Japanese shrines

伊勢宮神社

伊勢宮神社

Nagano

Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nagano Prefecture, but the correct location is actually Mie Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most famous and revered shrines, known for its association with the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. As the primary shrine of the Imperial Family, Ise has played an important role in Japanese history and culture. The shrine is also famous for its unique construction, which features a massive hall called the Naikunizuka, built to house a sacred tree said to be over 2,000 years old.

天照皇大神社

天照皇大神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Tennozu Okamisan Shrine is dedicated to the Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess and the most important deity in the Japanese pantheon. The shrine was built in 1674 during the Edo period to commemorate the founding of the Nagano daimyo, Lord Tokudai Ieyoshi. With its unique blend of traditional architecture and natural surroundings, Tennozu Okamisan Shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Shinto culture.

長池神社

長池神社

Nagano

Long Pool Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site that honors the kami (spirits) of nature and the local community. Dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture and fertility, the primary deity enshrined at this shrine is Ōkuninushi, a powerful kami believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who worship here.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

諏訪神社, dedicated to the Shinto kami of the same name, is located in the town of Kakunodate, Nagano Prefecture. As one of Japan's most ancient shrines, it has been in operation since the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion torii gate and stunning autumn foliage. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

長田神社

長田神社

Nagano

長田神社は、神奈川県から来着する信濃の旅人が多く参拝してきたことで知られている。長田の神社は、山梨県や栄養に多くの神社が多い神奈川県の中でも比較的少ないかつ歴史上重要な信濃地区の神社としても有名。神社の主 Shrineが、長田地域で最も古くから伝わるものであると考えられており、その歴史は古代の日本社会に大きな影響を与えている。神社の正面には、大正時代に建てられた高さ10メートルの金色の柱（明治柱）が置かれている。神社では、毎年3月15日に『長田神社大祭』と呼ばれる祭りが行われており、その中で神社の主 Shrineを飾る柱は、真ん中から左側に並べられる特別な柱（大柱）です。

功霊殿

功霊殿

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 功霊殿 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's name translates to 'Temple of Virtuous Spirits' or 'Hall of Good Luck'. With its rustic architecture and serene surroundings, 功霊殿 offers a tranquil retreat for visitors seeking blessings and good fortune.

玉依比売命神社

玉依比売命神社

Nagano

玉依比売命神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine's main hall is adorned with vibrant autumn leaves during the fall season. Visitors can experience the tranquility of nature amidst the bustling city life.

芹田下神社

芹田下神社

Nagano

芹田下神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the village of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, which was once an important hub on the Nakasendo highway. The shrine is dedicated to the water deity, Kami Shirakami-gasa, and its primary kami are Shirakami and Iwabuchi no Okami. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese architecture and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

稲荷大明神

稲荷大明神

Nagano

Located in the town of Karuizawa, Aoshima Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice and fertility. Built in 1618, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and features a unique architectural style known as 'Mikado-zukuri,' which originated in the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds and admire its beautiful gardens, while also learning about the history and significance of Inari Okami.

木留神社

木留神社

Nagano

Wooden gate post shrine dedicated to the kami of forest life, agriculture and fertility. The wooden posts are adorned with carved figures of animals and humans in various poses, believed to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can purchase prayers written on paper called 'emakimono' which are then tied to the wooden posts as an offering.

市村神社

市村神社

Nagano

City Village Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of Ryujin, the dragon god and a major deity in Japanese mythology, as well as Fujin, the wind god. The shrine complex features a unique architecture that blends traditional and modern elements, with a large wooden gate adorned with lanterns and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the shrine's gardens and observe the rituals and ceremonies performed by the shrine's priests.

芹田中神社

芹田中神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Shitennō-ji is a significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the three most revered deities in Japanese history: Susanoo, Amaterasu Ōmikami, and Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period origins, with a traditional Japanese garden and a stunning wooden vermillion gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds and experience the local culture.

芹田上神社

芹田上神社

Nagano

Narita Shrine, located in the town of Murakami, Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the local region. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive torii gate and a wooden vermilion roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a historic stone lantern.

八嶋神社

八嶋神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps,八嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's name, meaning 'eight summit shrines,' refers to its location at the foot of Mount Akakawa, which has eight peaks. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including the five-story pagoda and the main hall dedicated to Inari Okami.

八嶋神社

八嶋神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Eight Islands Shrine is a sacred site nestled between Mt. Kita and Mt. Asama. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its historical significance as an important Shinto pilgrimage site during the Edo period. Originally built to honor the kami of the mountains, the shrine has evolved over time to become a symbol of the region's prosperity and good fortune.

志奈埜市神社

志奈埜市神社

Nagano

The Shinae Hachiman Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of war, Hachiman. The shrine complex features a grand hall and several smaller shrines within its grounds. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest and take in the scenic views of the nearby town.

諏訪護国神社

諏訪護国神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Shrine of Fudō Myōō is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Buddhist deities Fudō Myōō and Shennōji. Founded in 819 AD by Emperor Montoku, it is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. The shrine is famous for its impressive architecture, scenic surroundings, and historic significance.

風間神社

風間神社

Nagano

Wind's Blessing Shrine, dedicated to the kami of wind and nature, is nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it has been a revered site for centuries, attracting visitors seeking solace and blessings from the elements. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection with nature, featuring wooden structures adorned with traditional thatched roofs and beautifully manicured gardens.

白山神社

白山神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, the Ōya no Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Saigō Akizane, a daimyo who served as a military advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine's main hall and treasure house are modeled after the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikkó, but with unique local architectural features. Visitors can explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Ōya.

小坂 御頭御社宮司神社

小坂 御頭御社宮司神社

Nagano

小坂御頭御社宮司神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the worship of Kami. The shrine's name '御頭御社' translates to 'Head Shrine', suggesting its historical significance as the seat of power for the local daimyo (feudal lord) clan. With its rich history dating back to the Edo period, this shrine has been an important site for local residents and travelers alike. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a tiled roof and sliding doors characteristic of classic Shinto shrines.

小坂鎮守神社

小坂鎮守神社

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, 小坂鎮守神社 (Kosaka Town Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of scholars. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a center for intellectual pursuits, with a distinctive wooden torii gate that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several tea houses and traditional Japanese gardens.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Japanese alpine culture, Ōtaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ōtami-no-Mikoto, a kami associated with agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as an important center for rural worship, with a traditional gōroku-style gate and a wooden shōgen that houses the shrine's treasures. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine gardens, which are said to be especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

蚊里田八幡宮

蚊里田八幡宮

Nagano

蚊里田八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Murayama, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. According to local legend, the shrine was established during the Edo period by the daimyo (feudal lord) of the region.

水内総社日吉大神社

水内総社日吉大神社

Nagano

Water Inn Sumo Shrine Daytiji Taishogansho is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Niten on the shores of Lake Saku, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the deity Kagu-tsuchi-no-Kami, a kami associated with storms and fertility, the shrine's architecture reflects its history as a key stopover for travelers crossing Lake Saku. The shrine's main hall is a traditional wooden structure with a distinctive curved roof, while the inner courtyard features several stone lanterns and a sacred spring.