Shrines & temples

Japanese shrines

OSM directory

Explore Shinto shrines mapped from OpenStreetMap — filter by prefecture, city, or denomination. For curated travel listings, see featured landmark shrines below.

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1,298 shrines

四社宮

Miyagi

Four-Society Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture is dedicated to the worship of four kami who are believed to have appeared at a sacred spot in the area. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, featuring traditional Japanese-style buildings with tiled roofs and decorated gates. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquility and cultural heritage by attending one of its seasonal festivals or participating in rituals at the main shrine.

豊玉神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Ichinoseki, Miyagi Prefecture, Toyama-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity. The shrine's name, which translates to 'Treasure Jewel Shrine', reflects its historical significance as a place where emperors would store precious treasures during times of war. The shrine's architecture showcases the Heian period style, with a main hall built in 1204. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and traditional architecture, making it a serene oasis in the heart of the city.

古峯神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, Furutou Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and industry. The shrine's name 'Furutou' literally means 'fertile mountain,' reflecting its location on the slopes of Mount Zao, which is said to be the origin of the nearby Sanriku coast's fertile soil. As a major pilgrimage site for those seeking good fortune in business, Furutou Shrine attracts thousands of visitors each year.

今宮神社

Miyagi

Imamia Shrine, located in the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of a mythical fisherman who was said to have introduced rice cultivation to the region. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical period as a Kamakura-period shrine, with a distinctive curved roof and a wooden torii gate. Visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of the area by participating in the annual Matsuri festival, which features traditional dances, music, and food.

水神社

Miyagi

Located in the historic city of Sendai, Sumiyamisou water shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to water kami and purification rituals. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the Sumiyamizu River, with stone lanterns and wooden gates inspired by traditional Japanese designs. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and participate in ceremonies for good luck, health, and spiritual renewal.

舟岡明神社

Miyagi

Located in the town of Higashi Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Shōtoku-oka Myo-jin-sa is an ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to Shitennō-ji (Ten Goddesses) and Shitenno-Ō no kami (Ten Heavenly Kings). The shrine's name 'Shōtoku-oka' refers to its proximity to the Shōtoku River, which was a significant waterway during Japan's early imperial era. With a history dating back over 1,200 years, this shrine showcases traditional Shinto architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

日吉神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, Dayu Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the god of storms and thunder, Taiyo no Kami. Dedicated to the protection of the city and its people from natural disasters, the shrine is particularly notable for its traditional architecture and unique festival traditions.

堤町天神社

Miyagi

Betsutōmachi Tenjinsha, located in the heart of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a renowned scholar and politician from the Heian period. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive vermilion torii gate and a wooden lantern tower. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens and explore its rich history through exhibits and artifacts on display.

鹿野八幡神社

Miyagi

Located in the scenic Miyagi prefecture, 鹿野八幡神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the primary deity Inari Okami. The shrine's name translates to 'Deer Meadow Eight-Fold Shrine'. This ancient temple complex is built on a hillside overlooking the town of Kesennuma and is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several shrines, temples, and historic monuments. The shrine's architecture reflects various historical periods, with influences from Nara and Heian styles.

青麻神社

Miyagi

Located in the town of Higashi-Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, the Ryuzenji Temple (also known as Ao Matsushima Shrine), is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection and prosperity of fishermen and sailors. The shrine's name 'Ao Matsushima' roughly translates to 'Blue Matsushima,' possibly referring to the area's famous blue-hued coastal waters.

北辰神社

Miyagi

Located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan,北辰神社 (Kōtetsu-jinsha) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Kotoshogi, who is revered as the god of blacksmiths and craftsmen. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for ironworking in the area. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing the history of Miyagi Prefecture's iron industry.

秋葉神社

Miyagi

Autumn Leaves Shrine, located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami of autumn leaves and the patron deity of agriculture, Ōkuninushi. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a large torii gate and a hall adorned with wooden pillars and paper lanterns. Visitors can walk through the serene forest grounds, taking in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves during the fall season.

