Japanese shrines

Yoshiwara Shrine

吉原神社

Ishikawa

Located in the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture, Yoshiwara Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of various deities and kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major hub during Japan's Edo period, with traditional wooden structures and carefully manicured gardens. Visitors can still experience the tranquility and beauty of this historic shrine.

Yoshu Shrine

與杼神社

Shiga

Yoshu Shrine, located in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the kami, Hikoboshi no Okami. According to local legend, the shrine's founder was a local daimyo who sought to appease the vengeful spirit of his own family member by building this shrine in honor of the bridge that spans the river between the mortal world and the afterlife. The shrine is known for its striking vermilion torii gate and beautiful cherry blossom trees, which are said to be favored by Hikoboshi no Okami herself.

Yotsuya Inari Shrine

四ツ谷稲荷神社

Yotsuya Inari Shrine is a local Inari shrine dedicated to the deity of rice, sake, and prosperity. Like many Inari shrines, it serves the surrounding community with prayers for business success, good harvests, and general fortune. The shrine maintains the traditional Inari characteristics including fox guardian statues and red torii gates.

Yoyogi Hachiman

代々木八幡宮

Tokyo

Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the heart of Tokyo's Shibuya ward, near the famous Yoyogi Park. Dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and protector of the emperor, the shrine was originally built in 1843 as a humble torii gate but has since grown into a thriving community hub. The shrine is also renowned for its role in popular culture, having been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including the hit anime series 'Nana' and 'K-Pop idol dramas'. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, admire the traditional vermilion gates, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic Tokyo landmark.

Yu Jinja

湯神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Yu Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of water and fertility, known as Yamato no Okami or Kappa. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Matsushima Bay from within the shrine grounds.

Yu Jinja

湯神社

愛媛県 · 松山市

Located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Yu Jinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the water god Yamato no Orochi, a legendary serpent said to have terrorized the region. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as one of the oldest in Japan, with a main hall constructed during the Heian period.

Yu Jinja Shrine

湯神社

Niigata

Yu Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of hot springs and water sources. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with traditional thatched-roof buildings and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine by walking along the nearby hot spring-fed stream.

Yu-Gongen Jinja

湯権現神社

Kagoshima

Yuasa Omiya Akuni Shrine

湯浅大宮顕国神社

Wakayama

Yuasa Omiya Akuni Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yuasa town, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Akuni no Mikoto and serves as an important spiritual center for the local community. Yuasa town is historically significant as the birthplace of soy sauce production in Japan, and the shrine has been intertwined with the town's cultural and economic development over the centuries.

Yubari shrine

夕張神社

Hokkaido

Yubari Shrine, located in Hokkaido, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, Enokoshita-hikoboshi. The shrine is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom in late April and attract many visitors. According to local legend, Enokoshita-hikoboshi was a kami who fell in love with a mortal woman and was ultimately killed by her husband. In an attempt to reunite the star-crossed lovers, the kami is said to travel between the world of the living and the afterlife every year on July 7th, bringing good fortune and prosperity to those who worship at the shrine.

Yudonosan Jinja

湯殿山神社

Miyagi

Yudonosan Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the gods of the sea and fishing, with a focus on the kami of Yudono, who is believed to have the power to grant fishermen safe passage and bountiful catches. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with traditional Japanese buildings made from cedar wood and tiled roofs that resemble waves. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a large torii gate, a pond, and a museum showcasing the region's history and culture.

Yudonosan Main Shrine

湯殿山神社本宮 御神体(御本尊)

Yamagata

Yudonosan Main Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Yuzawa, Yamagata Prefecture, renowned for its ancient beauty and historical significance. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of Mount Yudono, one of Japan's three sacred mountains, and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings, including the main hall and the torii gate, while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Yuga Shrine

瑜伽神社

Nara

Yuge Shrine

弓削神社

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, dedicated to local kami and serving the spiritual needs of the surrounding community.

Yuge Shrine

弓削神社

Kochi

Yugun Shrine

雄郡神社

Ehime

Located in the city of Uchiura, Ehime Prefecture, Yugun Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Yūgun no Okami, a kami associated with the land and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall and several smaller shrines dedicated to various kami. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the shrine grounds, which feature beautifully manicured gardens and walking paths.

Yugura jinja

湯倉神社

Hokkaido

Yugura jinja, located in the picturesque town of Shiraoi in Hokkaido's Ishikari District, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities believed to reside within the natural hot springs found in the area. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese design of a hokan-style temple, with a rectangular main hall and a smaller torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through the surrounding gardens, which feature beautiful cherry blossom trees and a tranquil pond.

Yui Wakamiya Yōhaijo Shrine

由比若宮遙拝所

Kanagawa

Yuishinkai Headquarters

惟神會本部

Tokyo

The Yuishinkai Headquarters is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to the worship of various kami and deities associated with the Buddhist tradition of Pure Land Buddhism. The shrine was founded in 1921 as the headquarters of the Yuishinkai organization, a prominent Buddhist school that merged with Shintoism in the early 20th century. This unique blend of Buddhist and Shinto practices is reflected in the shrine's architecture and rituals.

Yukawa Shrine

湯川神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Yukawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of plagues and epidemics. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a site for purification rituals during times of disease outbreaks. The shrine's main hall features a stunning example of traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which are said to be particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Yuki Shrine

由岐神社

Shiga

Located in the scenic Lake Biwa region, Yuki Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the god of snow and frost, Yuki-onna. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural location, with a simple yet elegant design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, which feature intricately carved stone lanterns and ornate wooden gates.

Yuki Shrine

結城神社 (Yuki shurine)

Yuki Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, dedicated to the spirit of Kitabatake Chikafusa, a prominent 14th-century court noble, military commander, and political theorist who served Emperor Go-Daigo during the turbulent Nanbokucho period. The shrine is particularly famous for its spectacular plum blossoms, featuring over 300 plum trees of approximately 80 varieties that bloom from late February to early March, creating one of the most celebrated plum viewing spots in the Kansai region.

Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine

雪谷八幡神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the revered deity Hachiman, patron god of war and medicine. The shrine's serene gardens and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and connection with nature. With its rich history dating back to the Heian period, the shrine has played a significant role in Japanese cultural heritage.

Yukiyoshisha

尹良社

Nagano

Yukiyoshisha Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Yukiyoshi, a kami believed to be associated with good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains while strolling through the shrine's peaceful gardens.