Japanese shrines

法性神社

法性神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Lawsyu Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of war and fertility, Lawsyu, as well as the goddess of childbirth, Utsusemi, and the god of prosperity, Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with a simple yet elegant design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, torii gates, and traditional Japanese gardens, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

信濃招魂社

信濃招魂社

Nagano

信濃招魂社は、長野県山形町に位置する神道教の神社です。信濃地方に存在する神社で知られ、徳川家康が本拠を置くことになる、天体観測や地震予知などの風邪引き（ふうなめごき）を主な目的としていた神社です。この神社は、天文学者である山形村長の村長直綱が1889年に創建しました。信濃招魂社では、地震予知や天体観測などに関連する風邪引きを行っています。 この神社の主な神は、神道教における風邪引き神であり、神事として「風邪引き式」が行われています。この式は、真っ先に発生した地震を予知し、予防し、救助するという目的で実施されています。 信濃招魂社では、毎年4月22日に「風邪引き式」を行っています。この式には、天文学者である村長直綱の像が祀られていることから、天文学の発展に大きく貢献した彼の記念とされるものです。 信濃招魂社は、日本の神道教の重要な文化遺産であり、多くの観光客を集めている神社の1つです。特に、風邪引き式や天文学に関連する歴史的背景が魅力的な場所として人気があります。

本村神社

本村神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Honmura-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the local deity, Hachiman Tenjin. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred site for the region's agricultural community, with traditional Japanese-style buildings and gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing the region's history and culture.

矢崎 御頭御社宮司社

矢崎 御頭御社宮司社

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture,矢崎御頭御社宮司社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Ōkuno-mikoto, a kami associated with rice and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall constructed using local cedar wood and a prominent torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage of this lesser-known shrine.

御座石神社

御座石神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, 御座石神社 is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the kami. The name '御座' translates to 'throne,' which may refer to an ancient throne discovered at the shrine's site. This historic site has been home to various deities throughout Japanese history, with records showing its existence as far back as the Edo period.

東堀正八幡宮

東堀正八幡宮

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano,東堀正八幡宮 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Futsunokami Inari, revered as the patron of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a rectangular main hall and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

春日神社

春日神社

Nagano

Spring Day Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Okami, the Sun Goddess and one of the most revered deities in Japanese mythology. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a wooden main hall. During spring festivals, locals celebrate the arrival of warmer weather and new life with rituals and offerings to the kami.

大照神社

大照神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, the Ōsaka Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Ōsokamimuchi. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a large torii gate and a traditional honden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and ceremonial spaces. The shrine is particularly famous for its associations with the mythological figure of Ōsokamimuchi, who is said to have brought light and wisdom to the world.

秋宮社

秋宮社

Nagano

Autumn Hall Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of autumn harvest and fertility, Ōkuninushi. The shrine's architecture is characterized by its traditional Japanese-style buildings, featuring a tiled roof and sliding doors made of rice paper. Visitors can walk through the serene forest paths and enjoy the vibrant fall foliage during the autumn season.

御射宮司社（秋宮社摂社）

御射宮司社（秋宮社摂社）

Nagano

Located in the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, Okushie no Miyajima Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess and ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. The shrine is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Its architecture reflects the traditional style of a Japanese imperial shrine, with a main hall dedicated to Amaterasu and several smaller shrines enshrined to various kami.

御射山三社御旅所

御射山三社御旅所

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, 御射山三社御旅所 is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to three primary kami: Yomotsu Hirona (Patron of Agriculture), Yayabusaki (Goddess of Fireworks), and Koshinomiya-jin (Deity of Health). This unique triple-kami system reflects the region's strong agricultural and industrial heritage. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and explore its traditional architecture, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding mountain landscape.

源上神社

源上神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Shinmei-ji Temple was originally a Buddhist temple but has since been converted into a Shinto shrine. The name 'Shinmei' means 'true divine light,' reflecting its history and significance as a site where Buddhism and Shintoism coexist. While not directly related to the kami Enma-o, the shrine is closely tied to the region's folklore and mythology.

上横川神社

上横川神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, above Yokawa River, Upper Yokawa Shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi no Kami, a kami associated with fertility and agriculture. The shrine is renowned for its serene natural surroundings and traditional architecture. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere by walking along the riverbank, taking in the scenic views, or simply sitting on one of the many benches.

岩水神社

岩水神社

Nagano

Iwafuji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps, dedicated to the kami of the mountain and the crystal-clear waters that flow through it. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic surroundings, with a traditional torii gate made from natural materials such as cedar wood and stone. Visitors can explore the tranquil grounds, which include several waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.

八島神社社務所

八島神社社務所

Nagano

Located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture,八島神社社務所 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, offering breathtaking views of Mount Chuzenji in the nearby Japanese Alps.

八王子神社

八王子神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Eight Kings Shrine (Hachiōji-jinja) is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined kami of the legendary Eight Kings, said to have ruled Japan in ancient times. The shrine's historic buildings and tranquil grounds offer visitors a serene escape from modern life.

氷室五社神社

氷室五社神社

Nagano

氷室五社神社, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the five deities that protect travelers on the famous Nakasendo road. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a critical stopover for weary travelers and merchants. Its wooden torii gate, adorned with intricate carvings of natural motifs such as leaves and twigs, is particularly notable.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Nagano

Autumn Leaves Shrine, located in the scenic village of Karuizawa, is dedicated to the Shinto kami Autumn Leaf (Aki no Kami). Belonging to the Nagano Prefecture, the shrine is a tranquil oasis amidst nature's splendor. Its serene beauty is accentuated by the vibrant autumn foliage that draws visitors from across Japan.

大富士神社

大富士神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Big Fuji Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is a sacred site honoring the mountain god Nyoho, who is believed to watch over the surrounding mountains and valleys. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic surroundings, with wooden structures and natural materials used extensively in its construction. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Mt. Fujisan while strolling through the shrine grounds.

武井神社

武井神社

Nagano

The Wujigami Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the god Wujii, revered as the patron deity of the town's agricultural and forestry industries. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a main hall featuring intricate wood carvings and tiled roofs. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and take in the serene atmosphere.

西宮神社

西宮神社

Nagano

Located in the city of Karuizawa, West Mount Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and historic Shinto shrines. Built in 747 AD during the Nara period, it is believed to have originated from an earlier sacred site dedicated to the kami of Mount Yoshino, known as Yoshino-Okuninushi. The shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout its history, with notable restorations made during the Edo period. Today, West Mount Shrine serves as a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

安達神社

安達神社

Nagano

Anada Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps, in the town of Iwate, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Fujin, the god of wind and storms, the shrine attracts visitors seeking relief from harsh weather conditions. The shrine's architecture reflects the regional styles of the area, with a mix of traditional and modern elements.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's name, "Hachimangu," refers to the primary deity, Hachiman, the Shinto god of war, protection, and agriculture. The shrine complex features an impressive torii gate adorned with eight bronze horseshoes, symbolizing the power of the eight directions and eight virtues. Visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of the shrine's surroundings, including a serene pond and lush gardens.

奥田神社

奥田神社

Nagano

Oita-dani Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Obasaka, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to Tsukuyomi no kami, the Shinto god of the moon. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can experience a peaceful atmosphere and enjoy local specialties such as local sake and sweets.