Japanese shrines

Tsushimasha

津島社

Nagano

Located in the city of Obasachihonmachi, Tsushimasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, Enma. The shrine is situated on a small island in Lake Suwa, which was once an important source of fish and a major producer of rice for the region's agriculture. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains while exploring the shrine's gardens and traditional architecture.

Uchimitamaden

内御玉殿

Nagano

Uchimitamaden Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the enshrined deity Hachiman no Okami, a kami believed to protect travelers and merchants. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a tiled roof and sliding doors. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features beautiful carvings and intricate woodwork.

Uenoyamanokami

上の山之神

Nagano

Uenoyamanokami Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the worship of Mount Ueno's deity. The shrine is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and serene surroundings. Visitors can experience the tranquility of nature at this sacred site.

Uga Shrine

宇賀神社

Nagano

Uga Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the region's mountain and forest spirits. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a simple yet elegant style featuring curved roofs and ornate wood carvings. A notable aspect of Uga Shrine is its unique relationship with the surrounding nature, as it is said to be able to predict changes in the weather by observing the movements of its resident torii gates.

Umegakubo Jinja

梅ヶ久保神社

Nagano

Umegakubo Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's name, Umegakubo, translates to 'umega' meaning mountain cherry tree and 'kubo' meaning cave or hollowed-out rock. This unique name reflects the shrine's connection to nature and the mythology surrounding the cherry blossom tree. The shrine's architecture is typical of a rural Japanese Shinto temple, with a hipped tiled roof and sliding doors made from cedar wood.

Wada Suwa Shrine

和田 諏訪神社

Nagano

Wada Suwa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Suwa-no-mayori-wo, the goddess of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and a main hall featuring a tiled roof. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this rural shrine, surrounded by nature.

Wago Kumanosha

和合の熊野社

Nagano

Wago Kumanosha Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of Mount Kitanosawa and the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional styles of Japan, with a rectangular main hall and several smaller shrines. The enshrined deities include Oshio Hachiman, a patron deity of merchants and traders, as well as Inari Okami, revered for her role in protecting agriculture and fertility.

Wakamiya Hachimansha

若宮八幡社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the venerated deity of war and protector of the Emperor, Hachiman. As one of the largest shrines in Japan, it serves as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Yacchaku Jinja

八尺神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Yacchaku Jinja Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of mountains and valleys. The shrine's name, 'Yacchaku,' roughly translates to 'one who has crossed the eight-ri [units of measurement],' hinting at its location along an ancient salt trade route.

Yahashira Jinja

八柱神社

Nagano

Yahashira Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the worship of the kami Yahashira. The shrine's name, 'Hachi no Maru,' or 'Eight-Columned Shrine,' refers to its unique architectural feature: eight stone columns supporting the main hall. The shrine dates back to the Edo period and is a prime example of traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters.

Yama Jinja

山神社

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Yama Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain spirit, Yamatsuri-Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a steeply pitched roof and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a scenic hiking trail and a museum showcasing local art and culture.

Yama no Jinja

山の神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Yama no Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the mountain spirits that inhabit Nagano's majestic peaks. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with traditional wooden structures and a natural stone foundation. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine, surrounded by towering mountains and tranquil forests.

Yama-no-kami

山ノ神

Nagano

Yama-no-kami Shrine is dedicated to the mountain god, Yamato-no-Ōkami, and other kami associated with the mountainous region of Nagano. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the natural environment, with a wooden torii gate surrounded by lush greenery and a serene pond. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine while surrounded by breathtaking views of Mt. Yari, which is believed to be the sacred mountain of Yamato-no-Ōkami.

Yama-no-kami Jinja

山ノ神神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Yama-no-kami Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the mountain spirit kami, revered by local residents and travelers alike. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with simple yet elegant buildings that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature a picturesque pond, walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Yamaguchi Kumanosha

山口熊野社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Yamaguchi Kumanosha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and forest. The shrine is situated near the town of Okaya, which is known for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. While the primary enshrined deity is unknown, the shrine is likely connected to regional kami associated with mountains and forests.

Yaseo Jinja Shrine

八瀬尾神社

Nagano

Yaseo Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a distinctive pagoda-style tower and a simple yet elegant main hall. While less well-known than some other Shinto shrines in Japan, Yaseo Jinja Shrine is still an important cultural and historical site, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

Yasumiya-jinja Shrine

安宮神社

Nagano

Yasumiya-jinja Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is a lesser-known Shinto site dedicated to the enshrined deity Anzai no kami, the spirit of an ancient Japanese cedar tree that once stood at the shrine's original location. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1687 following a devastating flood and features a distinctive curved roof with a unique 'haiden' structure resembling a giant lantern. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a scenic walking path and a tranquil pond.

Yataka Inari Jinja

矢高稲荷神社

Nagano

Yataka Inari Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps, dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with traditional thatched-roof buildings surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by walking through the forest paths and admiring the beautiful gardens. Additionally, Yataka Inari Jinja is known for its annual rice-planting festival, which takes place in late April.

Yataka Suwa Jinja

矢高諏訪神社

Nagano

Yataka Suwa Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the revered deity Suwa no Okami, a kami associated with water and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a wooden torii gate and tiled roof. While its exact founding date is unclear, the shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Yataka Suwa Jinja has played a significant role in local history and culture.

Yazawa Inarisha

矢澤稲荷社

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Yazawa Inarisha Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the rice goddess Inari Okami. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Chokai and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a striking vermillion roof, and stroll through the surrounding forest, where locals often come to pray and offer food to the kami.

Yohashira Shrine

四柱神社

Nagano

Yohashira Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, known for its unique architectural style and historical significance. The shrine's name 'Yohashira' translates to 'four pillar shrine', reflecting its distinctive four-pillar structure that serves as the main hall. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has been an important cultural landmark in the region, particularly for locals who revere the kami enshrined within.

Yukiyoshisha

尹良社

Nagano

Yukiyoshisha Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Yukiyoshi, a kami believed to be associated with good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains while strolling through the shrine's peaceful gardens.

Zozan Shrine

象山神社

Nagano

Zozan Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection and prosperity of travelers. The shrine's name, Zozan, literally means 'path' or 'way', reflecting its role as a guardian of the roads that wind through the Japanese Alps.