Japanese shrines

飯縄神社

飯縄神社

Nagano

Fudurariboshi no Mae Hikoboshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Shirakawa, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Hikoboshi, the god of the bridge between life and death, it is one of the few shrines in Japan that honors this kami, known for his role in guiding souls to the afterlife.

田面稲荷神社

田面稲荷神社

Nagano

Located in the Nakatsugawa City of Nagano Prefecture, Takaigahara Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture, featuring a large torii gate at its entrance. The shrine grounds are also home to numerous shrines and altars dedicated to various kami, including those related to agriculture and prosperity.

川合墾田神社

川合墾田神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano,川合墾田神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the kami. The shrine's name translates to 'Harmony Farm Field Shrine.' Founded during the Edo period, it serves as a sacred site for locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese hospitality and explore the shrine's serene gardens and historic buildings.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Nagano

Autumn Leaf Shrine, Autumn Leaf Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, dedicated to the kami of the autumn leaf and the forest. The shrine's name reflects its connection to the vibrant autumn foliage that blankets the surrounding mountains during the fall season.

開運出世稲荷神社

開運出世稲荷神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Open Fortune Prosperity Shinto Shrine is dedicated to the esteemed Inari Okami, revered as the patron deity of fertility and prosperity. With its serene garden and tranquil atmosphere, the shrine serves as a popular destination for locals and visitors alike seeking blessings for good fortune and bountiful harvests. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Open Fortune Prosperity Shinto Shrine boasts an impressive architectural style that blends traditional and modern elements.

伊勢宮大神宮

伊勢宮大神宮

Nagano

Ise-Miya Taishiro no Mikoto is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Sengawa, Nagano Prefecture, but its main location is actually Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. However, there are many shrines dedicated to the deity in Japan. One of them is found in Nagano Prefecture. This shrine was built during the Edo period and enshrines Ise-Miya Taishiro no Mikoto as well as other deities such as Yamatsumi-no-kami, Fujin, and Raijin.

金刀毘羅神社

金刀毘羅神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Kinutoburo-jinja Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Tamamo-no-Me, a legendary tengu from Japanese folklore. The shrine's architecture reflects its remote location, with a traditional gashira-ban gate and a torii gate made of cypress wood. Visitors can experience the serenity of nature by hiking through the surrounding mountains or exploring the nearby village.

飯縄神社

飯縄神社

Nagano

Fukurō-san Shrine, located in the town of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of rice and fishing. The shrine's primary deity, Fukurō-san, is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to fishermen and farmers. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stopover for travelers along the ancient Nakasendo Highway. Visitors can admire the beautiful garden and traditional Japanese architecture while paying respects to Fukurō-san.

古録稲荷社

古録稲荷社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, ancient Ryōgoku Shrine, also known as Furugokurikura Jinja, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of fertility and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Edo period, with a unique, rustic appearance that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

笠間稲荷神社

笠間稲荷神社

Nagano

Sugama Inari Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style of hirajiriso, with a wooden torii gate and a simple stone temple building. Visitors can explore the inner courtyards and see the numerous vermilion torii gates that line the approach to the shrine. The shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

駒弓神社

駒弓神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 駒弓神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, the god of war and patron deity of samurai warriors. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian period style, with a characteristic rectangular building and ornate wooden gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several ponds, walking paths, and historic buildings.

三才諏訪神社

三才諏訪神社

Nagano

Three-sou Shrine, located in the town of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture, is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of longevity and prosperity, Three-sou (Sanbutsu). The shrine has long been revered for its ability to grant good health and happiness to those who visit. With its serene garden and tranquil atmosphere, the shrine offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

葵神社

葵神社

Nagano

Goei-jinja, or Goei-gu, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of plums and fertility. Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, this ancient shrine is said to have been established during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's main enshrined deity, Hina-matsuri no kami, is revered for its role in ensuring a bountiful harvest of plums and other fruits. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, adorned with vibrant plum blossoms, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Japan's rural communities.

子安社

子安社

Nagano

Suban no ya is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Subane and his wife, Sosan no yae, it is one of the most famous shrines in the region known as the 'Land of Thirteen Yama.' The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a distinctive curved roof and elegant stone lanterns.

椿神社

椿神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture,椿神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, revered as the patron of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Japanese temples, with a main hall featuring a vermilion roof and a wooden torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and grounds, which include a large stone lantern and a sacred cedar tree.

土倉文珠堂

土倉文珠堂

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, the Shrine of Terukazu no Maki is a serene Shinto sanctuary nestled among lush forests and towering trees. Dedicated to the Shinto deity of agriculture, fertility, and prosperity, Terukazu no Kami is revered for his role in ensuring bountiful harvests and fertile land. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, adorned with traditional torii gates, vibrant autumn foliage, and serene ponds reflecting the surrounding natural beauty.

成就神社

成就神社

Nagano

Established in the Heian period, the Jujutsu Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity of justice and righteousness. This shrine is notable for its unique architecture, which reflects the region's distinctive cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner sanctum and witness the changing of the lanterns during the annual autumn festival.

松岡神社

松岡神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano,松岡神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Takao, known as Takao-no-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and a beautiful garden featuring native plants and trees. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere and tranquil surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

皇大神社

皇大神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Akaya, Nagano Prefecture, Imperial Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, who is said to be the first emperor of Japan. The shrine complex spans over 70 hectares and features a large hall known as Daikannon-den, which houses a statue of Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

守田迺神社

守田迺神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 守田迺神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection and prosperity of its community. The shrine's primary deity is not well-documented, but it is believed to be associated with the kami of rice fields and agriculture. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, which features a large torii gate and a rectangular shrine building. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

逢瀬神社

逢瀬神社

Nagano

In the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, lies the Shitennō-ji Temple, a historic temple that was originally built in 711 CE and rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The main hall, known as the 'San-byōden', is said to be one of Japan's most beautiful temples. Visitors can see the temple's impressive wooden architecture, including its iconic San-byōden, which features an intricately designed ceiling with a complex system of wooden beams and supports that hold up the roof without visible nails or rivets.

墨坂神社

墨坂神社

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano, Momo-saka Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of fertility and rice harvests. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive curved roof and tiled exterior. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it is one of the oldest shrines in the region.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Nagano

Autumn Leaf Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity O-Okami (Great God of the Forest). The shrine's main structure features a unique roof style typical of Heian-period architecture, with a curved eaves and a distinctive tiled surface. Visitors can admire the beautiful autumn foliage during the fall season, especially around the Chrysanthemum Festival in November. The shrine grounds also feature a scenic walking path and a small pond, creating a serene atmosphere for reflection.

長池水原神社

長池水原神社

Nagano

Long Pool Water Source Shrine, located in the town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of water and fertility. The shrine's name '長池' translates to 'long pool', likely referring to a natural water source or a man-made pond. Its unique architectural style reflects the influences of Edo-period shrine construction.