Japanese shrines

八十主神社

八十主神社

Tokushima

The Eighty Major Gods Shrine, located in Tokushima Prefecture, is dedicated to the worship of the eighty major kami from Japanese mythology. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Shinto shrines, with a wooden torii gate and rectangular main hall. The shrine is also known for its connection to the legend of Urashima Taro, a famous tale in Japanese folklore. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature beautiful gardens and walking paths.

会下天満神社

会下天満神社

Tokushima

Willow-Tree Shrine, dedicated to Tsukuyomi and Ise-no-Mori in the heart of Tokushima, is a sacred site nestled between the tranquil hills and valleys of Shikoku's lush forests. As a revered Shinto temple, it embodies the rich spiritual essence of the region, honoring the divine forces that govern nature and human destiny.

劍山本宮剱神社

劍山本宮剱神社

Tokushima

Katamuki Shrine, located in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture, is dedicated to Katamuki, a Shinto deity believed to reside within Mount Iwate. This shrine, one of the most famous in Japan, is renowned for its ancient architecture and stunning natural surroundings.

荒神社

荒神社

Tokushima

Located in the scenic town of Awaodori, Tokushima Prefecture's Awaoka Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and agriculture, Awa no Kami. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, it has been an important site for centuries, with its name derived from the god. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, featuring a main hall and torii gate adorned with symbolic charms to ward off evil spirits.

新羅神社

新羅神社

Tokushima

新羅神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu located in Tokushima Prefecture, known as Iya Valley's 'Little Kyoto'. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it is one of Japan's oldest shrines. The shrine's architecture is characterized by its beautiful gardens and traditional buildings, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of Tokushima.

菅生神社

菅生神社

Tokushima

菅生神社, located in Tokushima Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of agriculture and fertility, Ryujin's brother. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's unique cultural heritage, with a mix of Japanese and indigenous Ainu influences. Its historic roots date back to the 17th century, during the Edo period, making it an important site for understanding regional traditions.

男山神社

男山神社

Tokushima

Male Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Ayagawa, Tokushima Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. It is known for its unique architecture, which features a combination of traditional and modern elements. The shrine's main hall, the hondo, is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful paintings depicting scenes from Japanese mythology.

天満神社

天満神社

Tokushima

The Tenman-gu Shrine in Tokushima Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Amaterasu Okami, the Shinto sun goddess and one of the three primary kami of the Imperial Family, this shrine has played a significant role in the region's history and culture.

御手洗神社

御手洗神社

Tokushima

The Ō-handashi Shrine in Tokushima Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Oh-handashi River, which flows through the city. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. According to local legend, the shrine was built during the Heian period by the local ruler, who wanted to appease the kami of the river.

葛原正八幡宮

葛原正八幡宮

Tokushima

Geku Jishuu Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Matsuyama, Tokushima Prefecture. The shrine was originally built in the 16th century as a Shingon Buddhist temple but was later converted to a Shinto shrine during the Edo period. The Enma-oki Shrine and the Ben'en Kannon Temple were also influenced by this historical transformation.

出雲神社

出雲神社

Tokushima

出雲神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Dedicated to the goddess Ōyamatsumi-no-kami, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with records dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, featuring a unique hippon-style design with a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's precincts, which include the Ōyamatsumi-no-kami shrine and the nearby Katsurahama Beach.

木熊野神社

木熊野神社

Tokushima

Woodland bear shrine in Tokushima Prefecture, dedicated to the protection of forests and wildlife. The shrine is located near a historic samurai castle ruins, suggesting its origins during the feudal era.

中津八幡神社

中津八幡神社

Tokushima

Middle of the 16th century, Tokushima was devastated by a devastating earthquake. In 1615, to commemorate its recovery, it became the site of the new Middle Eightfold Path Shrine (Hachibei-hie). The Hachiman Shrine was later built nearby and eventually took the place of Hie. The god in this shrine is believed to be related to the 8th-century Kamakura period deity Kaito Hachiman, which served as a protector of the people of Tokushima Prefecture.

