Japanese shrines

二子神社

二子神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture, Izumo Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of storms and fertility. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and traditional festivals. The shrine was established in 712 AD by Emperor Jimmu, who is also revered as a kami at this shrine.

引の田諏訪神社

引の田諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 引の田諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (spirits) of the region. The shrine's name, which translates to 'Yudetsuna Shrine', reflects its connection to the nearby Yudetsuna River. This shrine is notable for being one of the most sacred sites in the city of Iwataki and has been a significant spiritual center for locals since the 16th century.

南方冨神社

南方冨神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Nansho-fujinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Fuujin. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style main hall featuring a tiled roof and sliding doors. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest and fields, which are said to be the former residence of the shrine's enshrined deity.

川端天満宮

川端天満宮

Nagano

Kawanishi Tenmangu Shrine, located in Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a revered Shinto deity and patron of learning and literature. This shrine is one of the many Tenmangu shrines across Japan, but it has preserved its unique cultural heritage and architectural style, which reflects the rich history of the region.

浅野神社

浅野神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 浅野神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Tamagawa and the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred site for the local inhabitants of the region, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a wooden vermillion gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and enjoy the scenic views of Mount Tamagawa.

上田招魂社

上田招魂社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 上田招魂社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami of the village's founder, Oe no Yasumaro. The shrine is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and traditional architecture. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this historic site and honor the local deities.

石久磨神社

石久磨神社

Nagano

石久磨神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Iizaka, Nagano Prefecture, which has been an important spiritual center since ancient times. The shrine is dedicated to Izu-no-kami, a kami associated with the sea and fishing. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, with a combination of traditional and modern elements. A notable feature of the shrine is its wooden torii gate, known as Kiyomizu-ga-ten, which has been designated a national cultural property.

武並神社

武並神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano,武並神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ōkuninushi. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a tiled roof and wooden beams. It is believed that Ōkuninushi, the god of agriculture and fertility, was enshrined here due to the shrine's proximity to the nearby mountains.

素櫻神社

素櫻神社

Nagano

Nobeyoshi Sato Shrine, dedicated to the kami of Japanese poetry and literature, was established in the 17th century. The main hall's distinctive curved roof is reminiscent of a cherry blossom tree, as suggested by its name, Sugisaro-jinja. This shrine's architecture reflects the regional Shinto style found in Nagano Prefecture.

湯福神社

湯福神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano,湯福神社 (Hotofuku Shrine) is a Shinto temple dedicated to various kami, including the god of longevity and good fortune. Built in 1668 during the Edo period, the shrine is renowned for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. The shrine's main hall is adorned with stunning wooden carvings and ornate decorations. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its tranquil gardens and participating in the traditional ceremonies held throughout the year.

初島神社

初島神社

Nagano

Initialy Island Shrine, located in the heart of Japan's majestic mountains, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of several Shinto deities. The shrine's architecture reflects its unique location, with a sturdy wooden torii gate that stands strong against the elements. Visitors can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the rich history and mythology surrounding this enshrined deity.

三杜神社

三杜神社

Nagano

Saito Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), when it was first established as a place of worship for the local villagers. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt several times due to natural disasters and wars, but its importance as a sacred site remains unchanged.

綿貫西宮神社

綿貫西宮神社

Nagano

綿貫西宮神社, located in the Nakasendo town of the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a historic Shinto shrine famous for its association with Lady Izumo, the primary kami enshrined. The shrine's name translates to 'Floating Silk Palace' and is said to be a sacred place where spirits of loved ones reside. It has been an important site for pilgrims traveling along the Nakasendo trail, which connected Edo to Kyoto during the Edo period.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture,諏訪神社 is one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines, dedicated to the Shinto god Enma. The shrine's name reflects its historical connection to the region's legendary 'Three Wise Men', who are said to have possessed supernatural powers and been revered by local residents.

梓川神社

梓川神社

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Kamikochi, Ramagasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the Ramagasa river and the surrounding mountains. The shrine is nestled within a scenic valley surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear streams, making it a serene oasis for visitors seeking spiritual rejuvenation.

和田神社

和田神社

Nagano

Andada Jinja, located in the town of Nakatsugune, Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the Ando River and its surrounding forests. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional Japanese styles, with a vermilion torii gate and a rectangular main hall adorned with intricate wooden carvings. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

皇足穂吉田大御神宮

皇足穂吉田大御神宮

Nagano

This Shinto shrine, located in the town of Murakami in Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to Emperor Sutohiko and is one of Japan's most important shrines related to the imperial family. The shrine complex includes a large torii gate and several other buildings, and features traditional architectural styles such as the hirairi-zukuri style of the shrine hall. It is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

佐加神社

佐加神社

Nagano

佐加神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kakunodate, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the Sakanoe clan, a powerful and influential family in Japanese history. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style gatehouse and a wooden hall adorned with traditional carvings.

阿曽神社

阿曽神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Arakawa Jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Arakawa River. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Edo period, with a wooden torii gate and a tatami-matted interior. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and scenic walking paths along the river.

聖徳太子神社

聖徳太子神社

Nagano

The Shoenkanji Temple, located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to Oinari-sama and is one of Japan's most famous shrines. Its history dates back to the Edo period, during which time it was a prominent site for the worship of rice god, Oinari. The shrine is known for its impressive vermilion torii gate, symbolizing protection and good fortune.

荒神様

荒神様

Nagano

The shrine of Aragami, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a lesser-known yet fascinating destination for Shinto enthusiasts. Dedicated to the kami of the mountain and its surroundings, the shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The name 'Aragami' roughly translates to 'dark god,' reflecting the mysterious and powerful nature of the deity. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's serene gardens and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.

村社八幡宮

村社八幡宮

Nagano

Village Shrine of Hachiman located in Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the Shinto god of war and plague prevention. The shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous shrines, attracting visitors from all over the world with its beautiful architecture and rich history.

建部神社

建部神社

Nagano

建部神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Komagane, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Minakuchi Hachiman-gu, a deity revered as a patron of the military and a protector of soldiers. Built during the Edo period (1603-1868), the shrine features a traditional Japanese-style architecture with a tiled roof and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which are said to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Nagano

Located in the scenic town of Karuizawa, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, as well as the god of war, Hachiman, and the god of prosperity, Inari. The shrine's name, "Eight Horses," refers to the eight horses that were said to have appeared at the site in a dream, guiding the founder, who was a local samurai, to build the shrine. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens.