Japanese shrines

Mitsuminesama

三峰様

Nagano

Mitsuminesama Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is a serene and peaceful oasis dedicated to the worship of the mighty mountain deity, Mt. Mitsumine. With its rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine has played an integral role in the region's spiritual life for centuries.

Miyazaki Yama-no-kami

宮崎の山の神

Nagano

Miyazaki Yama-no-kami is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami who resides within its sacred peak. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's traditional wooden and tiled structures, with a distinctive red torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains while praying at the shrine.

Mizukamifunayama Shrine

水上布奈山神社 (Mizukamifunayama Shrine)

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Mizukamifunayama Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Katsurahime, known as the 'Wife of the Sea God'. The shrine's name reflects its proximity to the nearby Mizukami River, which was believed to be the boundary between the human world and the spirit realm. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich history, Mizukamifunayama Shrine is a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture.

Mizuno no Atago-Sama

御園の愛宕様

Nagano

Mizuno no Atago-Sama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fujikawa, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Atago-no-kami, a kami associated with love, fertility, and prosperity. According to local legend, the shrine was built during the Edo period (1603-1867) by a wealthy merchant named Mizuno, who wanted to ensure his family's good fortune and happiness.

Moriya Jinja (Sato-no-miya)

守屋神社（里宮）

Nagano

Moriya Jinja, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Sato-no-miya, a kami associated with the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), during which it served as a minor imperial palace. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, tranquil ponds, and traditional buildings, while also learning about its cultural significance.

Moriya Jinja Okumiya

守屋神社奥宮

Nagano

Moriya Jinja Okumiya is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fujihara, Nagano Prefecture. As the okamiyama (outer palace) of the former Tokugawa shogunate daimyo, Tokugawa Iemitsu, it is one of the few shrines in Japan to be directly connected to the imperial family and the shogunate.

Motoyama Hakusan Shrine

元山白山神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Motoyama Hakusan Shrine is dedicated to the goddess Hakusan, a kami believed to reside at the top of Mt. Hakusan. The shrine's architecture and design reflect traditional Japanese styles, with a focus on natural materials and harmonious balance with its surroundings.

Murakami Mikuriya Shrine

村上御厨神社

Nagano

Located in the town of Murakami, Nagano Prefecture, Murakami Mikuriya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Mikuriya Okuninushi, a regional kami known as the god of agriculture and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important stopover for travelers on the famous Nakasendo highway, which connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo period. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, Murakami Mikuriya Shrine offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and history.

Nagaoka Shrine

長岡神社

Nagano

Nagaoka Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is a significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the river and mountain. The shrine's primary deity is not well-documented, but it is believed to be related to the local river and its inhabitants. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Nagokuma Shrine

名古熊神社

Nagano

Nagokuma Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Nakatsugawa, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the forest and is said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with its history dating back to the Edo period. The shrine's architecture is typical of traditional Japanese Shinto shrines, with a main hall called the hondo and several smaller structures dedicated to various deities.

Nakago Seihachimangu

中郷の正八幡宮

Nagano

Nakago Seihachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and historic significance, dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867). Dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Seihan (also known as Sei), the shrine is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can admire the shrine's majestic torii gate, explore the tranquil gardens, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

Nakamura Hachimansha

中村八幡社

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Kamikoma, Nagano Prefecture, Nakamura Hachimansha Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the Shinto deity Hachiman, often invoked for protection, good fortune, and successful endeavors. The shrine's architecture reflects its rich history, blending traditional Heian-style elements with later Edo-period modifications. Visitors can explore the tranquil garden and experience the serene atmosphere of this ancestral shrine.

Nakamura Suwasha

中村諏訪社

Nagano

Nakamura Suwasha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the kami Suwashi. The shrine is situated in the Nakamagasa Village and is famous for its scenic beauty with Mt. Kiso as its backdrop. Nakamura Suwasha Shrine was originally built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but it has undergone several renovations throughout its history.

Nakao Shinmeisha

中尾神明社

Nagano

Nakao Shinmei-sha is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Nishida, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the Kami of the Nakao River and its surroundings, believed to possess the power to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who visit. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style of the Heian period, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by strolling along the riverbank and taking in the beautiful views.

Namia Jinja

浪合神社

Nagano

Naria Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of the god of the sea, Namia, who is believed to have been the patron deity of the region's fishing industry. According to legend, Namia was a powerful kami who protected fishermen and their vessels from harm. Today, visitors can still see the beautiful wooden torii gate that marks the shrine's entrance, as well as the tranquil gardens and ponds that surround it.

Naritafudoson

成田不動尊

Nagano

Naritafudoson Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to Fudo Myo-o, a powerful Shinto deity associated with protection and strength. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a refuge from the mountainous terrain of the Japanese Alps. Founded in 1642 during the Edo period, the shrine has played an important role in local history and has been visited by numerous samurai warriors seeking protection and blessing.

Neno Jinja

根ノ神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Neno Jinja is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the local kami of the forest and mountains. With its rustic architecture and serene surroundings, the shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. Despite its remote location, Neno Jinja has been an important cultural hub for the surrounding community, hosting traditional festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.

Nenryu Mountain Marishiten Stone Altar

念流山摩利支天石祠

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Nenryu Mountain Marishiten Stone Altar is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Marishiten Okami, a powerful deity associated with war and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its location amidst rugged mountains, with wooden structures blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Visitors can admire the stone altar at the center of the shrine, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols believed to ward off evil spirits.

Niino Suwa Jinja

諏訪神社

Nagano

Niino Suwa Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the worship of the kami Enma-o and Suwagenomihotekoyama-no-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style with a tiled roof and a large torii gate, typical of its region. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens and grounds, which are said to be blessed by the waters of nearby Lake Suwa.

Nishidaira Hachimangu

西平八幡宮

Nagano

Nishidaira Hachimangu Shrine, located in the town of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and protector of the people. The shrine's name "Nishidaira" refers to its location on the southern bank of the Naka River. Built in 1671, the shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period, featuring a traditional Japanese architecture with a main hall, shrines for various deities, and a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, including the Hachiman Shrine Hall, which houses a wooden statue of the deity, as well as the Suwa Shrine, dedicated to the local goddess of fertility. The shrine hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Nishidaira Hachimangu Festival in July, which celebrates the god's protection and blessings.

Noike Jinja

野池神社

Nagano

Noike Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'paddy field shrine' and is dedicated to the kami (deities) associated with agriculture and fertility. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional wooden torii gate, which dates back to the 17th century, and the beautiful garden featuring maple trees and a serene pond.

Nonomiya Jinja

野々宮神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the kami of the forest and nature. Built in 1686 during the Edo period, the shrine's architecture reflects the regional style of Nagano, with its traditional wooden torii gates and rustic stone lanterns. Visitors can explore the tranquil grounds, which feature a scenic waterfall and a variety of flora and fauna native to the region.

Norikurahongu

乗鞍本宮

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano, Norikurahongu Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity of rice and fertility. The shrine's name is believed to be derived from its location near an ancient post station called 'norikura,' which played a crucial role in the region's agricultural trade. Visitors can walk along the traditional Japanese paths surrounding the shrine, taking in the serene atmosphere and picturesque views.

Nozawa Hachimansha

野笹八幡社

Nagano

Nozawa Hachimansha Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hachiman Okami, revered as the god of war and patron of travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred site for merchants and traders, with a wooden torii gate and an imposing stone statue of Hachiman. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a traditional Japanese garden and a historic merchant's house.