琴平神社

Miyagi

Located in the scenic Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, Kubikinashi Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the same name, believed to protect sailors and fishermen. Dating back to the 8th century, the shrine's architecture showcases a mix of traditional and ancient styles, reflecting its historical significance. Kubikinashi Shrine is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage and vibrant spring cherry blossoms.

稲荷神社

Miyagi

The Dewa Sanzan Matsushima at Ishinomaki's neighboring shrine, Izumida Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture, is a popular destination, but the more famous and historic Inda Shrine, dedicated to Inari Okami, is located nearby. The shrine boasts beautiful architecture featuring wooden structures, stone walls, and vermilion gates. The primary deity enshrined here is Inari Okami, patron kami of rice, industry, and fertility.

熊野神社

Miyagi

Miyako-jinja, the ancient Heian-era temple that gave rise to the modern-day Zao Onsen hot springs and ski resort, is located near the entrance of Zao Mountain in Yamagata Prefecture. However, the most well-known bear shrine in Japan, 熊野神社 (Naruko-san), lies within the Nihonmatsu city's Naruko-cho district in Fukushima Prefecture. This shrine is primarily dedicated to the Shinto god of the forest and wildlife, Amaterasu Ōmikami. In 1869, during the Meiji Restoration period, this shrine was rebuilt with traditional Japanese architectural style. Today, visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere amidst lush greenery while offering prayers and blessings to Amaterasu.

熱日高彦神社

Miyagi

Heatayakohykomikagenja is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, known for its strong connection to the regional deity Hiyayakushi Hiko-mi-no-kami, who is said to have been revered since the Edo period. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and historic significance as a site that has withstood the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Visitors can explore the shrine's museum to learn more about the history and mythology surrounding Hiyayakushi Hiko-mi-no-kami.

筆神社

Miyagi

Penjinsja Shrine, located in the scenic city of Sendai, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of writing and communication. The shrine's name is often interpreted as 'God of Ink' or 'God of Writing,' reflecting its association with the art of calligraphy and literature. With its tranquil gardens and traditional architecture, Penjinsja Shrine offers visitors a serene escape from the bustling city.

三島神社

Miyagi

Three Islands Shrine, located in the heart of Kesennuma City, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the sea and storms, Amaterasu-Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the ocean, with a striking torii gate standing at the water's edge. According to local legend, three islands appear during certain festivals, believed to be connected to the divine realm. Visitors can participate in traditional dances, such as the 'Yamabushi Taisha', and enjoy stunning views of Matsushima Bay.

古峯神社

Miyagi

Koyamatsu Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. With its unique blend of traditional and modern elements, Koyamatsu Inari Shrine offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to experience Japanese culture.

鳥屋嶺神社

Miyagi

Located in the scenic Matsushima district of Miyagi Prefecture, Bird's Nest Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deified spirit of a local bird. The shrine's architecture reflects its history dating back to the Edo period, with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. The temple grounds are renowned for their natural beauty, featuring lush forests, winding streams, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

熊野神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, Tsukubamichi, the main shrine of Zenshuji-ha Shinto is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility, rice, and prosperity. The shrine complex is known for its serene gardens, historic buildings, and unique architectural features inspired by traditional Japanese design. Visitors can explore the 1,000+ year old main hall, surrounded by beautiful courtyards and walking paths.

五十鈴神社

Miyagi

The fifty-sound bell temple, located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine's name originates from its 50 large bronze bells, which are rung during New Year's (Oshogatsu) celebrations to purify and bring good fortune to worshippers. Dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship between humans and nature, the temple embodies traditional Japanese values of respect for ancestors and harmony with the environment.

愛宕神社

Miyagi

Ai Date Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, water, and prosperity in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Located near the site of the old castle, the shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major political center during the Edo period. The shrine's complex consists of several buildings, including the honden main hall and the honden annex.

荒神神社

Miyagi

Located in Miyagi Prefecture, the Arai-no-kami no-ma Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice fields and fertility. This ancient shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Japanese temples, with a vermilion torii gate and a wooden hall adorned with intricate carvings.