Japanese shrines

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Gunma

諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the same name and is famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Founded in 718 CE during the Nara period, the shrine has played an important role in local history and culture.

浅間神社

浅間神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture,浅間神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Lake Sai, which is considered a sacred site due to its unique geological features and historical significance. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a combination of wooden and stone structures. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the lake and is popular for hiking and fishing. Visitors can experience local culture by participating in seasonal festivals and trying local specialties such as grilled trout and local sake.

神明神社

神明神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Godaikokutenji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Godai Kokuten, a kami revered as the god of agriculture and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, adorned with lush greenery and serene water features. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

御霊神社

御霊神社

Gunma

The Ōrei Jingū Shrine in Gunma Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Ōrei, or 'Great Deity', a mythical figure believed to reside in the heavens above Kumagaya City. The shrine was originally constructed during the Nara period (710-794 CE) and has since been rebuilt and renovated several times due to fires and other disasters. Today, the shrine is known for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture, including a five-story pagoda and a torii gate made of cedar wood.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Gunma

諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Agematsu, Gunma Prefecture, known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. The shrine was built in 1718 to enshrine the kami of the town's founder, Takamori Nagato, who was said to have established the area as a center for agriculture and trade. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, dedicated to Inari Okami, and admire its traditional wooden architecture.

熊野神社本殿

熊野神社本殿

Gunma

Kumano Sanzan's largest and oldest temple, the Hōtō-den at Nankōji is a renowned Shinto shrine in Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to the legendary Shinto deity Susanoo no Mikoto, its architecture and art reflect Heian-era influences.

黒髭山神社

黒髭山神社

Gunma

Kuroba-yama Shrine, located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto site dedicated to the kami of the local region. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style, with a wooden torii gate and a haiden (main hall). According to local legend, the shrine was originally built to honor the spirit of the mountain, known as Kuroba-yama-san, which is said to be inhabited by the kami of fertility and prosperity.

石神神社

石神神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture, the Jishin Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Jishin-oki-tachi-no-kami, the god of war and victory. The shrine is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its unique torii gate. Built in the 18th century, the shrine's architecture reflects the Kamakura period style, with a traditional Japanese garden and a large wooden torii gate that serves as the main entrance.

赤城神社

赤城神社

Gunma

Akakawa River, which flows through the city of Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture, is said to be the site where a shrine was first established over 1,300 years ago. The current main hall, dedicated to Takamori Saigo, was built during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Red-hued roofs and traditional architecture characterize this shrine. It holds importance in Shintoism as a site of historical significance.

八雲社

八雲社

Gunma

Located in the picturesque town of Kanuma, Gunma Prefecture, Eight Clouds Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami of clouds and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic charm, with a traditional torii gate and wooden structures that evoke a sense of serenity. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere by strolling through the grounds, exploring the surrounding forests, or enjoying the peaceful views from the shrine's hilltop location.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Eighteen Hara Shrine is dedicated to the god of fertility and agriculture. The shrine's main hall was rebuilt in the Meiji period (1868-1912), following a devastating fire in 1883. This reconstruction reflected the Meiji Restoration's emphasis on modernization and purification of traditional Shinto practices.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Gunma

Nunobiki no Okami Shrine, located in the town of Annaka in Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture and fertility, Okami. The shrine's name, which translates to 'forest on a mountain,' reflects its scenic location at the foot of Nunobikiyama Mountain. Founded in 718 AD during the Nara period, the shrine has played an important role in Gunma Prefecture's history and continues to be celebrated for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

椿杜神社

椿杜神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps,椿杜神社 (Tsutsuji Dō Shrine) is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Okami, the Shinto god of fertility, while it also enshrines several other local kami. Visitors can walk through the beautiful cherry blossom trees and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine grounds.

大山祇稲荷神社

大山祇稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the scenic town of Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, Great Mountain Okuninushi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, prosperity, and industry. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), this shrine showcases the traditional Heian-style architecture typical of its era.

菅原神社

菅原神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Mushan-ji Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and prosperity, Mutsukuni-no-okami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a wooden torii gate and a large stone statue of the kami. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by walking through its beautifully manicured gardens.

上八幡神社

上八幡神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Uppara Hatsuse Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good fortune and prosperity. With a history dating back to the Edo period, the shrine is particularly famous for its association with the legendary founder Fujin Ryujin, who was said to have created the Great River of Japan.

馬頭観世音

馬頭観世音

Gunma

Located in the city of Kanuma, Gunma Prefecture, Mara no Heado Kannon is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon. The shrine's unique name, Mara no Heado, translates to 'Mara Head' or 'Devouring Mara,' likely referring to the mythological demon Mara who represents desire and craving. According to local legend, the shrine was built in 1631 during the Edo period to counterbalance the influence of Buddhism in the region.

碓氷神社

碓氷神社

Gunma

located in the town of Kusaka, Gunma prefecture, Cohei Jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of frost and cold weather, reflecting its importance as a guardian of agriculture and fertility in the region.

浅間神社

浅間神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Ryuzu Shrine is dedicated to Ryuzen, a kami believed to protect fishermen and travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive red torii gate. Its picturesque surroundings offer a serene escape from urban life.

あら町 諏訪神社

あら町 諏訪神社

Gunma

Ara Town Myo-kami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Gunma Prefecture, dedicated to Myo-kami, the Shinto god of mountains and forests. The shrine is situated near the town's main street and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful garden. Visitors can experience the unique local culture and history by exploring the shrine grounds and surrounding area.

金久保神社

金久保神社

Gunma

Golden Valley Shrine, located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, is a serene and natural haven that honors the kami of longevity and good fortune. This Shinto shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and features a unique architecture that blends harmoniously with its environment. The shrine's design reflects the harmony between nature and human existence, as seen in its wooden structure adorned with intricately carved rafters. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, during which it was known for its association with the Iwai clan, a powerful local family that controlled the surrounding region. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, take in the beautiful scenery, and participate in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The shrine also offers a unique opportunity to experience rural Japanese culture and community bonding.

久下神社

久下神社

Gunma

Kushiba Shrine, located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to the worship of the kami Yamatsuchi-no-Kami and Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its remote location, with a simple yet serene design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this sacred site by walking through the forested grounds and arriving at the tranquil shrine.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Gunma

Located in the beautiful Nikko National Park, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the imperial court. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of traditional Japanese style, with a wooden torii gate and a vermilion-painted main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and take in the stunning natural surroundings.

氷川鍬神社

氷川鍬神社

Gunma

Gokuribōshinja, a Shinto shrine in the town of Agematsu, Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Gokuribō, a god of fishing and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with a tiled roof and wooden structure. Locals believe that the shrine's proximity to Lake Tanagawa brings good luck and abundance for fishermen.