Japanese shrines

Otomiya Shrine

乙宮神社

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, serving as an important local spiritual center for the surrounding community.

Otsuka Shrine

大塚神社

Kumamoto

Ritsuganji Onsen Inari Shrine

立願寺温泉稲荷神社

Kumamoto

A local Inari shrine associated with the Ritsuganji hot springs area in Kumamoto Prefecture. As an Inari shrine, it is dedicated to the deity of rice, prosperity, and good fortune.

Ryu Shrine

龍神社

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to dragon deities, reflecting the deep connection between Japanese spirituality and dragon mythology. Dragon shrines are often associated with water, rainfall, and protection from natural disasters.

Ryujin Shrine

龍神宮

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to Ryujin, the dragon deity of the sea and water. Dragon shrines like this are often established near water sources or coastal areas and are visited by those seeking protection from natural disasters, safe sea voyages, and abundant rainfall for agriculture.

Sadahiro Daimyojin Shrine

貞廣大明神

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to Sadahiro Daimyojin, likely honoring a deified historical figure or local spiritual protector who achieved divine status through exceptional deeds or spiritual power.

Sae Shrine

塞神社

Kumamoto

A shrine dedicated to Sae no Kami, protective deities associated with boundaries, crossroads, and warding off evil spirits. These shrines traditionally serve as spiritual guardians at village entrances and important pathways.

Sagara Shrine

相良神社

Kumamoto

A shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to the Sagara clan, the feudal lords who ruled the Hitoyoshi domain for over 700 years. The shrine serves as a memorial to the Sagara family ancestors and reflects the deep connection between local governance and Shinto spiritual traditions in southern Kyushu.

Saisei-gu Shrine

歳星宮

Kumamoto

Saisei-gu is a Myoken shrine dedicated to the worship of stellar deities, particularly the North Star. The name 'Saisei' refers to celestial bodies and stellar worship, reflecting the shrine's connection to astronomical observation and star-based religious practices that were important in ancient Japan.

Sakamoto Suijin Shrine

坂本の水神宮

Kumamoto

A local water deity shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to the spiritual protection of water sources and agricultural irrigation. Suijin shrines like this one serve as important centers for community prayers related to water abundance, flood prevention, and successful rice cultivation.

Saki Shrine

佐岐神社

Kumamoto

Saki Shrine is a local Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, serving as a spiritual center for the surrounding community. The shrine maintains traditional architectural elements and provides a peaceful setting for worship and seasonal festivals.

Samata Aso Shrine

佐俣阿蘇神社

Kumamoto · 下益城郡美里町佐俣

Sanjingu Shrine

三神宮

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture whose name literally means 'Three Deities Shrine,' suggesting it enshrines three important kami. The shrine serves the local community as a place of worship and spiritual guidance.

Sankai Onsen Shrine

三会温泉神社

Kumamoto

A local Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, associated with hot spring waters as indicated by its name containing 'onsen' (hot spring).

Sanmiya Shrine

三宮社

Kumamoto

A Shinto shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture. The name 'Sanmiya' meaning 'third shrine' suggests it may have been the third-ranking shrine in a regional shrine hierarchy or part of a group of associated shrines.

Sannomiya Shrine

三宮社

Kumamoto

A local Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to regional kami. The name 'Sannomiya' indicates it may be the third-ranking shrine in a historical hierarchy of local shrines.

Satomiya Shrine

里宮神社

Kumamoto

A local Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture serving as a spiritual center for the surrounding community. The name 'Satomiya' literally means 'village shrine,' indicating its role as a neighborhood guardian deity sanctuary.

Shiga Shrine

志賀神社

Kumamoto

Shiga Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to sea deities. The shrine serves the local community with traditional Shinto practices and seasonal festivals, maintaining the spiritual connection between the people and the maritime kami.

Shimada Tenman Shrine

島田天満宮

Kumamoto

Shimako Hachimangu Shrine

島子八幡宮

Kumamoto

Shimako Hachimangu is a Hachiman shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin. As a Hachiman shrine, it serves as a center for worship of the god of war, culture, and divine protection, playing an important role in the local community's spiritual and cultural life.

Shimotsuura Suwa Shrine

下津浦諏訪神社

Kumamoto

A local Suwa shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to the warrior deity Takeminakata-no-Mikoto. As part of the Suwa shrine network, it serves the spiritual needs of the Shimotsuura community while maintaining connections to the main Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture.

Shioi Shrine

潮井神社

Kumamoto

Shioi Shrine is a Hachiman shrine located in Kumamoto Prefecture, dedicated to Emperor Ojin and associated deities. The shrine serves as an important local spiritual center and represents the widespread veneration of Hachiman, the deified Emperor Ojin who is revered as a deity of war, culture, and divine protection.

Shioya Hachimangu Shrine

塩屋八幡宮

Kumamoto

Shioya Hachimangu is a Hachiman shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to the deified Emperor Ojin and associated deities. Like other Hachiman shrines, it serves as a center for worship of the god of war, culture, and divine protection, playing an important role in the local community's spiritual and cultural life.

Shirahige Daimyojin Shrine

白髭大明神

Kumamoto

A Shirahige shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to Sarutahiko no Okami, the deity of guidance and safe passage. Shirahige shrines are typically associated with longevity and protection, with the white beard symbolizing wisdom and age.