Japanese shrines

Ujigami Shrine

宇治上神社

Shiga

Ujigami Shrine, located in the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Ujigami, the god of rice and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for rice cultivation in the region. The shrine complex features several buildings, including the main hall, torii gate, and shrines to various kami. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and grounds, which are said to be an ideal spot for contemplation and meditation.

Ujiyamada Shrine

宇治山田神社

Uka shurine

宇迦神社

Ibaraki

Uka Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his sister Hikoboshi-no-Mikoto, known as Kujaku. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Uka Shrine dates back to the 8th century and has played a significant role in local history and mythology. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, which reflects the Heian period's influence on Shinto architecture.

Uka-inari Shrine

宇賀稲荷神社

Kumamoto

Ukamitama-no-mikoto Shrine

宇迦魂命神社

Kanagawa

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ukamitama-no-mikoto, one of the primary Inari deities associated with food, agriculture, and sustenance. The shrine serves the local community as a place of worship for prayers related to good harvests and prosperity.

Ukanomitama Shrine

倉稲魂社

岡山県 · 岡山市

Ukanomitama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Inari Ōno-mikoto. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Asa River and features a beautiful garden with several stone lanterns. Visitors can walk through the tranquil grounds and experience the serene atmosphere of this historic shrine.

Ukawa Shrine

鵜川祠

Shiga

Ukawa Shrine, located in the scenic town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami, Okuninushi no Kami, a revered deity associated with good harvests and fertility. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its elegant architecture, which reflects the Heian period's architectural style. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, tranquil grounds, and historic buildings, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Ukawa Tenmangu Shrine

鵜川天神社

Kochi

A Tenmangu shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deified scholar and politician. Like other Tenjin shrines, it serves as a center for prayers related to academic success and learning.

Uke no Inari Shrine

宇気の稲荷社

Kanagawa

A local Inari shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to the kami of food, agriculture, and prosperity. As with most Inari shrines, it serves the spiritual needs of the surrounding community for good harvests and business success.

Ukehi Shrine

宇気比神社

Ukehi Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto concept of ukehi, a form of ritual divination or sacred oath-making used to determine divine will. The practice involves making pledges or challenges to the kami to reveal truth or divine intention through ritual means.

Ukehi Shrine

宇氣比神社

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the concept of ukehi, the ancient practice of ritual divination and oath-making that played an important role in Japanese mythology and religious practice.

Ukehi Shrine

宇氣比神社

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the concept of ukehi, an ancient Japanese practice of divination and oath-making between deities. The name derives from the mythological practice where gods would make sacred vows or engage in divination to determine truth or future outcomes.

Ukei Shrine

誓約神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ukei Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the Shinto deity, Kamado no Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of the sea and fishing communities. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major port hub during the Edo period, with traditional thatched roofs and sliding doors characteristic of the region's architectural style. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing the history of the shrine and its cultural significance.

Ukemitama Shrine

倉稲魂神社

Kochi

A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Ukemitama-no-kami, one of the primary food deities in Japanese mythology. As an Inari-type shrine, it focuses on agricultural prosperity, fertility, and the blessing of harvests.

Ukemochi Shrine

保食神社

Kagoshima

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ukemochi-no-Kami, the goddess of food and sustenance in Japanese mythology. This deity is revered for her role in providing nourishment and agricultural abundance.

Ukiha Inari Shrine

浮羽稲荷

Fukuoka

Ukiha Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari, the god of fertility, rice, and industry. The shrine's name, Ukiha, refers to its location on the banks of the Ukiha River. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a vermilion torii gate and a large main hall adorned with wooden carvings. Visitors can explore the shrine's many shrines dedicated to various aspects of Inari's domain, including those focused on agriculture, commerce, and crafts.

Ukishima Shrine

浮島神社

Okinawa

Ukishima Shrine, located in the heart of Okinawa, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the sea goddess, Benzaiten, and the kami of the island's inhabitants. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its historical significance as a hub for trade and cultural exchange with China and other Southeast Asian nations. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and traditional buildings, while learning about the rich history and mythology of Okinawa.

Umayama Shrine

厩山

Fukushima

Umeda Hachiman Shrine

梅田八幡神社

A Hachiman shrine dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin and associated with the protection of warriors and the local community. Hachiman shrines are among the most numerous in Japan, serving as centers of worship for the god of war, culture, and divine protection.

Umegakubo Jinja

梅ヶ久保神社

Nagano

Umegakubo Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's name, Umegakubo, translates to 'umega' meaning mountain cherry tree and 'kubo' meaning cave or hollowed-out rock. This unique name reflects the shrine's connection to nature and the mythology surrounding the cherry blossom tree. The shrine's architecture is typical of a rural Japanese Shinto temple, with a hipped tiled roof and sliding doors made from cedar wood.

Umetsubomachi Tenjin Shrine

梅坪町天神神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo's Asakusa district, Umetsubomachi Tenjin Shrine is a revered Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of learning and culture, Tenjin. The shrine's name, Umetsubomachi, translates to 'river of a great escape,' referring to the nearby Sumida River that was said to have inspired the legend of Prince Shotoku's escape from his royal duties.

Umi Hachimangu Shrine

宇美八幡宮

Fukuoka

Umi Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the sea god Hachiman, who is revered as the patron of sailors and fishermen. The shrine's name reflects its connection to the ocean and its role in protecting fishermen from harm. Umi Hachimangu Shrine is situated on the coast of Fukuoka Bay, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene coastal experience. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, with a distinctive curved roofline and ornate wooden decorations.

Umori Inari Shrine

鵜森稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic coastal town of Tomobe, Ibaraki Prefecture, Umori Inari Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to Inari Okami, the patron kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's rich cultural heritage, with a traditional Japanese garden and a distinctive vermilion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and temples, each with its own unique charm and history.

Umori Shrine

鵜森神社

Umori Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the deity of war and divine protection. The shrine serves as a spiritual center for the local community, offering prayers for protection, success, and prosperity. Like many Hachiman shrines throughout Japan, it maintains the traditional architectural elements and ritual practices associated with this important Shinto denomination.