hikone City.

八幡神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachi-jubunsha or Hachimantai) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Okami, the god of war and patron deity of samurai. The shrine is famous for its long history, dating back to the 7th century, and is said to be the origin of the legendary yabusame archery festival held every year in November. With beautiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a popular destination for those seeking spiritual peace and connection with nature.

山祗神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Mount Shigenai Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the kami of the mountains and forests. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it has played an important role in regional festivals and ceremonies.

若狭姫神社

Shiga

Located in the picturesque town of Echizen, Ifu-shi, in Shiga Prefecture, Wakasa Hisa Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to Hisa, a legendary princess from the ancient Hikone Kingdom. The shrine is famous for its stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. According to local legend, Hisa was known for her kindness, intelligence, and beauty, and the shrine is said to have been built in her honor.

白石神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture, Hikawahime-no-machi-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE) with its distinctive roof tiles and wooden structures. Visitors can see a large stone Buddha statue at the rear of the main hall and witness traditional tea ceremonies during designated times.

天堂神社

Shiga

Tondō Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of medicine, Inari Okami. The shrine's name, Tondō, literally means 'Heavenly Gate,' reflecting its connection to the celestial realm. The shrine's architecture and design reflect the traditional Japanese style of shrines, with a large torii gate, wooden buildings, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, pray for good health and medicine, and admire the vibrant autumn foliage.

松尾神社御旅所

Shiga

Matsuo Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the enshrined deity, Fujisan Okappi. The shrine is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, reflecting the traditional Japanese style of Edo period. Matsuo Shrine was established during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and has since become an important cultural and historical landmark in Shiga Prefecture.

五條天神宮

Shiga

Five-stra Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsue, Shiga Prefecture. It is famous for its unique architecture and historical significance, which date back to the Edo period. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron god of industry, agriculture, and fertility.

福長神社

Shiga

Fukuchōnjinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Katsuyama City, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to Fukuchō no Okami, a kami associated with prosperity and good fortune. The shrine complex features a unique blend of Shugendō and Shinto architectural styles. Built during the Edo period, the shrine is renowned for its traditional Japanese gardens and tranquil atmosphere.

諏訪神社

Shiga

Located in Shiga Prefecture,諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ōi-no-Mikoto, the storm god and protector of fishermen. The shrine's tranquil atmosphere and serene gardens make it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, which features a distinctive wooden torii gate adorned with ornate carvings.

川合寺町八幡神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Kawagishi, Shiga Prefecture, Kawagishi-Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the kami of war and protector of the emperor. The shrine's architecture reflects its Edo period origins, with a traditional Japanese-style hall surrounded by a tranquil garden. Visitors can experience the shrine's historic charm by strolling through the beautifully maintained grounds.

崇徳天皇御廟

Shiga

Located in Shiga Prefecture, the Taika Jingœ Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to Emperor Taishœ, who ruled Japan from 715 to 756 AD. The shrine is part of the Imperial Family's ancestral lands and features traditional Japanese architecture with a tiled roof and wooden pillars.

貴布彌神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Honno-ji Temple's lesser-known sister shrine, Honnouji Hakusan Hongu Shrine, is dedicated to the deities responsible for agriculture and water supply. The shrine was originally built as a branch of the main temple in 1459 but gained independence after the death of its patron, the Ashiba clan.

布留神社

Shiga

Hirukawa Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it has served as a vital source of water for the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style main hall and a pond that contains a sacred tree. Visitors can experience a peaceful atmosphere by taking a stroll along the pond's edge or participating in seasonal festivals to honor the kami.