Japanese shrines

Oyamato Shrine

大倭神宮

Nara

Oyamato Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Yamato-no-Okunitama-no-Kami, the protective deity of the ancient Yamato region. The shrine holds significant importance as one of the oldest religious sites connected to Japan's imperial history and the ancient Yamato court.

Rokkake Shrine

六懸神社

Nara

A Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture, known by its name which translates to 'Six Hanging' shrine, though the specific historical significance of this designation requires further documentation.

Ryuike Shrine

龍池神社

Nara

Ryuike Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture, whose name literally means 'Dragon Pond Shrine,' suggesting a historical connection to water worship or a sacred pond associated with dragon deities.

Ryuketsu Shrine

龍穴神社

Nara

A mystical shrine located on Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, renowned for its association with dragon worship and spiritual power. The shrine sits atop a sacred cave believed to be inhabited by a powerful dragon deity, making it a significant site for those seeking spiritual protection and good fortune.

Ryuoh Shrine

竜王社

Nara

A local shrine dedicated to dragon deities, reflecting the widespread Japanese folk belief in dragon kings as powerful water spirits and protectors of local communities.

Sagisu Shrine

鷺栖神社

Nara

Sagisu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Hachiman, the deity of war and divine protection. The shrine serves the local community and maintains traditional Shinto practices and festivals throughout the year.

Sahogawa Tenmangu Shrine

佐保川天満宮

Nara

A Tenmangu shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, located along the Sahogawa River in Nara. Like other Tenjin shrines, it serves as a center for academic prayers and scholarly pursuits, particularly popular among students seeking success in examinations and learning.

Sai Shrine

狹井神社

Nara

Sai Shrine is located within the sacred precincts of Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. This auxiliary shrine is particularly renowned for its sacred spring water, which is believed to have healing properties and is considered one of Japan's most spiritually significant water sources.

Saki Shrine

佐紀神社

Nara

Saki Shrine

佐紀神社

Nara

Saoka Shrine

狭岡神社

Nara

Sarutahiko Shrine

猿田彦神社 (道祖神)

Nara

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the kami of roads, crossroads, and guidance. Also enshrines Dosojin, protective deities of travelers and boundaries. These shrines are typically found at village entrances or road junctions, serving as spiritual guardians for travelers and the local community.

Shidegake Shrine

幣掛神社

Nara

Shimoichi Hiruko Shrine

下市蛭子神社

Nara

A local shrine in Shimoichi town dedicated to Hiruko no Mikoto, also known as Ebisu, the deity of fishing, luck, and working men. The shrine serves the local community and maintains traditional Shinto practices in this historic area of Nara Prefecture.

Shinmei Shrine

神明神社

Nara

Shinmei Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon. As a Shinmei shrine, it follows the tradition of venerating the solar deity who is considered the ancestral goddess of the imperial family.

Shinmei Shrine

神明神社

Nara

Shinmei Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and chief deity of the Shinto pantheon. As part of the Shinmei shrine network, it follows the architectural and ritual traditions associated with Ise Grand Shrine, featuring simple wooden structures that emphasize purity and natural materials.

Shinto Nichiten-kyo Main Church

神道日天教元教会

Nara

Shinto Nichiten-kyo Main Church is the headquarters of a modern Shinto sect that emphasizes solar worship and reverence for Amaterasu Omikami. This religious organization represents one of the newer Shinto movements that developed during Japan's modern period, focusing on the fundamental Shinto principle of sun veneration.

Shirachi Shrine

白乳神社

Nara

Shirahige Shrine

白髭神社

Nara

Shirahige Shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko no Okami, a deity associated with guidance, protection, and safe passage. The name 'Shirahige' means 'white beard,' referring to the elderly, wise appearance traditionally attributed to Sarutahiko. These shrines are found throughout Japan and are particularly popular among those seeking guidance in life transitions and protection during travels.

Shiramitsu Shrine

白密神社

Nara

Shiratama Inari Shrine

白玉稲荷神社

Nara

Shiratama Inari Shrine is a local Inari shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to the rice and prosperity deity Inari Okami. The name 'Shiratama' meaning 'white jewel' suggests a connection to purity and spiritual power in the Shinto tradition.

Shrine

神社

Nara

Sounomiagataniimasu Shrine

添御県坐 神社

Nara

Sudō Tennō Shrine

崇道天皇社

Nara

A shrine dedicated to Emperor Sudō, posthumously known as Prince Sawara, who died in exile in 785 CE after being accused of plotting against Emperor Kanmu. The shrine serves as a place of pacification for his spirit, reflecting the Japanese belief in appeasing wronged souls who might otherwise become vengeful spirits (onryō).