Japanese shrines

宇由比神社

宇由比神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Yubetsu, Shimane Prefecture, Ubyō-bi-jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Ōkuninushi, revered as a patron deity of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a rural temple, with a traditional tatara-zukuri style that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the main hall's impressive wooden structure and admire the beautiful gardens, which feature over 1,000 trees, including some rare species. The shrine is also famous for its stunning autumn foliage.

中垣八幡宮

中垣八幡宮

Shimane

Located in the picturesque town of Yamasaki, Shimane Prefecture, 中垣八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of fertility, prosperity, and rice. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the serene grounds, admire the ornate torii gate, and participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

惠曇神社

惠曇神社

Shimane

惠曇神社, located in the scenic Odaigahara Plateau of Shimane Prefecture, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, a kami associated with harvests and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall made from cedar wood and adorned with vermilion paint. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest, which is believed to be inhabited by various yōkai, or supernatural creatures.

津上神社

津上神社

Shimane

Tsutsugami Shrine, located in the beautiful coastal town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god Tsutsugami Okami. As one of Japan's most famous water kami, it is believed to protect fishermen and bring good luck for those who visit its sacred waters. The shrine's main hall is adorned with a beautiful wooden roof and a large stone lantern, adding to its serene atmosphere. Visitors can take a stroll along the nearby Matsue River and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

八神神社

八神神社

Shimane

Located in the beautiful city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture's capital, Eight Gods Shrine is a revered Shinto site that honors the eight major kami of the Heian period. Dedicated to the protection and prosperity of the community, the shrine boasts a unique architectural style reflecting its historical significance.

布宇神社

布宇神社

Shimane

布宇神社, located in the town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan's most beautiful and historic shrines. Dedicated to the god of the sea, Tsukiyomi-gami, and the patron deity of fishermen, Izumo-tai no Kami, this shrine has been an important center for Shinto worship and community life since its founding in 712. The shrine's stunning architecture, adorned with delicate wooden carvings and vibrant vermilion paint, is characteristic of Nara-period (710-794) style and reflects the region's rich cultural heritage.

須賀神社

須賀神社

Shimane

須賀神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune, the shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's museum to learn more about its history and significance.

平井荒神社

平井荒神社

Shimane

平井荒神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The primary deity enshrined at the shrine is Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon, but it also honors other kami including the village's patron deity. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and learn about the local history and culture.

荒神社

荒神社

Shimane

Located in the Shimane prefecture, Arai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and the spirits of the trees. Its history dates back to the 8th century, during the Nara period. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflects the harmony between nature and human existence.

御門神社

御門神社

Shimane

御門神社, located in the town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the gate, Shimo no Hikoboshi, and the gods of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the nearby Matsue Castle, with traditional Japanese building materials and design elements incorporated into its construction.

羽黒神社

羽黒神社

Shimane

Located in the town of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Hikouchi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, known as the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Kamakura period, with a traditional Japanese-style hall called a 'honden' that houses the sacred mirror. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by walking through its beautifully landscaped gardens.

荒神社拝殿 麓公民館

荒神社拝殿 麓公民館

Shimane

Located in the heart of Matsue City, Murodo Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the primary deity Ōtori Okuni Sanjōsa and other kami. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with records suggesting its significance during this time. Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone transformations, including the construction of its current Ōtori Hall, which was completed in 1854. Today, visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and the beauty of its traditional architecture.

大峠神社

大峠神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Matsue, Odaigahara Shrine is dedicated to the god of the mountain and fertility, Hachiman-gami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a sacred site, with many buildings dating back to the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and take in the stunning views of Matsue City.

松崎八幡宮

松崎八幡宮

Shimane

Located in the heart of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Matsuzaki Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and justice, Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a vermilion torii gate and traditional Shinto shrine buildings. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility in nature.

三穂神社

三穂神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Iwami, Shimane Prefecture, Misato Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is also famous for its unique architectural style, which reflects the local Iwami culture.

古江新宮神社

古江新宮神社

Shimane

Ancient and serene, Kojima Shinmei Shrine in Shimane Prefecture boasts a rich history dating back to the Nara period (710-794 CE). Dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo, the shrine is renowned for its beautiful wooden architecture and tranquil gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings, including the main hall and the torii gate.

三島大明神広島分詞

三島大明神広島分詞

Shimane

The San'ei Taishimagami Hiroshima-bunri shrine in Shikoku is not found but, the one in Hiroshima is. This shrine was built during the Edo period to commemorate a famous incident where the priest was saved from shipwreck by the god of the sea, San'ei Taishimagami. The shrine's architecture features the traditional Japanese style of the 'gassho-zukuri', with two sloping roofs that symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising like incense to heaven. Visitors can see a large stone pedestal in front of the main hall where the priest was saved by the god's intervention.

金屋子神社

金屋子神社

Shimane

Located in the town of Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, Jin'yū no Jinsha is a historic Shinto shrine famous for its unique architecture and connections to Japanese mythology. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it is also enshrined by other regional deities including Kaito-yama no kami and others. The shrine's distinctive architecture, with two-story pagodas and large stone gates, reflects the influences of various historical periods from the Nara era to the Edo period. Today, visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine grounds while exploring its rich history.

観音神社

観音神社

Shimane

Ōnami Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Shōmura in Shimane Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu Omikami and Inari Okami. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its history as a humble fishing village temple, with a traditional roofless torii gate and a serene garden designed to resemble a rice field. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere by walking along the gentle streams that flow through the shrine grounds.

水若酢神社

水若酢神社

Shimane

Water Ifuku Shrine, located in Iwami-cho, Shimane Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of water and fertility, known as Kami No Kujaku. The shrine's name, Ifuku, means 'dry rice' in Japanese, but its primary focus is on water and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the sea and surrounding landscape.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Shimane

愛宕神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, not Shimane, but there is another shrine with the same name in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The Matsue shrine was founded in 1847 and enshrines Okuninushi, a kami associated with prosperity and protection. The shrine's architecture is typical of Edo-period Shinto shrines, featuring a wooden torii gate and a distinctive curved roof. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which houses a large bronze bell and a statue of Okuninushi.

国賀神社

国賀神社

Shimane

国賀神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Honokami and other deities associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style of the Heian period, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can experience the serene natural surroundings of the shrine grounds, which feature several walking paths and a pond.

由良比女神社

由良比女神社

Shimane

Yuya Bijogoshi, a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kurokawa, Shimane Prefecture, is dedicated to the goddess Yuya Bi, often associated with the waters and fertility. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and scenic views of the nearby Inasa Strait. Historically, it was an important stopover on the salt trade route between Osaka and Shikoku.

黒木神社

黒木神社

Shimane

Kuroki Shrine, located in the scenic city of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the forest and the spirits of the sea. This Shinto shrine is famous for its stunning natural surroundings, with Mt. Masuda looming in the background. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional and modern styles, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.