亀岡八幡神社

亀岡八幡神社

Tokushima

Kameoka Hachiman Shrine, dedicated to the god of war and protector of the region, is a historic Shinto site located in the heart of Tokushima Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period roots, with a main hall constructed from hinoki cypress wood and adorned with traditional roof tiles. The surrounding grounds are said to be the site where Hachiman no Okami, the god of war, was worshipped by the local inhabitants.

宇賀神社

宇賀神社

Tokushima

Uraga Shrine, located in the historic town of Ōsato, Tokushima Prefecture, is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the deity Ōzumo, a kami associated with the sea and storms. As one of the oldest shrines on the island of Shikoku, it has played a significant role in local folklore and mythology. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, featuring a traditional Heian-style main hall.

松之森天神社

松之森天神社

Tokushima

MatsushinonTenjinsha, a Shinto shrine located in Tokushima Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane, a famous Shinto kami of learning and culture. The shrine's name, Matsushinon, translates to 'forest of matsushita,' likely referring to a local forest or river associated with the shrine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese architecture, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere. The shrine is particularly notable for its connections to the Tokushima Prefectural Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the region's history and culture.

剣山本宮宝蔵石神社

剣山本宮宝蔵石神社

Tokushima

Located in the heart of Tokushima, 剣山本宮宝蔵石神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Ryūjin, the Dragon God, and Ōkuninushi, the god of agriculture and harvests. The shrine's architecture reflects its significance as a sacred site for the Ainu people, an indigenous ethnic group native to Japan. Built in 1877, the shrine complex features traditional Japanese buildings with wooden beams and tiled roofs, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing local artifacts and a beautiful garden.

轟神社

轟神社

Tokushima

Ōnokuchi Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire, Ōno-Okami. Located in Ōnokuchi, Tokushima Prefecture, the shrine is situated near a volcanic crater and offers stunning views of Mount Mibaru. The shrine complex features a unique wooden torii gate made from the wood of a single cedar tree, which is said to be over 1,000 years old.

金刀比羅宮

金刀比羅宮

Tokushima

Kinko-dera Temple, located in Tokushima Prefecture, is dedicated to Kobo Daishi, a famous Buddhist saint and the founder of Shingon Buddhism. However, it also holds significant importance as the primary Shinto shrine for Tokushima Prefecture, housing the enshrined deity Okuninushi no Kami. The temple was initially constructed during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) but has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history.

讃岐輪楽オートバイ神社

讃岐輪楽オートバイ神社

Tokushima

Located in the heart of Tokushima Prefecture, Katsuragi Rinsai Otobai Jinja Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of motorcycles and road travel. The shrine's name, Katsuragi, refers to Mount Katsuragi, a prominent landmark in the region. Visitors can explore the shrine's unique architecture, which features a large torii gate adorned with motorcycle-themed decorations.

波切不動明王堂

波切不動明王堂

Tokushima

波切不動明王堂 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tokushima, dedicated to the deity Notōmyō Ōgami, also known as the 'Deity of the Ocean's Edge'. The shrine is situated on a scenic coastal path and is said to have been built during the Heian period. It is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan for its stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

荒魂神社

荒魂神社

Tokushima

Tobira no Mura Shrine, located in the scenic town of Awa Odoshi on the island of Shikoku, is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the kami of war and patron deity of the imperial family. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's unique cultural heritage, with a distinctive curved roofline and a moss-covered torii gate. While it may not be as well-known as some other shrines in Japan, Tobira no Mura Shrine remains an important spiritual site for locals and visitors alike.

鶴羽大明神宮

鶴羽大明神宮

Tokushima

The Tamatsumiya no Okami Shrine, also known as Yatsugami Taishashin Shrine or O-Uzumegi Taisha, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, as well as the god of thunder. It is located in Tokushima Prefecture and is known for its unique architecture and cultural significance. The shrine's name, Tamatsumiya no Okami, translates to 'Great God of the Heavenly River,' and its location on the coast of the Shikoku Island is believed to be a sacred site due to the proximity to the sea.

祇園神社

祇園神社

Tokushima

Prishinoo-jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kochi Prefecture, but was originally from Tokushima, now is an important shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of samurai, as well as other kami such as Fujin and Raijin. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a major military shrine during the Sengoku period, with the original wooden structure dating back to the 15th century.