Japanese shrines

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Nagano

Temple Shrine of the kami of Mt. Asuka, located in the Japanese Alps, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of mountains and fertility. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and was originally founded during the Nara period. The shrine's traditional architecture reflects its historical significance, with a wooden torii gate and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can offer prayers for good harvests and mountaineering success.

宇治三柱神社

宇治三柱神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Matsumoto, the shrine is dedicated to the three gods Hachiman, Otoko-kami, and Tsukuyomi, which symbolize war, fertility, and the moon. As a significant Shinto site, it showcases unique architectural styles influenced by the Heian period, such as its large gate and wooden pillars.

小田中神社

小田中神社

Nagano

Located in the city of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Chuzenzan Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Chuzenji no kami, also known as Ryūjin, the Shinto equivalent of the Chinese dragon god Long. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, take in the local flora and fauna, or participate in seasonal festivals.

天神社

天神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Tenjin Shrine is dedicated to the kami of learning and culture. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Built during the Edo period, the shrine's current structure dates back to 1870, but it is said to be built on the site of an earlier temple that was constructed in the Heian era.

天神社

天神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Tenjin Shrine is a revered Shinto temple dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent deity associated with education and knowledge. This shrine is particularly notable for its historical significance as a major pilgrimage site during the Edo period, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design principles, with a distinctive tatami-mat covered veranda and a large torii gate.

熊坂神社

熊坂神社

Nagano

Neko-zakura-san, the fox and cherry blossom kami of Nekozakura Shrine in Nagano Prefecture, is revered by locals and tourists alike. This Shinto shrine has been serving the community since the 17th century, with its architecture reflecting traditional Japanese designs. Visitors can walk through the tranquil gardens, offering prayers and making wishes under the blooming cherry blossoms.

八幡宮

八幡宮

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Eight Humps Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, a storm god and sea deity. The shrine's name 'Hachimantai' literally translates to 'eight humps,' referring to the nearby Hida Mountains. According to legend, Susanoo threw a large stone at his sister Kaguya-hime from Mount Hora and created the eight peaks of the Hida Mountains. This mythological story has been passed down for generations and is still celebrated today during the annual Eight Humps Festival in July.

深沢神社

深沢神社

Nagano

Deepawa Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a rectangular main hall surrounded by a lush cedar forest. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature a variety of autumn foliage and seasonal flowers.

王日神社

王日神社

Nagano

Kingyō-taijin Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to Kingyō Taijin, a minor kami associated with rice and harvests. The shrine's architectural style reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a wooden torii gate and tiled roof. Its remote location, nestled at an altitude of 1,100 meters, lends it a serene atmosphere and connection to nature.

西宮神社

西宮神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, West Yamasaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the region's founder, Prince Yamato no Okinari. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, with evidence of construction dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). According to local legend, Prince Okinari was said to have founded the shrine to commemorate his victory over the Emishi tribe in 663 CE.

田尻稲荷伏見稲荷神社

田尻稲荷伏見稲荷神社

Nagano

Fudō Myōō Inari Shrine, located in the town of Iida, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Ōkami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's history dates back to 707 CE, when it was first established by Emperor clouding of the Nara period. Over time, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, with the current main hall constructed in 1741 during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's impressive grounds, which include the famous Torii gate and the beautiful gardens. The shrine is also known for its unique tradition of fox worshipped as Inari's messengers.

中立 正一位稲荷神社

中立 正一位稲荷神社

Nagano

Middle Temple Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is situated in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests, reflecting its name, which literally means 'neutral site of one thousand sacred things.' Visitors can admire the shrine's traditional architecture, including the iconic torii gate, and explore the nearby forests to spot wild animals such as deer and birds. Inari Okami is also associated with the legend of the fox spirit Kitsune, who is said to possess magical powers.

八日市場 日月神社

八日市場 日月神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Tenryuju Shrine is dedicated to Tsukiyomi-no-kami, a Shinto deity associated with the moon and the sea. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, when it was built as a humble torii gate near a temple complex. Over time, the shrine has undergone renovations and expansions, incorporating elements of traditional Japanese architecture. Today, Tenryuju Shrine is a popular destination for those seeking spiritual guidance and connection with nature.

七瀬八幡社

七瀬八幡社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, 七瀬八幡社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron of scholars. The shrine's name, 'Hachiman' meaning 'Eightfold', likely refers to the eight articles of the new imperial constitution written during his reign. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, featuring a five-story pagoda and a large torii gate. During the annual Hachiman Matsuri festival, locals celebrate with traditional dances, food stalls, and prayers for good fortune.

誉田別神社

誉田別神社

Nagano

Uota-detsu Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with records suggesting its founding during this era. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a haiden main hall and a honden central sanctuary. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and observe the changing seasons through the changing foliage.

大王神社

大王神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Ōtō no Kami Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami Ōtō no Kami. The shrine's primary function is as a guardian deity for the surrounding village, protecting it from evil spirits and misfortune. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate and a rectangular prayer hall.

高鳥屋神社里宮

高鳥屋神社里宮

Nagano

High Priest's Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and forest spirits. The shrine is known for its unique architecture, which blends traditional and natural elements. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the surrounding mountains and forests, while learning about the history and mythology behind this sacred site.

原町稲荷社

原町稲荷社

Nagano

Original Town Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of rice and fertility in the Japanese town of Chino, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up the mountain. The shrine has undergone several transformations throughout its history, with evidence suggesting it was built during the Nara period (710-794 CE).

縣諏訪神社

縣諏訪神社

Nagano

Curzan Tofangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps, in the town of Narazuka, Nagano Prefecture. It is dedicated to the kami of the mountain and the forest. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural location and dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the traditional torii gate and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

豊川稲荷大明神

豊川稲荷大明神

Nagano

The Toyokawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Agematsu, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's current structure dates back to 1751, although it has been rebuilt several times due to natural disasters. Visitors can explore the shrine's five-story torii gate, a unique architectural feature that reflects the shrine's long history.

白鳥神社

白鳥神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, the White Bird Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the kami of the forest and the mountain spirit. The shrine's architecture reflects its natural surroundings, with a wooden torii gate surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several small shrines and temples dedicated to various regional deities. The White Bird Shrine is also famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, particularly during the spring season.

生魂水神社

生魂水神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Shinsen Water Shrine is dedicated to Ryujin, the god of the sea and water. This shrine was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and features a unique architectural style typical of ancient Japanese temple design. The shrine's name, Shinsen, translates to 'Heart Spirit Water', reflecting its association with the spiritual energies of water.

尾又 おしゃごじ様

尾又 おしゃごじ様

Nagano

Tailo o-oya-sama, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of rice and sake, is located in the town of Okuizumi, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine's main hall dates back to the Meiji period, but its origins can be traced back to the Edo era. As a place of worship for farmers and sake brewers, Tailo o-oya-sama has played an essential role in the local community. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens, which reflect the importance of nature and agriculture in Shintoism.

池伴場池大明神

池伴場池大明神

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Pool Village Shrine honors the god of rice, prosperity, and good harvests, as well as other kami believed to protect travelers and locals alike. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional and regional styles. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, temples, and shrines, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.