Japanese shrines

大鳥神社

大鳥神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture, Daitōryū Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Great Bird, a mythical creature believed to have created the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects its location in the Sagawa River valley, with traditional Japanese-style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens.

出世稲荷大明神

出世稲荷大明神

Gunma

Located in the city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Outase Inari Taishagami is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its long history, dating back to the 8th century, and its unique architecture, which features a distinctive vermilion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's interior, which includes several shrines and halls, as well as the sacred forest surrounding it.

住吉神社

住吉神社

Gunma

住吉神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it is one of Japan's oldest shrines and has been an important center for worship and community events for centuries. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a striking torii gate and beautiful gardens.

木曽三社神社

木曽三社神社

Gunma

Woodworking kami of the Oshu region, revered at this Gunma shrine since its founding in 718. Dedicated to the worship of the deities of agriculture and fertility, the shrine's architecture reflects its importance as a producer of high-quality textiles.

三嶋神社

三嶋神社

Gunma

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Gunma, Shinto Shrine dedicated to Kofuku, the god of mountains and fertility. Known for its traditional architecture and scenic location, three towering stone statues of fox spirits, a symbol of the shrine's connection to Japanese mythology. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Tamagawa and surrounding landscape.

小幡八幡神社

小幡八幡神社

Gunma

小幡八幡神社, located in the town of Shibukawa in Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, one of the most important kami in Japanese mythology. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a resting place for travelers and merchants along the old Nakasendo road. Its wooden torii gate, adorned with intricate carvings, stands out among other shrines in the region.

生品神社境内

生品神社境内

Gunma

Mibuna Shrine, located in the Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Mibune Okami. The shrine is situated in a scenic area and is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and picturesque surroundings. As with many Shinto shrines in Japan, the primary purpose of Mibuna Shrine is to provide spiritual guidance and protection to its visitors.

神明宮

神明宮

Gunma

Godai-ma no miya, known as Godai-jinja, is a Shinto shrine in Gunma Prefecture that honors the gods of agriculture and fertility. Located near the village of Ōtaki, it is one of the oldest shrines in Gunma and has a long history dating back to the Edo period.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Gunma

Dayré-jinsha is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Sugawara no Michiie, a vassal deity of Amaterasu and the patron deity of scholars and merchants. The shrine is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of traditional Japanese temples with Shinto rituals. Visitors can explore the shrine's museum to learn more about its history and significance.

楡山神社

楡山神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture,楡山神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Iwato, also known as Iwato-san. The shrine's name translates to 'Plum Blossom Mountain Shrine.' With its rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has played an important role in the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, traditional architecture, and unique Plum Blossom Festival, which honors the arrival of spring.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Gunma

愛宛神社は、神奈川県横浜市の神宮西別院と並び、日本の最も美しい神社の一つとして挙げられます。愛宛神社は長く歴史があり、天台宗を中心とする新仏教が発展する前には、この地域で大きな影響力を誇っていた本尊の真宮寺がありました。しかし、その後、この神社にその本尊を移され、現在でもこの神社の中心として活用されています。愛宛神社は天然美しさに富む景色豊かな所々を見られることで知られており、特に三里塚から下長根の間の道が有名です。 この神社では、毎年2月16日に花見（hanami）が行われ、多くの女性が来場します。女性は、地元の慣習により、花見において赤い服を着用する習慣があります。 愛宛神社には、神奈川県内で最も古い神社の一つとしても知られる、公認された建物が1921年に完成した、西本宮大社の神殿と、1973年に完成した西本宮天帝大社の神殿があります。愛宛神社は、神奈川県内で最も古い神社の一つとしても知られ、その歴史は、800年以上にわたって続いています。 この神社では、毎年2月16日に花見（hanami）が行われます。女性は、地元の慣習により、花見において赤い服を着用する習慣があります。

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Gunma

Located in the prefecture of Gunma, Tonbo Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. Dedicated to the deity Hachiman, this shrine has played an important role in the region's spiritual and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall and surrounding gardens, which are particularly notable for their beautiful autumn foliage.

駒形神社

駒形神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Kōgō Shrine is dedicated to the worship of Toshinokuni no Kami, a Shinto deity revered by the people of the region. The shrine's architecture and traditions reflect its historic ties to the city's textile industry. During the Edo period, the shrine served as the site for the annual 'Kusatsu Taiko Festival,' where drummers and dancers honored Toshinokuni no Kami with music and dance performances.

冠稲荷神社

冠稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Crown Shrine (Koron Inari Taisha) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess. The shrine's main hall was originally built during the Edo period and features traditional Shinto architecture with a tiled roof. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine grounds, which include several shrines and temples, and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.

八雲神社

八雲神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Agematsu, Gunma Prefecture, Eight Clouds Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Takao. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a mountain shrine, with a wooden torii gate and a large stone statue of the Buddha. Visitors can hike up Mount Takao from the shrine's base for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

三夜沢赤城神社

三夜沢赤城神社

Gunma

Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Ryuzu-sawa Akakawa Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Akakawa-no-kami and the three night gazers (ryujo), who were said to have possessed supernatural powers. The shrine's main hall was built during the Edo period and features a distinctive curved roof. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Ryuzu-sawa, a scenic river valley.

旧赤城神社

旧赤城神社

Gunma

Old Akakawa Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto deity Kintoki Sanjakō, is situated in Akita Prefecture. The shrine was originally constructed in 711 and relocated to its current site during the Edo period. Historically significant for being one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it is also notable as a site where the samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune was said to have prayed before his death. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional Japanese architecture.

赤城神社

赤城神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Akakawa Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name, who is believed to reside at the source of the Akakawa River. The shrine's architecture reflects its location, with traditional Japanese-style buildings and a torii gate that appears to float over the river. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside while exploring the shrine's grounds.

小沼 神社 天龍弁財天

小沼 神社 天龍弁財天

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Tenryūben Calabash Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Ryūjin, and the calabash fruit god, Tsukimori-no-kami, as well as the benevolent dragon deity, Tennō. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a distinctive gate and torii that date back to the Edo period. Visitors can participate in rituals and ceremonies during the annual New Year festival, known as 'Omisoka'.

下井諏訪神社

下井諏訪神社

Gunma

下井諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Ōtawara, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the Ōtawara clan, who ruled the area from the Heian period. The shrine's main hall, torii gate, and other structures are built using traditional Japanese architectural styles. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens and observe traditional Shinto rituals performed by the shrine's priests.

鼻高天満宮

鼻高天満宮

Gunma

Tama Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Gunma, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her daughter Tsukiyomi. The shrine is located at the northern foot of the Nasu mountain range and was originally built in 1653 as part of the Nakano family's ancestral estate. Over time, it has become a major pilgrimage site for those seeking good luck, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits.

樺神社

樺神社

Gunma

Yatsugamine Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain, specifically to the deity Yatokami, who is revered as a guardian of the forest and a patron of hunters. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a tiled roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

大宮神社

大宮神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Ōmisoka Hachiman-gū is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with a history dating back to the 7th century. The shrine enshrines the kami of Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the imperial family. Visitors can explore the shrine's impressive architecture, which reflects various historical periods, including the Heian and Kamakura eras.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Gunma

Kumano-ga-hara Shrine in Gunma Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and agriculture, Suguwamori, as well as the deity associated with the region's copper mines, Kumano Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional Japanese styles, including hippon (main hall) and honden (main shrine), while its grounds feature beautiful gardens and a historic copper mine.