Japanese shrines

荒神社

荒神社

Shimane

Located in the town of Masuda, Hiroshima Prefecture, but it's actually located in Shimane Prefecture, this Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami. The shrine complex features a wooden torii gate and several smaller shrines within the grounds. The main hall of the shrine dates back to 1859.

恵比須神社

恵比須神社

Shimane

Located in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Ebi-no-Sato Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ebisu, the god of fishing, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. It is one of the most popular shrines in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year.

桜木天満宮

桜木天満宮

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Odaigahara, Shimane Prefecture, Sakuramachi Tenmangu Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine's name, 'Sakura' meaning 'cherry blossom', reflects its association with this beautiful and symbolic flower. Dedicated to promoting education and wisdom, the shrine attracts visitors seeking blessings for academic success.

市頭大歳神社

市頭大歳神社

Shimane

City Head Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. As one of Japan's most famous shrines, it is dedicated to the worship of Shinto deities and attracts millions of visitors each year. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

春日神社

春日神社

Shimane

Spring Day Shrine, located in the scenic town of Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her son Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for trade and commerce during the Edo period. Visitors can admire the distinctive curved roofs and vibrant vermilion paint that cover the shrine's buildings. In the spring, the shrine is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms blooming in front of the main hall.

鳥屋神社

鳥屋神社

Shimane

The Birdhouse Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the deity of fishermen and seafarers, Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important port, with a traditional tiled roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can walk along the scenic coastline nearby and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this peaceful oasis.

八大荒神社

八大荒神社

Shimane

Eight Major Gods Shrine, located in Iwami City, Shimane Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the Shinto deities of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine complex encompasses eight separate shrines, each enshrining one of the eight major kami (deities) associated with these qualities. Visitors can explore the unique architecture and grounds, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.

出雲手斧神社

出雲手斧神社

Shimane

Out雲手斧神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of thunder, Toshigami, and the spirit of the sea, Ōkuninushi. Located in Shimane Prefecture, the shrine is known for its striking architecture and stunning ocean views. The shrine's name, Out雲, refers to the mythical islands of Ōtsukimino, said to be the dwelling place of Toshigami.

若林神社

若林神社

Shimane

Ifurimayama Shrine, dedicated to the kami of rice and grain, is located in Shimane Prefecture. The shrine was built during the Muromachi period (14th century) and features a unique style of Shinto architecture. It is believed that the shrine's main hall was originally constructed as a Buddhist temple and later converted to Shinto use.

対馬神社

対馬神社

Shimane

Daito-ji Temple, located on the island of Shikoku and in the city of Matsue, is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The temple's architecture reflects a mix of Shinden-zukuri and Hozu-zukuri styles, with a characteristic tile roof. Founded in 718, the shrine has been rebuilt several times due to fires and earthquakes.

上来原八幡宮

上来原八幡宮

Shimane

Upper Kusafune Village's Eight-Faced Shrine, Upper Kusafune Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic area of Kusu, Shimane Prefecture. It is known as 'Kusu Hachiman' and is famous for its eight face statues of Hachiman, the Shinto god of war. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period, but there are records of its existence dating back to the Heian period.

大元神社

大元神社

Shimane

Located in the town of Yusa, Shimane Prefecture, Daigosenji is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a temporary shelter during the Edo period, with the primary structure being rebuilt after each typhoon. Visitors can experience the unique charm of this humble shrine, which remains untouched despite numerous visits from Emperor Hirohito in 1931 and 1952.

多賀山八幡宮

多賀山八幡宮

Shimane

多賀山八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kurokawa, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known as Hachiman in English. It is situated at the base of Mount Doga, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a large, wooden hall adorned with carvings depicting mythological scenes. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several smaller shrines and burial sites dating back to the Heian period.

金城オートバイ神社

金城オートバイ神社

Shimane

Gold Palace Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the town of Yasu, Shimane Prefecture. Dedicated to the deity of road travel and transportation, it is said to offer blessings for safe passage and successful journeys. The shrine's name 'Gold Palace' refers to its historic connection with the Matsudaira clan, who built a 'gold palace' for their ruler in the 17th century.

上草井八幡神社

上草井八幡神社

Shimane

Above the rugged coastline of Shimane Prefecture lies the historic Upper Inasa Shrine, dedicated to the esteemed deity of protection and war, Hachiman. Dedicated to the goddess of mercy and healing, Kannon is also enshrined here. Established in 748 AD, this magnificent shrine has endured for centuries as a testament to Japan's deep-rooted spiritual heritage.

大歳神社

大歳神社

Shimane

Located in the prefecture of Shimane, Ōsae Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami Ōsae-gami, revered as the patron deity of fisherman and sailors. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with wooden structures and traditional roofing materials used throughout. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine grounds, where locals often gather to pray for good luck and safe passage at sea.

常盤山八幡宮

常盤山八幡宮

Shimane

Located in the city of Masuda, Shimane Prefecture, 常盘山八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and prosperity, Takemikazuchi, as well as the tutelary deity of the region, Okuninushi. The shrine's main hall was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with subsequent renovations taking place in the Kamakura and Edo periods. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, including a scenic cherry blossom tree-lined path. Visitors can pray for good fortune, wealth, and longevity at the shrine's main altar.

鷲原八幡宮　舞殿

鷲原八幡宮　舞殿

Shimane

Located in the town of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, 鷲原八幡宮舞殿 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Inari Okami. The shrine's main hall features a traditional roof design typical of Heian-period architecture. The shrine's grounds also contain several ancient trees and a scenic lake. Visitors can walk through the grounds and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

淡島神社

淡島神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic Shimane Prefecture, 淡島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mt. Dōgo and the surrounding area. The shrine's history dates back to the 8th century, with its current structure built during the Edo period. It is known for its unique architectural style, which blends traditional and modern elements.

稲荷社

稲荷社

Shimane

Ishihara Shrine, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Hachiman-zukuri style, characterized by a rectangular hall with a tiled roof and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature traditional Japanese maple trees and a serene pond. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'goshoin' system, where devotees offer food to the kami and in return receive good fortune and blessings.

鷲原八幡宮　本殿

鷲原八幡宮　本殿

Shimane

Located in the town of Hikata, Shimane Prefecture, 鷲原八幡宮 (Hirado Hachiman Shrine) is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Taira clan. The shrine's current main hall, known as the hon-den, was built in 1868 during the Meiji period, but its origins date back to the Edo era. The shrine complex is surrounded by a scenic coastline and offers stunning views of Hirado Island.

鷲原八幡宮　拝殿

鷲原八幡宮　拝殿

Shimane

Located in the town of Yamaguchi, Shimane Prefecture, 鷲原八幡宮 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of wind and the sea, Fūjin. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and a large wooden main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and ornate stone lanterns.

鷲原八幡宮　楼門

鷲原八幡宮　楼門

Shimane

Located in Shimane Prefecture, 鷲原八幡宮楼門 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Fujin. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine has been rebuilt several times due to its strategic location near the coast, making it vulnerable to damage from sea storms. The current structure is from the Edo period (1603-1867) and features a unique floor plan, with a large hall dedicated to Fujin on the first floor and smaller shrines for other deities on subsequent floors. Visitors can admire the shrine's elegant architecture and experience the tranquility of its serene gardens.

剣玉神社

剣玉神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Izumo, the Sword Jewel Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, also known as 'The Sword Jewel'. This shrine is famous for its unique sword-shaped gate and ornate shrine structures. The complex is situated at the foot of Mt. Izumo Sanzan, which is said to be the dwelling place of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.