Japanese shrines

Shoto Shrine

松濤神社

Yamaguchi

Shotoku Taishi-do

聖徳太子堂

Fukushima

Shoyama Shrine

庄山神社

Kumamoto

A local Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, serving the spiritual needs of the surrounding community through traditional worship and seasonal festivals.

Shozoku Inari Shrine

装束稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shozoku Inari Shrine is a small yet significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of rice, Inari Okami. The shrine's name 'Shozoku' translates to 'uniforms', which may be related to the old custom of offering new sets of clothing to the deity, symbolizing the prosperity and good fortune that comes with a fresh start. Despite its modest size, the shrine is an important cultural and historical landmark in the region, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of rice cultivation and harvesting.

Shrine

神社

Nara

Shrine for gods of heaven and earth

諸神祇社

Kumamoto

Shrine honouring war dead of Chiran

知覧町護国神社

Kagoshima

Shrine of Heaven

天神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Maebashi, Shrine of Heaven is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the celestial deity Amaterasu Ōmikami and the storm god Susanoo no Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period origins, with a rectangular main hall (honden) and adjacent buildings dating back to the 9th century. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, tranquil ponds, and intricately carved wooden structures, which are said to have been influenced by Buddhist designs.

Shrine of Utin-uyaganashi

天主大御神

Okinawa

The Shrine of Utin-uyaganashi is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Okinawa, Japan. As one of the most sacred sites dedicated to the deity Utin-uyaganashi, also known as the 'God of the Sea', it plays a significant role in the spiritual lives of the local Ryukyu people. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a blend of traditional Okinawan and Japanese architectural styles. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, tranquil pathways, and intricately designed gateways that adorn the shrine grounds.

Shugyoku Inari Shrine

秀玉稲荷神社

Shimane

Located in the town of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Shugyoku Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami. The shrine is situated on the shores of Lake Shinji and is famous for its scenic beauty and historic significance. Founded in 1613, it has been an important cultural and spiritual center in the region for centuries.

Shukuchi Shrine

宿地神社

Kochi

Shukuin Tongu Shrine

宿院頓宮

Osaka

Located in the Osakacities, Shukuin Tongu Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the god of fertility and prosperity, Hachiman. The shrine's name, Shukuin, refers to its location near an old highway that connected Osaka to the nearby city of Nagata. While not as famous as some other shrines in the region, Tongu Shrine still maintains a strong connection to local folklore and traditional practices. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a tatami-matted hall and a large torii gate.

Shukunoten Shrine

宿ノ天神社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Saitama, Shukunoten Shrine is a serene and tranquil oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. Founded during the Edo period, this shrine has been an important site for locals to seek blessings and guidance from the kami. The shrine's architecture is characterized by traditional Japanese design elements, with a wooden torii gate and a serene garden that reflects the harmony between nature and man-made structures.

Shukushi Shrine

主久示神社

Kochi

Shusse Inari Shrine

出世稲荷神社

Fukushima

Shusse Inari Shrine is a local Inari shrine in Fukushima Prefecture dedicated to success and advancement in life. The name 'Shusse' means 'success in life' or 'advancement,' making this shrine particularly popular among those seeking career advancement, business success, and general prosperity.

Shusse Inari Shrine

出世稲荷神社

Tochigi

Located in the heart of Utsunomiya, Shusse Inari Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the rice-obsessed Inari Okami, patron deity of merchants and farmers. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with buildings dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). A unique feature of this shrine is the presence of a large stone statue of Inari, said to be over 200 years old.

Shusse Inari Shrine

出世稲荷

Gunma

Located in the scenic town of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Shusse Inari Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical ties to the Edo period, with a wooden torii gate and traditional Japanese buildings. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully manicured gardens and experience the tranquility of this serene oasis.

Shuttatsu Oji Site

出立王子跡

Wakayama

A historic Oji shrine site along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Wakayama Prefecture. This was one of the numerous subsidiary shrines (Oji) that served as resting and worship points for pilgrims traveling to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines.

Small Shinto Shrine

祠

Oita

Sō no Miagata Niimasu shrine

添御縣坐神社

Shiga

Sō no Miagata Niimasu shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the town of Mitose, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Niima-sama, the deity of the Niima River and its surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a wooden main hall. While its origins date back to the Heian period, the current structure is largely from the Edo era.

Soba Jinja

曽波神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Soba Jinja is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name 'Soba' refers to the traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, which is believed to have been introduced to Japan during the Heian period. Visitors can admire the shrine's vermilion torii gate and explore the surrounding gardens, which are said to be inspired by Chinese landscape paintings.

Soba Shrine

祖母神社

Gifu

A local Shinto shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to ancestral worship and community protection. The name 'Soba' (祖母) literally means 'grandmother' or 'ancestral mother,' indicating its role as a shrine honoring female ancestral spirits who watch over the local community.

Sobataka Shrine

蘇羽鷹神社

Ibaraki

Sobataka Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Kaiho in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of prosperity and longevity, Sobataka. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of a rural Japanese temple, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof. According to local legend, Sobataka is said to have brought good fortune to the town by defeating a group of bandits in battle. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds and participate in festivals held throughout the year, including the Spring Equinox Festival. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with records of its existence dating back to 1629. During this time, it was an important center for Shinto worship and a popular destination for pilgrims seeking good fortune. Today, Sobataka Shrine remains an important cultural landmark in Ibaraki Prefecture, attracting visitors from all over Japan who seek to experience the traditional beauty and tranquility of rural Japanese life.

Sōbudai Shrine

相武台神社

Kanagawa

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Sōbudai Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of prosperity and wealth, known as Ryūjin. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), but its origins can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794). Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful garden, which features a large pond and walking paths, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient temple.