Japanese shrines

水神社

水神社

Shizuoka

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Water God Shrine is dedicated to the kami of water and fertility. With a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine has played a significant role in Japanese culture as a center for water rituals and purification ceremonies. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with traditional wooden structures and sliding doors typical of Nara-era temples. In recent years, Water God Shrine has hosted various festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring, marking the beginning of the new growing season.

谷崎天神社

谷崎天神社

Shizuoka

Valley of the Sage Shrine, located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historic significance as a sacred site during the Edo period, with a traditional torii gate and a wooden shrine building. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature several shrines and temples, including a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing local art and history.

白髭神社

白髭神社

Shizuoka

Whitetail Shrine, located in the Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka, is dedicated to the Shinto deity believed to protect hunters and those engaged in outdoor activities. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with its origins traced to a wooden temple built during the Kamakura era. Over time, it has undergone renovations and expansions, reflecting the region's cultural evolution. Today, Whitetail Shrine remains an important site for locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into traditional Shinto practices and the region's rich history.

天宮神社

天宮神社

Shizuoka

Tenshū-ji Shin-shū-kyō is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as one of Japan's oldest and most prominent shrines. Its main hall, the Honden, features a striking red roof and a large torii gate. The shrine complex also includes several smaller shrines and a beautiful garden. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in festivals such as the Matsuuri Festival, which celebrates the shrine's founding and the arrival of spring. The shrine is also famous for its 'Shin-no-ichi,' a ritual performed on New Year's Day to honor Amaterasu Ōmikami.

八幡宮

八幡宮

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Fujiyoshida, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a prominent Shinto site dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, one of the three principal kami of Japan's Shinto pantheon. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine showcases a unique blend of ancient and modern architectural styles.

三島神社

三島神社

Shizuoka

Sanjima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Sanjima, which is part of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the sea and fishing, and is an important cultural and spiritual site for the local community. The shrine's architecture reflects its seaside location, with buildings designed to withstand typhoons and other natural disasters. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and enjoy traditional festivals such as the Sanjima Taisho Matsuri, which honors the shrine's patron deity.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

The Godai no Makoto Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the sea and prosperity. This shrine is situated on a scenic coastline and features a unique architectural style reminiscent of traditional Japanese temples. The primary deity enshrined here is Gami, the god of the sea, who is revered for his power over the tides and fishing.

八握神社

八握神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Hakone,八握神社 (Hakone Okugitsurei) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire and lightning, known as Tametora. The shrine's unique eight-faced deity statue, called 'Hakone okagisha,' represents the power of the ocean and the volcano that formed this region. Visitors can experience the shrine's natural beauty during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage.

田ヶ谷神社

田ヶ谷神社

Shizuoka · 菊川市

Tanda-ka-yu Jinja, a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture. Located in Mikawa City, it has been an important center for the local agricultural community. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of rural Shinto shrines, with a simple yet elegant design.

八柱神社

八柱神社

Shizuoka

The Eight Pillar Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto kami of the same name, believed to be a powerful and benevolent deity associated with good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as an ancient site, with a traditional Japanese-style gatehouse and wooden torii gate. It is one of the most prominent shrines in Shizuoka, attracting visitors from throughout Japan.

中里八幡宮

中里八幡宮

Shizuoka

Middle of the 8th century, Middle Ages, and early Edo period, this Shinto shrine honors Okuninushi, a kami of fertility, prosperity, and agriculture. Located in the coastal town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and showcases traditional Heian-period architecture.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Shizuoka

The Eightfold God Shrine, located in the town of Okitsu, Shimousa district of Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the eight-headed god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Futsunohime, Susanoo's sister. The shrine's history dates back to 1649, when it was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original structure. The current five-story pagoda, donated by the Tokugawa shoguns in 1657, is an impressive architectural feature. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional festivals, including the annual Eightfold God Festival.

若一王子神社

若一王子神社

Shizuoka

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Wakainōji Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the deity Wakinō, believed to be the brother of the legendary Emperor Jimmu. As a part of the Wakai group of shrines, Wakainōji is particularly significant for its association with rice cultivation and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design elements, including a wooden torii gate and a vermilion-lacquered main hall.

白山神社

白山神社

Shizuoka

Located in the Japanese Alps, the White Mountain Shrine is dedicated to Koyomushi, a kami associated with mountains and snow. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the local Shizuoka region's cultural heritage.

渭伊神社

渭伊神社

Shizuoka

The Tenryu-ji Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the kami of Mount Fuji, specifically Tenryu-gami, a deity believed to reside at its summit. The shrine's architecture reflects its location near the mountain and incorporates elements of traditional Japanese design, including a large torii gate. Visitors can experience the unique cultural heritage of this site by participating in the annual Tenri Matsuri festival, which celebrates the shrine's patron kami with music, dance, and traditional foods.

子安神社

子安神社

Shizuoka

Suban-jinja, also known as Suban Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the primary kami enshrined here is Hachiman-gu no kaminarimonosugita-taisan or simply Amaterasugita, however it is known by the name Amaterasugita no Kami in Japanese. In this shrine, you can find a statue of the 7th century's Shinto priest Amaterasugita, who oversaw the construction of the nearby Ono River. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture and pay their respects to Hachiman-gu no kaminarimonosugita-taisan.

根洗神社

根洗神社

Shizuoka

Roots Wash Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a small yet vibrant Shinto site nestled among the lush forests and rolling hills of Japan's 'Green Jewel'. Dedicated to the kami of roots and plants, this shrine is steeped in tradition and natural beauty. Visitors can walk along the serene waters of the nearby Okawa River, taking in the sights and sounds of nature as they approach the shrine.

小豆餅神社

小豆餅神社

Shizuoka

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the small town of Mikawa is home to Oketoba Shrine, dedicated to Oketsubushi no Kami, a minor kami associated with the festival of Ōketsubushi. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, and its main hall features a wooden construction typical of that era. As part of Shizuoka Prefecture's cultural heritage, this shrine showcases traditional Japanese Shintoism.

嶺田神社

嶺田神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Takida Shrine is a well-preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture and a revered Shinto site. The shrine's primary deity is Tamazusa-no-kami, the god of fertility and agriculture, as well as the spirits of the surrounding mountain and forest. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and walkways, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of Mt. Takida.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Shizuoka

Love and Fertility Shrine in Shizuoka, dedicated to a kami associated with the sea and fertility. Built in 1789 during the Edo period, the shrine is known for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. Visitors can pray for love and prosperity, as well as seek blessings for fertility and abundance.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Godai Jingū is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo, known as the 'storm god' or 'rainmaker'. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the shrine has played a significant role in the region's history and culture.

岩嶽神社

岩嶽神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Iwakura Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as an ancient ritual site, with a main hall built using local cedar wood and decorated with intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and forests, which are said to be inhabited by various regional kami.

三島神社

三島神社

Shizuoka

Located in the picturesque town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture,三島神社 is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, known as Izanagi, and his wife Izanami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a distinctive curved roof and ornate wooden decorations. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and experience the local culture.

賀茂神社

賀茂神社

Shizuoka

Located in the scenic city of Hamamatsu, Fudo-Myo Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the god of thunder and lightning, Raijin, as well as the god of prosperity and good luck, Fukutomi Hachiman. The shrine's architecture blends traditional Shinto elements with modern designs, reflecting its 200-year history. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a large wooden door adorned with a lion's head, a symbol of strength and courage.