Japanese shrines

塩沢諏訪神社

塩沢諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the scenic Nakasendo region of Nagano Prefecture, 塩沢諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Okami and Inari, known as the 'Eight-Headed Okami'. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Edo period, with a traditional torii gate and a wooden main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature a tranquil pond and a walking path lined with cherry blossoms.

郊戸神社

郊戸神社

Nagano

Rokudo Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Iwase in Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Rokudo, a kami associated with roads and travel. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the region's rich history of trade and commerce. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and experience the local culture.

伊勢社

伊勢社

Nagano

Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine located in Nagano Prefecture is not the correct location for the Shrine name provided. Ise Jingu is actually located in Mie Prefecture. However, there is a Shinto shrine called Ishibashi-mori Shrine or Ishishimai Shrine located in Nagano Prefecture which is dedicated to Izumo-taisha's subordinate kami Inari Okami and also the local deity of the area, but I couldn't find much information about it. Another option could be Ishikawa Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in Nagano Prefecture dedicated to Hachiman, a kami enshrined at many shrines throughout Japan, particularly those associated with military or martial arts. Ishikawa Shrine has a unique wooden structure and is said to have been built during the Edo period.

上田大神宮

上田大神宮

Nagano

Located in the town of Okaya, Nagano Prefecture, 上田大神宮 is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami and the deity of agriculture, Sakamoto no Orochi. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Heian-style torii gate and a large shrine hall constructed in the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several historic buildings and a beautiful garden.

寺尾社

寺尾社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Japanese Alps, Omigata Jisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to various kami, particularly Yata-no-kami and Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins with a main hall featuring a hipped roof and wooden columns. Visitors can explore the shrine's gardens, which showcase traditional Japanese landscaping and stone lanterns.

千鹿頭山　先の宮

千鹿頭山　先の宮

Nagano

Chikakubutsu-yama Sannō-ji is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of the kami of Mount Chikaku, which means 'Headless Deer Mountain'. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic mountain setting, with wooden buildings and a distinctive tatami-mat-covered torii gate. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the shrine is one of Japan's highest Shinto shrines.

神田　千鹿頭神社

神田　千鹿頭神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Shinjida Kankotou Shrine is dedicated to the worship of the Shinto god of good fortune and prosperity, also known as Kankotou. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'God of Good Fortune at God's Gate.' It is nestled among the picturesque mountains of the Japanese Alps, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The shrine's architecture is typical of traditional Japanese Shinto shrines, featuring a large torii gate and a wooden hall dedicated to Kankotou's enshrinement.

廣澤寺

廣澤寺

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 廣澤寺 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of longevity and prosperity, Bishamon. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), but it is believed to be built on a site where a temple existed since the Heian period (794-1185). Visitors can explore the serene garden and admire the traditional wooden architecture of the shrine.

小松原二宮神社

小松原二宮神社

Nagano

Small, tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, dedicated to the worship of the storm god Susanoo and the rice goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's name reflects its strategic location as a hub for trade and commerce along the ancient Nakasendo Highway.

唐土神社

唐土神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Tanodo Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of the local deity known as Tanodo-no-Okami, who is believed to be the god of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a rectangular main hall and a torii gate made from cedar wood. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its beautifully manicured gardens.

遠山天満宮

遠山天満宮

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Nakatsugawa, Nagano Prefecture, Tenshūmatsu Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess. The shrine's architecture is inspired by traditional Japanese styles, with a large torii gate and a tranquil courtyard. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees and the shrine's peaceful atmosphere.

