Japanese shrines

白山神社

白山神社

Shizuoka

白山神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Katsuyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Ōinaginoomori-hikoboshi and the god of lightning Ame-no-kamisha's sister, Hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine is known for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can experience a peaceful atmosphere and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine at one of the many restaurants nearby.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Shizuoka

Temple of the young rice goddess, Otohime, is located in Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine complex has a long history dating back to the 7th century, and its architecture reflects various historical periods. The main hall features a wooden structure with a distinctive red-painted roof, characteristic of Kamakura-period shrines.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Japan's scenic Hakone region, Goda Jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of the region, with a main hall and smaller shrines arranged around its grounds. Visitors can walk through the tranquil gardens, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days, and sample local delicacies at the shrine's food stalls.

天神社

天神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, Tenjin Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to the god of learning and culture, Sugawara no Michizane. As one of Japan's most famous temples, it attracts visitors from all over the country.

金比羅神社

金比羅神社

Shizuoka

Kintsugi-ji, the Kinpu Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to Kinryu, a legendary deity associated with the sea and fishing. This shrine is known for its stunning architecture, which reflects the unique cultural and historical context of the region. Built in 1554, the shrine's main hall features a distinctive curved roof, while its surrounding gardens showcase a serene blend of traditional Japanese landscaping. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including a sacred lake where Kinryu is said to reside, and experience the tranquil atmosphere that has captivated pilgrims for centuries.

若宮正八幡宮

若宮正八幡宮

Shizuoka

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, 若宮正八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. It is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. The shrine was originally built in 1596 during the Momoyama period, but it has undergone several renovations over the years. Today, it is one of the most famous shrines in Japan, attracting visitors from all over the world.

金山神社

金山神社

Shizuoka

Gold Mountain Shrine, located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a sacred site dedicated to the kami of the mountain and its surroundings. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. According to local legend, the shrine was built to appease the god of gold, who was said to have hidden treasure in the nearby mountains. Today, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji from the shrine's grounds.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

The Hie Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami and the god of war Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Built on the site of an ancient Shinto shrine that dates back to the Edo period, the current structure features a unique rectangular main hall with a tiled roof. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a key stopover for travelers on the Nakasendo trade route. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a large torii gate.

金比羅神社

金比羅神社

Shizuoka

Kinryu-ji Shrine is a renowned Shinto temple in the city of Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Kinryu, a kami associated with commerce, prosperity, and abundance. Built in 1671, the shrine features a unique architecture that blends traditional and modern elements. Visitors can explore the five-story pagoda, which is said to be built from materials donated by the local merchants who once worshiped here.

幡室神社

幡室神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hatsubaru Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Fujin, the god of wind and storms, as well as Benzaiten, the goddess of beauty and music. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Japanese Shintoism, with a large torii gate and a main hall adorned with shachihoko decorations. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Fuji from the shrine grounds.

上水神社

上水神社

Shizuoka

Upperwater Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to water and irrigation deities. The shrine's main image is that of a large stone statue of a water buffalo, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and walkways, which are adorned with traditional Japanese lanterns and carefully maintained bonsai trees.

正明神社

正明神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Nissoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, the Jingei Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and medicine. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important stop on the famous Nakasendo highway, which connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). While it may not be as well-trodden by tourists as some other shrines in Japan, Jingei Shrine remains a treasure trove of Shinto history and culture.

津島神社

津島神社

Shizuoka

Tsushima Island Shrine, located on the scenic Tsushima Island in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of the sea and the island's patron kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with wooden structures and traditional roofing materials. While the primary deity enshrined here is not well-documented, it is believed that the shrine honors the local island gods, possibly the sea god Ryujin or the storm god Susanoo.

琴平神社

琴平神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, Oku-Plain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a vermilion torii gate and a five-story pagoda. It is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional festivals, including the Sannen Matsuri, which celebrates the arrival of spring.

山東神社

山東神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Japan, Shinshu Myojin Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of various kami and deities. This Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture has been serving the local community for centuries, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, with intricate carvings and ornate lanterns adorning its structures.

若宮神社

若宮神社

Shizuoka

Ifukuyamagashina is a Shinto shrine located in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the god of the sea, Ifukuyama no Kami, and also enshrined are the god of fertility, Kame Okami, and the god of prosperity, Fujin.

大名神社

大名神社

Shizuoka

The Ōgama Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the deity of the city's founder, Fujinbo-no-Ōe-no-Mikoto. Located near the coast, the shrine is famous for its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Fuji on clear days. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a coastal temple, with a unique combination of Shinden-zukuri and Horyū-ji-style buildings. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil gardens and take in the stunning views from the observation deck.

巌室神社

巌室神社

Shizuoka

Patungumori Shrine, located in the town of Kanzawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to Patugumori, a powerful oni (ogres) said to reside within its cave-like structure. While less well-known than some other shrines, Patungumori Shrine offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich mythological heritage and the unique architectural styles that have developed over time.

五社神社

五社神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Suntory, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the Five-Deity Shrine (Gosha Jinja), a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of five primary kami: Okami, Shioya no Kami, Juroku-Kamui-tarae no Kami, Takamatsuno-kagami no Kami, and Amanogawa-Hisago. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with traditional Japanese buildings and stunning views of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

若宮神社

若宮神社

Shizuoka

Ifukuji Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Fujin, the god of wind and storms. While it shares a similar name with Wakamiya Shrine, they are distinct shrines with their own unique histories and deities. This shrine's primary kami is Fujin, known for his control over the weather. In Japanese culture, he is often depicted as a powerful and wise figure, revered for his ability to bring life-giving rain to crops and protect against fierce storms.

古川神社

古川神社

Shizuoka

Anciently revered as a guardian of the Izu Peninsula's fertile soil and abundant natural resources, Ōgawa Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is a sacred site honoring the kami of agriculture and prosperity. This enshrined deity is said to bring blessings for bountiful harvests, ensuring the region's agricultural traditions continue to thrive. Over time, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, incorporating elements from various historical periods, including Edo-era influences.

矢多神社

矢多神社

Shizuoka

The Matsumi Shrine, located in the city of Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's main hall was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in the region. The Matsumi Shrine is known for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture.

平尾八幡宮

平尾八幡宮

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the well-known Plain Tailed Eight-Tails Shrine (Hira-Atago-jinja). Dedicated to the eight tails of the legendary dragon Ryujin, this Shinto shrine holds cultural significance in the region. Its name reflects its architectural style inspired by ancient Chinese temples and its distinctive design. Visitors can admire the beautiful gardens and serene grounds surrounding the main hall.

日吉神社

日吉神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Dayotsu-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the imperial family. Built in 1556 during the Sengoku period, the shrine's architecture reflects the Edo style with its distinctive tiled roofs and serene gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner shrine, which houses a large image of Hachiman, as well as the outer shrine, featuring a beautiful wooden torii gate.