Japanese shrines

中町天満宮ｑ

中町天満宮ｑ

Nagano

Nakamachi Tenman-gu is a Shinto shrine located in Nakamachi, a small town in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano. The shrine is dedicated to Tenman-tenjin, the Shinto god of learning and wisdom, as well as other kami including Shinden no Kami, the deity associated with the Shinden style of Japanese architecture. The shrine's current structure dates back to the 17th century, although it has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Visitors can admire the shrine's traditional architecture, which features a distinctive tiled roof and a large stone torii gate.

侘内神

侘内神

Nagano

侘内神 Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto kami of the same name, revered as a protector of travelers and merchants. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period influence, with its original torii gate still standing. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the surrounding forest, which is said to be inhabited by various regional kami.

武部八幡宮

武部八幡宮

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Wu Busatsu Hachiman-ji Temple is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and protector of the samurai class. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the temple has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The current structure is from the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). As one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines, Wu Busatsu Hachiman-ji Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture.

古田神社

古田神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Niten, Nagano Prefecture,古田神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ōtama-no-Mikoto, a kami believed to reside in the nearby ancient town of Kiso-ōtani. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, with a tiled roof and wooden vermillion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum and historic buildings showcasing local history and culture.

御射山神社

御射山神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture, Ōkawa-ya-yama Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture is typical of a Kamakura-style temple, with a large wooden torii gate and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine by walking through the forested grounds.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Matsumoto, the Inari Shrine is a renowned Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the patron deity of fertility, rice, and industry. The shrine's complex network of vermillion torii gates, known as 'sacred passage,' stretches for approximately 1 km, making it one of the longest in Japan. This distinctive feature is said to have been built by the 7th-century Buddhist priest En no Gyōja to honor Inari Okami. Visitors can still see a few of these ancient torii gates, now serving as a symbol of the shrine's rich history and cultural significance.

神明大神宮　白山大権現

神明大神宮　白山大権現

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, the Shinto shrine of Godaijin Taishin is dedicated to the deity Inazuma no Kami, a kami associated with lightning and thunder. The shrine is situated on the slopes of Mount Yari, one of Japan's three holy mountains, and is revered for its stunning natural surroundings. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture, including a torii gate and a five-story pagoda, which houses the shrine's treasure repository.

天良神社

天良神社

Nagano

Tenryushu Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the benevolent kami Tenryu. This shrine is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. The site features several sub-shrines, including the Tenryu Shrine and the nearby Naganokuni Shrine, which are believed to be the sacred resting places of Tenryu's ancestors. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene grounds, adorned with traditional Japanese architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

和泉原の八幡社

和泉原の八幡社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Ando-no-Yashiro-hakusen no Hachiman-gu is an ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and protector of the province. The shrine's current building dates back to the 18th century, but its history stretches back to the 7th century when it was a major power center in the region. Today, visitors can walk through the peaceful grounds and explore the shrine's unique architecture, which blends traditional Shinto elements with regional influences.

瀬戸川皇大神社

瀬戸川皇大神社

Nagano

In the heart of the Japanese Alps, the Tohoku region's Sado Kannon Shrine is dedicated to the revered Goddess of Mercy, Kannon (also known as Benzaiten). This majestic Shinto shrine was built in 1605 and features a unique architectural style that blends traditional and Western influences. Located near the historic city of Kakunodate, the shrine honors the region's patron deity, Sado no Kami, and its sacred water source, which is said to possess healing properties. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and experience the tranquil atmosphere that has captivated travelers for centuries.

Aimotosha

相本社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Aimotosha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami. The shrine's name 'Aimotosha' roughly translates to 'Abe's Town', possibly referring to its historical connection with the Abe clan. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, known as the honden, and admire the torii gate adorned with a vermilion lacquer finish, characteristic of traditional Japanese architecture. In the surrounding area, travelers can enjoy scenic views of the nearby forest and mountains.

