Japanese shrines

白山神社

白山神社

Ibaraki

Located in the picturesque town of Shimotsuka, White Mountain Shrine is one of the most sacred Shinto shrines dedicated to the mountain deity, Inari Okami. The shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As a major pilgrimage site, it attracts thousands of devotees seeking blessings from the mountain spirit.

三峯神社

三峯神社

Ibaraki

Sanriku Sanmyo Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the Sanriku coast, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The shrine's main deity, the kami of the sea, is believed to have the power to calm turbulent waters and ensure safe passage for fishermen. Visitors can experience the shrine's serene atmosphere and historic architecture, which reflect the region's unique blend of Shintoism and Buddhist influences.

祠

祠

Ibaraki

Noborito Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, known as Kamado-no-okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important center for the region's rice production. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings, including the main hall and the torii gate, while also learning about the local legend of a fox spirit that was said to have been born in the area.

八坂神社

八坂神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight-Sakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Sakuramochi, who is said to be the patron deity of cherry blossoms and spring growth. The shrine's name, 'Hachisaka,' roughly translates to 'eight-sakura' in English.

三峯神社

三峯神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Ymeda, Three-Fathom Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the kami (spirits) believed to reside within the surrounding mountains and forests of Ibaraki Prefecture. With its origins dating back to the Edo period, the shrine has been an important site for local residents seeking blessings for agriculture and protection from natural disasters. The shrine's architecture is a testament to traditional Japanese design, featuring a distinctive thatched roof and a serene garden.

駒田﨑稲荷社

駒田﨑稲荷社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Kamisu, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kamo-yokotsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Amaterasu Omoikane, patron deity of the region and the goddess of the sun. The shrine's main hall is modeled after Heian-period architecture, while its torii gate is reminiscent of Kamakura-style temples. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds and admire the beautiful autumn foliage. Kamo-yokotsu Shrine is also famous for its sake brewery, which produces a range of traditional Japanese beers.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Ibaraki

愛宕神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the storm god Susanoo and his wife Kaguya. Founded in the 8th century, the shrine has played an important role in the region's history and culture. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a wooden main hall and ornate torii gate.

八坂神社

八坂神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Kamakura, Eighteen Steps Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Enma, also known as Yotoko no Okami, patron deity of those traveling on foot. The shrine is famous for its distinctive name and unique architecture, consisting of eighteen stone steps leading up to the main hall. According to legend, the shrine's location was chosen by the god himself because of its proximity to a sacred spring. Visitors can still see remnants of the original steps from the 17th century. In Ibaraki Prefecture, Eighteen Steps Shrine is one of the oldest and most revered Shinto shrines.

我孫子香取神社

我孫子香取神社

Ibaraki

Myosenji in Ibaraki Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, Mokotsu no Okami. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine was originally known as Myosenji, which means 'Our Son's Shrine.' Over time, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times, with the current structure dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, including a unique torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through the surrounding forest and admiring the intricate carvings on the shrine's walls.

諏訪神社 稲荷神社

諏訪神社 稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Tsukudani, Ibaraki Prefecture, Utsunomiya Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deities Inari Okami and Amaterasu Omikami. It boasts a unique architectural style featuring a main hall with a distinctive curved roof, reflecting the shrine's association with rice cultivation. The shrine complex includes several smaller shrines, each enshrined with its own set of kami.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Kamakura, Chœshu's largest city, Katsuragise-ya Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Ōkami, patron deity of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and unique architecture, with a notable example being the ōanba tower, which houses the sacred treasures of the shrine.

地蔵

地蔵

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Chichibunagano in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Dezaru Shrine is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the earth and fertility. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the traditional Japanese style, with a tiled roof and vermillion walls. Dezaru is believed to be the name of a legendary female kami who was said to have brought prosperity to the surrounding area. The shrine's grounds are known for their beautiful gardens and seasonal flowers.

青面金剛

青面金剛

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Chikusa, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Shrine of Kobo Daishi, is dedicated to the Chinese Buddhist sage Kobo Daisen, who brought Buddhism to Japan from China. The Shinto shrine was built in 1869 and is one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan that honors a non-Japanese deity.

江川天満宮

江川天満宮

Ibaraki

Jongawa Tenman-miya is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Tenman Tenjin, the shrine is known for its beautiful garden and historic architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature a stunning wooden torii gate and a serene pond with koi fish swimming beneath it.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Katsuta Shrine, located in the scenic prefecture of Ibaraki, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the enshrined deity of rice and prosperity, Kanegi, as well as Inari Okami, known for his association with fertility, commerce, and industry. The shrine's architectural style reflects its historical period, showcasing elements of traditional Japanese design from the Edo era.

随喜稲荷大明神

随喜稲荷大明神

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 随喜稲荷大明神 Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with its main hall and torii gate built during the 18th century. It is one of the most famous shrines in the region, attracting visitors from all over Japan for its traditional festivals and rituals. Despite its relatively small size, the shrine has a significant impact on local culture and daily life.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Ibaraki

Love Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Sakurakubo, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine was built in 1632 during the Edo period and features a traditional Japanese garden with a large pond and teahouse. Visitors can purchase love-themed goods, such as 'love letters' and 'good luck charms', at the shrine's shop.

諏訪大神

諏訪大神

Ibaraki

The Shinto shrine of Utsunomiya Shrine is dedicated to Ōmikami, a deity believed to have the power to heal and purify. Located in the heart of Utsunomiya City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the shrine's architecture reflects its history dating back to 711 AD, during the Nara period. The shrine complex features a unique architectural style known as Hōryū-ji-style, with a large hall dedicated to Ōmikami.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Katsura Shrine, located in the city of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Fujin, the god of wind and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a strategic point along the ancient Kita route between Edo (now Tokyo) and Utsunomiya. Built in 1652, the shrine's main hall, the hon-do, features a unique curved roof design inspired by the mythical bird, Ryūjin's, wings. As one of the shrines enshrined with Fujin, Katsura Shrine is said to bring good luck and protection against wind and storms.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility, is enshrined at this ancient shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to Inari's benevolence towards farmers and agriculture, the shrine attracts numerous visitors seeking blessings for their own harvests. With its serene natural surroundings and traditional architecture,稲荷神社 embodies the essence of Shinto spirituality.

兼務社遥拝所

兼務社遥拝所

Ibaraki

Combines the reverence of Shintoism with the Buddhist concept of purifying one's mind and spirit, this shrine is a serene oasis in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture.

厳島神社

厳島神社

Ibaraki

Tsukiyomi Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-okami, the god of the moon and the sea. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its historic significance and cultural importance. Dedicated to the deification of the moon god from ancient mythology, it is the largest temple dedicated to a single deity in Japan. The architecture and layout reflect a mix of traditional Japanese styles with elements unique to the region.

愛宕山神社

愛宕山神社

Ibaraki

Love Temple Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of love and fertility, Amaterasu Omikami's son Inazuma, and the storm god Susanoo. Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Love Temple Shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. The shrine complex features a large torii gate and several small shrines dedicated to various deities.

安座常神社

安座常神社

Ibaraki

Nanatsuma no Sato Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Nanatsuma no Sato-Okami. This shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture. The shrine's main hall, which dates back to 1697, features a unique tile-roof design typical of Edo-era temples. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which are famous for their cherry blossom trees.