Japanese shrines

湯島天満宮信濃分社

湯島天満宮信濃分社

Nagano

Located in the city of Shizuoka Prefecture, Tomiizaka Tenman-kyo Shinno-sha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her consort, Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a rectangular main hall (honden) surrounded by torii gates and ceremonial paths. As one of the many shrines in Japan enshrining Susanoo, Tomiizaka Tenman-kyo Shinno-sha is an important site for those interested in Shinto mythology and history.

熊野出速雄神社本殿

熊野出速雄神社本殿

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Kurokawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of the forest, Okuninushi no Kami. The shrine's main hall, a vermilion wooden structure with a tiled roof, is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Visitors can walk through the tranquil gardens, exploring the various paths that wind their way up the mountain. A short hike from the shrine leads to the summit of Mount Kurokawa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Nagano

Akibayashi Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known for his role in Japanese mythology as a powerful storm god and creator of the ocean. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive wooden torii gate and intricately carved pillars. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for contemplation and connection with nature.

三神社

三神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, San Shinsha, meaning 'Three Gods Shrine,' is a Shinto shrine dedicated to three primary deities: Izanagi, Izanami, and Konoha no Tsukiyomi. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for the mythology of the creation of Japan.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Shirone, Nagano Prefecture,諏訪神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's architecture and traditions reflect its origins during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), when it was a major center for the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, industry, and fertility. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, shrines within shrines, and traditional festivals held throughout the year.

村山神社

村山神社

Nagano

Village Hill Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the region's mountains and forests. The shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a sacred site for the local community. Its architecture reflects the traditional style of the region, with a distinctive thatched roof and a wooden torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature beautiful gardens and walking trails through the surrounding forest.

小船山神社

小船山神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 小船山神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and the forest. The shrine's name translates to 'Little Boat Mountain Shrine' and reflects its connection to the natural world. Visitors can explore the serene surroundings, including lush forests and sparkling streams, which are said to be inhabited by the shrine's resident kami.

青池諏訪神社

青池諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Kamiina, Nagano Prefecture, 青池諏訪神社 is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of hot springs and waterways, Kaminaga Okami. The shrine's tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking solace and spiritual rejuvenation. With its rich history dating back to the Edo period, 青池諏訪神社 offers a glimpse into Japan's storied past.

中御所天満宮

中御所天満宮

Nagano

Middle Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Nakasendo village of Minowa, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Tsukiyomi, the god of the moon and sky, it is one of the most famous shrines in Japan known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

芋井神社

芋井神社

Nagano

芋井神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and a large wooden main hall. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and seasonal festivals, which include the Matsuri festival in autumn and the Sanja-matsuri in spring.

斗売神社

斗売神社

Nagano

Located in the Nagano prefecture, 斗売神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of trade and commerce. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, during which it was an important stop for merchants traveling between Osaka and Kyoto. Today, visitors can experience the shrine's rustic charm and rich cultural heritage.

満島神社

満島神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Matsuoka Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a storm god and brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The shrine's name, meaning 'Full Island Shrine,' refers to its isolated location on a small island in Lake Suwa. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings and explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including a sacred torii gate and a museum showcasing local artifacts.

三輪神社

三輪神社

Nagano

The three-tiered shrine of Mikuni Shrine in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami Mikunokami. The main hall and shrine tower are decorated with intricate carvings and ornaments typical of the Kofuku style, a regional architectural tradition dating back to the Heian period. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount Chikuhoku from the shrine grounds.

加茂神社

加茂神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Shimoishi, Nagano Prefecture, Kamo-gu Shrine is a significant Shinto site dedicated to the kami, Katsuragi Okami no Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its Edo-period construction, with a main hall featuring a curved roof and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest, which is said to be inhabited by the fox spirit, Koshinaga, a revered companion of the shrine's primary deity. Cultural events, including the annual Autumn Festival (Aki Matsuri), celebrate the connection between nature and the divine.

東山招魂社

東山招魂社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, East Mountain Summoning Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's name reflects its historical role as an important center for harvest festivals and agricultural rituals. With a rich history dating back to the Edo period, this humble shrine serves as a testament to the enduring importance of nature and the cycles of life.

小松原伊勢社

小松原伊勢社

Nagano

小松原伊勢社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Fujin, the god of wind, and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful grounds, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

菊屋稲荷社

菊屋稲荷社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture,菊屋稲荷社 Shrine is a small yet historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a humble farmstead from which the god was believed to have descended upon. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1703. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, admiring the carefully pruned rice paper lanterns and intricately designed gateposts that pay homage to Inari Okami's love of rice. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival, where participants dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the streets, offering prayers and blessings. In Nagano Prefecture, Shinto shrines are often associated with local legends and myths, particularly those surrounding kami (spirits) believed to inhabit natural landscapes. According to local lore,菊屋稲荷社 Shrine is said to be inhabited by a mysterious water spirit known as the 'Kawagoe-jin', which grants fertility to the land and prosperity to its inhabitants. Today, visitors can still experience the serene atmosphere of this historic shrine, where they may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Kawagoe-jin.

松源寺

松源寺

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Matsugō-ji Temple is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of Mt. Suwa, who is believed to have a role in protecting travelers and ensuring safe passage. The temple's architecture reflects its historic significance as a major stop along the famous Nakasendo Way, a historic trade route that connected Tokyo with Kyoto. Visitors can still see remnants of this era in the temple's traditional Japanese garden and wooden structures.

弥栄神社

弥栄神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Myoei-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's primary enshrined kami is Myoei, a god often invoked for business success and protection from disaster. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and traditional wooden architecture, which date back to the Edo period.

健御名方富命彦神別神社

健御名方富命彦神別神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 健御名方富命彦神別神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to En no Gyōmei, a legendary emperor of Japan's Nara period. The shrine is known for its unique architectural style and rich cultural heritage. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Japan's ancient traditions.

柳原神社

柳原神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Okaya, Nagano Prefecture, 柳原神社 (Sakamoto Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Sakaname-no-Tsurugi and Sakaname-no-Mikage. The shrine is situated near the Hida Mountains and is believed to have been founded during the Edo period. It is known for its beautiful garden, traditional architecture, and traditional festivals.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

located in the Japanese Alps, the shrine is dedicated to Fujin and Raijin, the god of wind and lightning, as well as Shintokōkai, the god of the sea and the heavens. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a regional hub for trade and commerce during the Edo period.

自在神社

自在神社

Nagano

自在神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and traditional festivals, which take place throughout the year. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

鳴子清水

鳴子清水

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 鳴子清水 Shrine is a tranquil oasis nestled near a serene river. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional characteristics, featuring traditional wooden buildings with tiled roofs. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere and connect with nature while paying respects to the enshrined deities.