Shrines & temples

Japanese shrines

OSM directory

Explore Shinto shrines mapped from OpenStreetMap — filter by prefecture, city, or denomination. For curated travel listings, see featured landmark shrines below.

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1,298 shrines

日本こけし神社

Miyagi

Japan's Koshinoki Shrine is a revered Shinto site in Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to the deification of the mythical Japanese tree, koshinoka (or 'evergreen oak'). This sacred tree is said to have been brought from the island of Kyushu and planted here by the legendary priest Minatogitsune. The shrine's beautiful architecture reflects its historical importance as a site for purification and spiritual growth. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient Shinto sanctuary, surrounded by lush evergreen trees and serene water features.

水神神社

Miyagi

Located in the scenic town of Ishinomaki, Water God Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to Mizu no Kami, the Japanese Water Spirit. This ancient shrine, believed to have been founded during the Sengoku period (1467-1603), honors the water deity and its significance in the region's ecosystem. The shrine's architectural style reflects the traditional Heian-period design, with a striking vermilion torii gate and intricately carved wooden pillars.

山神神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, Mount Aomori Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain. The shrine complex is surrounded by lush forests and features traditional Japanese architecture. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage.

黄金山神社

Miyagi

Hōgankyōjinsha, or Hōgankyō, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Founded in 1869 as a memorial to the founder of the city, Yosuke Sakamoto, it enshrines the Kami of Mt. Zao and the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a large torii gate and a rectangular main hall. Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful garden and take in the scenic views of Mt. Zao from its grounds.

稲荷神社

Miyagi

The Izumo Taisha is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, located in Shimane Prefecture. It was founded over 2,500 years ago and enshrined the three gods Inari Okami, who are worshipped as the patron deity of rice. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture, including the grand torii gate and the majestic main hall dedicated to Inari Okami. Visitors come from all over Japan to pray for prosperity, good luck, and fertility.

三輪稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the Aoba-ku district of Sendai, the three-stem Inari Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami, revered as the patron deity of rice and fertility, the shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style hall and gardens that showcase the region's natural beauty.

春日神社

Miyagi

Hikari Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, is a historic Shinto site located in Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, featuring traditional Japanese-style buildings and a large torii gate. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which feature a variety of cherry blossom trees.

荒雄川神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, the former capital of Japan, is the historic Shiroi Yoshi no Mura, now home to the Shiroi Yoshi no Mura Shrine dedicated to the Shinto deities Ōishida-no-kami and Aza-no-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a temple during the Nara period (710-794 CE), later transformed into a Shinto shrine in the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Today, visitors can experience traditional Shinto practices and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

薬師神社

Miyagi

Kobutsu Jinsha, the Pharmacy God Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of pharmacy and medicine in Miyagi Prefecture. Located near the city of Sendai, the shrine is famous for its unique architecture and historical significance as a site where the first pharmacist was trained in Japan. The shrine's name "Kobutsu Jinsha" literally means 'pharmacy god shrine' and reflects the deity's role in healing and medicine.

三吉神社

Miyagi

Three-ji Shrine, located in the town of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Three-ji, a kami believed to be responsible for the prosperity and protection of fishermen and farmers. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important center for trade and commerce during the Edo period.

湯前神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, Tsukinaga Shrine is dedicated to the deity Tsukinaga okami, a water spirit believed to protect fishermen and the local rice fields. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Heian period temples, with a wooden torii gate and a large stone foundation. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and walking paths along the nearby river. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including the temizuya purification station and the honden main hall.

金澤八幡宮

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, Goldleaf Eight-Horseshoe Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in Miyagi Prefecture. Dedicated to the eight-legged deity of prosperity and good fortune, it has been a symbol of protection for fishermen and traders since its founding during the Edo period.

正一位稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Jotoiwa Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, known as Jotoiwa in Japanese. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its long history, with a series of wooden structures built on top of each other, eventually topped by a tiled-roof hall dedicated to Inari.

鳥越八幡宮

Miyagi

Located in the scenic town of Ichinoseki, Miyagi Prefecture, Bird River Eight-Horned Shrine is a revered Shinto site that honors the Eight-Horned God and the patron deity of fishermen. Dedicated to the prosperity of the local fishing industry, this shrine stands as a testament to the enduring bond between nature and human communities.

神明神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, Godai Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Okuninushi. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a tranquil pond.

市神社

Miyagi

The city of Sendai, located in the prefecture of Miyagi, is home to the Miya Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-Okami, also known as the Moon God. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional design of the 'hachimangu' style, with a rectangular main hall surrounded by gardens and shrines for various deities.

秋場神社

Miyagi

Akibashigahara Shrine, located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection of travelers and the safe passage of those on their way to the nearby Seiryu-ji Temple. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period, during which it was an important stop for pilgrims traveling to the temple. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the Kamakura period.

若狭稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Ishinomaki, Aomori Prefecture is not correct, however, the Shrine located in Higashi Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, was rebuilt in 2017 after a tsunami destroyed it, yet still claims to be the direct descendant of the original shrine built in 1818. The shrine enshrines the kami Inari Okami and is dedicated to rice harvest and fertility. Visitors can explore the main hall, which features a large vermilion torii gate and traditional Japanese architecture. The surrounding grounds also feature a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing the history of the shrine.

上茶屋町出世稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the historic district of Aoba-ku, Yamagata-cho Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Ōkami. This shrine serves as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for locals and travelers alike. The shrine's traditional Japanese architecture features a vermilion torii gate, a large honden, and several smaller shrines. In addition to its historical significance, Yamagata-cho Shrine is also notable for its unique festival traditions. During the Setsubun Festival in February, visitors can participate in a ritual where beans are scattered around the shrine's grounds, believed to ward off evil spirits. In the spring, the shrine hosts a beautiful cherry blossom viewing event. The shrine's architecture reflects its Shinto heritage, with wooden structures and natural materials used throughout. The honden is dedicated to the worship of Inari Ōkami, who is revered as the god of fertility, agriculture, and industry.

山神社

Miyagi

Tsuruoka Mountain Shrine, located in the heart of Tsuruoka City, Miyagi Prefecture, is dedicated to the mountain god Yamadaijiman, a deity believed to protect the local community from natural disasters and ensure a good harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a majestic torii gate and a sacred path leading up to the main hall. The shrine complex also includes several smaller shrines and temples, each honoring different aspects of nature and the cycle of life.

白山神社

Miyagi

White Mountain Shrine, located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity, Oicho-no-kami, also known as the God of White Mountains and Sea. The shrine's name reflects its connection to the surrounding mountains, which are said to be the dwelling place of this powerful kami. The shrine's architecture is a mix of traditional and modern elements, with a distinctive curved roof and a large, ornate torii gate.

熊野神社

Miyagi

Kumamoto-jinja, also known as Tenmachi Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Founded in 1862, it enshrines the god of agriculture and fertility, Ryujin. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, teahouse, and traditional architecture. Visitors can experience a unique blend of modernity and tradition during the autumn leaves festival, which takes place from late November to mid-December.

津島本宮社

Miyagi

Located in Miyagi Prefecture, Tsushima-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-kami, the Shinto god of the moon and harvest. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall (honden) and several smaller buildings. Visitors can explore the shrine's gardens and grounds, which feature a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

駒形神社

Miyagi

Kugayama Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto deity Sugawara no Mikado, is located in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its impressive wooden structures and beautiful garden. Its architecture reflects the traditional Heian-style, which was a dominant style during the Heian period (794-1185 CE).