Japanese shrines

大頭龍神社

大頭龍神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Dai Tou Ryū Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryūjin. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as an important coastal temple, with a main hall and two smaller shrines. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding park and see a large stone statue of Ryūjin in front of the shrine. The shrine is also famous for its annual festivals, which include the 'Dragon Festival' held in October.

素我神社

素我神社

Shizuoka

Located in the picturesque town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sugawagahara Jinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine is situated along the banks of the Sagawa River and is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Founded in 718 AD during the Nara period, Sugawagahara Jinsha has maintained its traditional architecture and continues to be an important cultural and spiritual hub for locals and visitors alike.

左口神社

左口神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Left Mouth Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity of prosperity and good fortune, and is known for its impressive wooden torii gate. The shrine's name references a famous local legend about a man who was granted good luck after eating his left lung at a festival. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and shrines within the complex, which date back to the 17th century.

北八雲神社

北八雲神社

Shizuoka

Located in the scenic town of Iwata, northern Shizuoka Prefecture, North Eight Clouds Shrine is a serene and tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami associated with the weather god Amaterasuómikage, as well as the guardian deity of mountains and forests. The shrine's architecture blends traditional Japanese design elements with local materials and craftsmanship, reflecting its regional cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, including a beautiful garden and a sacred waterfall.

八雲神社

八雲神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Izu Peninsula, Eight Clouds Shrine is a tranquil Shinto sanctuary nestled among lush greenery and cherry blossom trees. Dedicated to the kami of clouds and precipitation, this shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Iwataki.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Ise, Shizuoka Prefecture,諏訪神社 is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. The shrine was originally dedicated to the kami of the sea, Ōinaginoomachi no Kami, but later came to be associated with the enshrined deity, Ninigidaiya no Kamisumori.

天白神社

天白神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Sky White Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's name, 'Tenboshi', which translates to 'Sky White', reflects its connection to the bright and clear sky of the Japanese archipelago. Built during the Edo period, the shrine's architecture features traditional Shinto styles, with a distinctive vermilion-colored gate that welcomes visitors.

建速神社

建速神社

Shizuoka

建速神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of speed and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a square torii gate and a honden (main hall) covered in tatami mats. The shrine is known for its association with the local region's agricultural industry, where speed and efficiency were crucial for harvesting crops.

若宮八幡神社

若宮八幡神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hadano, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Ifukuji Hachiman-gu is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, a revered kami from ancient Japan. The shrine was established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with its current main hall dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).

祇園神社

祇園神社

Shizuoka

Prisu-en Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it has been an important cultural and spiritual center for over 1,000 years. The shrine is famous for its association with Lady Otohime, a mythical sea goddess from Japanese mythology.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and prosperity. The shrine's main hall is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war, but it also enshrines a number of other kami, including Inari, the patron deity of merchants and rice growers.

八雲神社

八雲神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Kuwana, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Clouds Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of clouds and weather. Its architecture reflects the traditional Heian period style, with a wooden gate and thatched roof. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Hachiman, the god of war and patron of artisans.

王子神社

王子神社

Shizuoka

Kingāno Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Kingāno, the legendary founder of the Japanese imperial family. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a distinctive five-story pagoda and elegant wooden structures. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and historic buildings, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

津島神社

津島神社

Shizuoka

Tsu Island Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari Okami, patron deity of fertility, rice crops, and industry. Located on Tsu Island in Shizuoka Prefecture, the shrine is famous for its impressive vermilion torii gates and tranquil gardens. The shrine's architecture reflects the classical style of Heian period temples, with a traditional Japanese garden and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through the beautiful grounds and exploring the various shops and stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs.

八面神社

八面神社

Shizuoka

The Eight-Faced Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the enshrined deity known as Ōkuni-Ōkami, a manifestation of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's unique name reflects its association with the eight directions and the eight faces of a traditional Japanese Buddhist image of Bodhisattva Maitreya. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, tranquil ponds, and ancient structures that reflect the shrine's long history dating back to the 7th century.

上能宮神社

上能宮神社

Shizuoka

Above the mountains of Izu-shi in Shizuoka Prefecture lies Upper Ability Palace Shrine, a majestic Shinto shrine with a history dating back to the Edo period. This shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and stunning mountain views.

許禰神社

許禰神社

Shizuoka

許禰神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility, believed to have been established during the Edo period. The shrine's main hall is a simple yet elegant example of traditional Japanese architecture.

須賀神社

須賀神社

Shizuoka

Nagagawa Shrine, also known as Suzugamine Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Dedicated to the god of the mountain and the sea, it has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, particularly during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a main hall built in the traditional Japanese style featuring a large roof and sliding doors.

須賀神社

須賀神社

Shizuoka

Suwagami Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a well-preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture and is dedicated to the worship of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's main hall is a beautiful example of a 'soko-ban' style, with a tiled roof and sliding doors made from richly decorated cedar wood. In the surrounding forest, locals often gather for traditional festivals and New Year's celebrations, which are believed to have originated in ancient times.

須賀神社

須賀神社

Shizuoka

Suwagami Shrine, located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, was founded in 718 CE and enshrines the Shinto kami of rice, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered in the region, attracting visitors from across the country for its stunning architecture and rich history.

日吉神社

日吉神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Shimada, in the Shizuoka Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the 7th century. Dedicated to the god Susanoo no Mikoto, the shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

八雲神社

八雲神社

Shizuoka

Located in the mountains of Shizuoka, Eight Clouds Shrine is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of the mountain and its inhabitants. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and connection with nature. With its rich history dating back to the 8th century, the shrine has played a significant role in the region's cultural heritage.

西宮神社

西宮神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nihonmatsu Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of samurai. As one of Japan's most famous shrines, it was originally built as a memorial for Emperor Sujin and Regent Ojin in 707 CE, during the Nara period. The shrine complex includes several buildings from different eras, including a Heian-era main hall and a Kamakura-style gatehouse.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Shizuoka

Located in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go's neighboring town, Kiso, is home to the famous Nakasendo trail and Nakatogashi-zaka, a steep mountain road used by travelers during the Edo period. The region has strong Shinto connections, with Kiso-yamato shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-kami, a major god in Japanese mythology. Another nearby shrine, Mino-san, enshrines Okuninushi, an important kami associated with harvest and agriculture. In the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture lies the 熊野神社 (Kuronoma Shrine), dedicated to the powerful and benevolent god Susanoo-no-kami.