知久平城 出丸(城の神)

知久平城 出丸(城の神)

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Knowa-juku's Osumatsu Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the god of war and protector of travelers. The shrine's primary deity is Hachiman, a kami associated with the wind and the messenger of the gods. Visitors can learn about the history of the shrine and its significance as an important stop on the Nakasendo Way, a major route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Nagano

Nyonoshinsha, a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the forest and the mountains. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Nyonoshinsha has a rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional architecture, with many buildings constructed during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). The shrine is home to two primary kami: Inari Okami and Yorokobi no Kami. Inari Okami is the enshrined deity of rice fertility and prosperity, while Yorokobi no Kami is a regional deity believed to grant good fortune and longevity. Visitors can explore the shrine's many structures, including the main hall and several smaller shrines, as well as participate in traditional festivals and ceremonies. During the autumn season, the shrine hosts the annual Nyonoshinsha Autumn Leaves Festival, which attracts visitors from all over Japan. Cultural Notes: Nyonoshinsha is also associated with the legend of the 'Seven Sages of the Forest,' who were believed to possess supernatural powers and wisdom. Kami Enshrined: [Inari Okami, Yorokobi no Kami]

自在天神

自在天神

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Zensha tenjin is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, with connections to the mythological figure Ryujin. The shrine is situated near Lake Biwa, one of Japan's largest freshwater lakes, which is said to have been created by Ryujin himself. The architectural style of Zensha tenjin reflects its historical connection to the Kamakura period, with a distinctive wooden torii gate and traditional Japanese gardens. Visitors can admire the shrine's serene atmosphere and explore the surrounding natural beauty.

建神社奥宮

建神社奥宮

Nagano

The Shinshu Otami Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and the forest. Its name, Otami, roughly translates to 'mountain hall' or 'heavenly palace', reflecting its connection to the natural world. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, making it a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and spiritual growth.

武水穂神社

武水穂神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Musugi no Kami Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of water, Musubi no Kami. Dedicated to the protection and fertility of water sources, it's believed that Musugi no kami watches over rivers, streams, and ponds throughout the region. The shrine is renowned for its natural beauty and traditional architecture, set amidst a serene forest environment.

十原館址（城神社）

十原館址（城神社）

Nagano

Toshosan Shrine, located in the Nagano prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the village Toshinomiya, but most famously known as the Castle God Shrine (jūjin-ja), for its historical significance being closely tied with the local daimyo, the Ōtani clan, and their castle, which once stood on the shrine grounds. The shrine's current structure dates back to 1712.

太郎山神社

太郎山神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Tarō no Yama Shrine is dedicated to Tarō, a legendary hero from the Heian period known for his bravery and wisdom. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Tarō, an active volcano that was considered sacred by the ancient Japanese. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, which feature traditional Japanese landscaping and a peaceful torii gate.

日高見神社

日高見神社

Nagano

Nagano's Dayakamisannya Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto deity Dayakamisannya, is a rural shrine nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs with a unique twist, characteristic of the region. Dayakamisannya, often associated with fertility and prosperity, is believed to watch over the local community. Visitors can explore the serene surroundings, including the beautiful gardens and tranquil pond.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Nagano

Ise Grand Shrine's counterpart in the Nagano prefecture, Inari Okura Shrine honors the Shinto kami of rice and fertility. Located at the foot of Mount Sengen, it is known for its impressive torii gate and rows of vermilion torii gates forming a tunnel up the mountain. Visitors can pray for good fortune, prosperity, and agricultural blessings.

高杜神社里社

高杜神社里社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 高杜神社里社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the kami. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, and its architecture reflects the traditional style of shrines found in rural Japan. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature several temples and historic structures.

高杜神社中社

高杜神社中社

Nagano

High Du Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the enshrined deity Shinmei Ryōjin, and also enshrines the kami Katsuragi-no-Kami and others. The shrine is known for its beautiful forested grounds and traditional architecture, typical of the Hōryū-ji style, which was popular during the Nara period.

宣澄社

宣澄社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, 宣澄社 (Hōjō-jinja) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and the god of road travel. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Nakasendo highway, which connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo period.

加矣呂神社

加矣呂神社

Nagano

Addo Shrine, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Addo. The shrine's name, meaning 'garden field' in Japanese, reflects its tranquil atmosphere and connection to nature. The shrine's architecture showcases the traditional Heian period style, with a tiled roof and wooden columns, symbolizing the harmony between humans and the natural world.