Akadake Shrine

赤嶽神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Akadake Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the Shugendo deity, Shirodani-oki, and the regional kami of the Akadake region. The shrine's architecture reflects its mountainous surroundings, with a distinctive thatched roof and sturdy wooden beams. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, including the shrine building, a stone bridge, and several forested paths.

Akasaka Inari Jinja

赤坂稲荷神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Akasaka Inari Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its numerous vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up to the main hall, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Visitors can walk through this vibrant tunnel, adorned with prayer offerings and lanterns, as they make their way to pray for good fortune and blessings.

Akibasan Konpira

秋葉山金毘羅

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Akibasan Konpira Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Konpira, who is revered as a patron deity of fishermen and sailors. The shrine's name, 'Konpira,' refers to the powerful storm god that is believed to protect the waters and ensure safe passage for those at sea.

Akiha Jinja Shrine

秋葉神社

Nagano

Akiha Jinja Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and fertility. The shrine is situated near the Akiha River and is known for its serene atmosphere and traditional architecture. The shrine's design reflects the region's natural surroundings, with wooden structures blending seamlessly into the landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a large torii gate, a peaceful forest path, and a scenic riverwalk.

Amaterasu Kodai Jinja

天照皇大神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Amaterasu Kodai Jinja Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto goddess Amaterasu, who is considered the symbol of the sun and the emperor. The shrine's name, meaning 'Great Heavenly Deity Shrine,' reflects its importance as a sacred site for the imperial family and the worship of the sun goddess.

Amenomiyanimasuhiyoshi Shrine

雨宮坐日吉神社

Nagano

Amenomiyanimasuhiyoshi Shrine, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami. This shrine is particularly notable for its unique architectural style and historical significance as one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine's primary enshrinement is dedicated to Inari Okami, a kami associated with rice, fertility, and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture, including the Haiden (main hall) and the Honden (main shrine), which houses a sacred mirror and ema (wooden prayer posts). The shrine is also famous for its 'hakama-tsuki no machi' or 'sacred dress festival', where devotees dress up in traditional hakama garments to pray and offer prayers.

Asama Shrine

浅間神社

Nagano

Asama Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Enma and the god of fire, Hachiman. The shrine is situated at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, making it one of the highest shrines in Japan. It is famous for its stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage.

Ashigami Jinja

足神神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Ashigami Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined kami, Hachiman Ōkami. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Kiso and serves as an important cultural and historical site in the region. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies performed by the shrine's priests, who are tasked with maintaining the balance between humans and nature.

Ashigami-sama

足神さま

Nagano

Located in the city of Chiba, Japan, the Shrine of Ashigami-sama is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and fertility. The shrine's architecture is influenced by the traditional Japanese style of the Heian period, with a distinctive black gate and vermilion roof. According to legend, the shrine was built in 1198 by Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a powerful samurai who sought to appease his ancestral spirits.

Ashihara Jinja

葦原神社

Nagano

Located in the prefecture of Nagano, Ashihara Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of rice and fertility, Inari Ōhime. The shrine is situated in a scenic valley surrounded by lush greenery, making it a serene and peaceful destination for visitors. With its rich history dating back to the 7th century, Ashihara Jinja has played an important role in the region's agricultural cycles and is still revered today for its blessings.

Atago Inari Jinja

愛宕稲荷神社

Nagano

Atago Inari Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps, dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can walk through this gate tunnel, making offerings at each gate as they climb, believing that their prayers will be carried upwards by the kami. The shrine's architecture is influenced by the region's indigenous Bonsai trees and traditional Japanese designs.

Atagosha

愛宕社

Nagano

Atagosha Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity of the mountain, particularly the summit of Mount Atago which rises from the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture and design have been influenced by Edo period traditions, reflecting its origins as a regional shrine. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and temples dedicated to various kami.

Atsuta Jinja Honden

熱田神社本殿

Nagano

Atsuta Jinja Honden, located in Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, it is also considered a sacred site for the legendary Emperor Jimmu, who is said to have been born there. The shrine complex spans over 120 acres and features multiple buildings, including the Honden main hall, which dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE).