Japanese shrines

清水社

清水社

Gifu

一之御前神社

一之御前神社

Gifu

大宮姫命稲荷大神

大宮姫命稲荷大神

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Himejigahara Shrine is dedicated to the goddess Hime, who is believed to have been a princess of the Yamato royal family. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture, as well as its association with the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and pay their respects at the shrine's main hall.

橘本神社

橘本神社

Wakayama · 海南市

平塚弁財天社

平塚弁財天社

Kanagawa

Located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is the Benkei-ten temple, also known as the Enbetsu Inari Shrine. The shrine honors Benzaiten, a Shinto deity associated with music, dance, and poetry. According to legend, Benzaiten was said to have been a princess who brought peace and prosperity to Japan through her performances. Today, visitors can still experience the beauty of traditional Japanese music and dance at the shrine's regular festivals. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful garden and tranquil atmosphere.

七沢神社

七沢神社

Kanagawa

Located in the scenic town of Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, 七沢神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tamayasu, a local deity believed to watch over the area's water sources and agriculture. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the Kamakura period, with a distinctive vermilion-colored torii gate and a traditional honden adorned with symbolic carvings. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic views of the surrounding mountains while exploring the shrine grounds.

東高津宮

東高津宮

Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka,東高津宮 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and fertility, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, as well as the god of storms, Inazuma-no-Kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style gatehouse and a wooden torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and admire its beautiful autumn foliage during the fall season.

天神社

天神社

Gifu

御嶽神社

御嶽神社

Kanagawa

The Ōya Shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōya, a kami associated with the sea and fishing. The shrine is situated near the coast, where its primary function is to protect fishermen and bring good fortune for their endeavors. Visitors can observe the unique torii gate adorned with nautical symbols, reflecting the shrine's connection to the ocean. Additionally, the shrine grounds feature a tranquil garden and a museum showcasing local history and culture.

八坂神社

八坂神社

Kanagawa

Located in the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Eight坂 Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Ōkami, patron deity of rice fields and commerce. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a simple yet elegant main hall and a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and learn about its history and significance.

第六天神社

第六天神社

Kanagawa

The sixth heaven Shinto shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a lesser-known but fascinating destination for those interested in Japanese spirituality and history. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Muromachi period (1336-1573), with a distinctive curved roofline and wooden pillars. While not as famous as its counterparts in Kyoto or Tokyo, this shrine offers a glimpse into rural Shinto practices and traditions.

尾尻八幡神社

尾尻八幡神社

Kanagawa

Located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tail-Whipping Eight-Fingered Shrine (尾尻八幡神社) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and protection from illness. The shrine's main hall features an impressive wooden statue of the god, while its grounds are also home to numerous stone monuments bearing the engravings of the gods' names. A unique architectural feature of the shrine is its 'tail-whipping' mechanism used for the ritual purification ceremony.

西大竹 嶽神社

西大竹 嶽神社

Kanagawa

Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, West Great Bamboo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Fuji and the surrounding bamboo forests. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its connection to nature, with intricately carved wooden structures and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this sacred space by following the traditional path known as 'Makura no Sato' which leads to a small pond surrounded by bamboo.

立見神社

立見神社

Tottori

立見神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Tottori Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Ōkami, the patron deity of rice and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall featuring a tiled roof and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which are particularly beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season.

天祖父社

天祖父社

Hyogo

Located in the Hyogo Prefecture, the Tennō-ji Shrine is dedicated to the deity of heavenly kings and ancestors. The shrine's name, Tennō-ji, roughly translates to 'Temple of the Heavenly King,' reflecting its connection to the spiritual realm. While not as well-known as some other Shinto shrines, Tennō-ji offers a glimpse into Hyogo's rich cultural heritage.

廣峯神社

廣峯神社

Hyogo

Located in the scenic Himeji Mountains of Hyogo Prefecture, Hikumen Shrine is a revered Shinto site that has been a sacred destination for centuries. Dedicated to the kami of the mountains and forests, the shrine's architecture reflects its natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, temples, and traditional buildings while surrounded by serene nature.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Kanagawa

Autumn Leaves Shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, patron of rice, fertility, and prosperity. As autumn leaves change colors, the shrine's tranquil surroundings become even more picturesque. Visitors can walk through the shrine's grounds, adorned with vermilion torii gates and lanterns, and enjoy the scenic views of Sagami Bay.

五社神社

五社神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hakone, Fujiyoshida, Shizuoka Prefecture, the five shrines of the Hakone Five (Hakone Rikugou) are a group of sacred sites dedicated to the worship of the powerful kami of Mount Fuji. The Five Shrines are: Hakone Shrine, Kofuku Shrine, Sadatsu Shrine, Owatari Shrine, and Sengen Shrine. These shrines were originally separate but have since been united under one roof. Visitors can explore the shrine complex, which includes beautiful gardens and historic architecture.

前川神社

前川神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Prekawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, Oya-no-Kami. The shrine's name "Prekawa" literally means "creek or stream," which may be connected to its proximity to water sources. According to local legend, the shrine was built around 700 AD by the Imperial family to ensure a good harvest. Today, visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine and learn about its history and mythology.

新宮熊野神社

新宮熊野神社

Niigata

Located in the town of Aikawa, Niigata Prefecture, Shinmyo-kuma-no-jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of bears and fertility. Built in the 19th century, the shrine's architecture reflects Heian-style influence. The shrine is famous for its historic bear shrine (, usagi-den), where visitors can view the iconic bear-shaped shrine gates, known as

高良山下宮社

高良山下宮社

Fukuoka

Located in Fukuoka Prefecture, 高良山下宮社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, believed to protect the surrounding area's crops and livestock. The shrine's name translates to 'Lower Temple of High Mountain,' which may refer to its location near the base of a mountain or the high altitude at which it was built.

聲問神社

聲問神社

Hokkaido

Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Voice Question God Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the kami of voice and inquiry. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's unique cultural heritage, with a blend of traditional Japanese and indigenous Ainu influences. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere by strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens and reflecting on their own life's questions.

白旗神社

白旗神社

Chiba

Located in the city of Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, the Shirakawa-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the god of the flag and the goddess of weaving, known as Hikoboshi. The shrine's white flag is said to have been gifted by a princess from the royal family of ancient Japan, who had come to the area seeking refuge. Over time, the shrine has become a place of worship for those seeking good luck, happiness, and fertility.

胸形神社

胸形神社

Shizuoka

Located in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, Chiegu-ji Shrine is dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, with its unique chest-shaped structure standing out among other Shinto shrines. The shrine's design reflects its historical ties to the Taira clan, one of Japan's most powerful families during the Heian period. Visitors can explore the shrine's gardens, which feature a variety of traditional Japanese plants and flowers.