Japanese shrines

Fukuokashinden Inari

福岡新田稲荷

Saitama

Fukuokashinden Inari is a Shinto shrine located in the prefecture of Saitama, dedicated to the enshrined deity of Inari Okami, a kami associated with rice and industry. The shrine was built during the Edo period (1603-1867) as part of the rural landscape. Fukuokashinden Inari is known for its traditional Japanese architecture and historic significance in local culture.

Futahashirasha

二柱社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, Futahashirasha Shrine is a lesser-known but fascinating Shinto site that embodies the spirit of ancient Japan. With its unique architecture and historical significance, the shrine has captivated visitors from across the region. The name 'Futahashirasha' can be translated to 'Two-Horse Shrine,' reflecting the mythological connection between two prominent deities, Hachiman and Inari.

Hachiman-jinja Shrine

八幡神社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, Hachiman-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of war and justice, Hachiman-gami. The shrine's history dates back to the 8th century, with its current structure rebuilt in 1639 during the Edo period. As a major pilgrimage site for war veterans and those seeking divine protection, Hachiman-jinja Shrine attracts numerous visitors throughout the year.

Hall of Worship

拝殿

Saitama

The Hall of Worship, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning and literature, Kaname-Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a traditional tatami-matted main hall and a wooden gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several walking paths and a teahouse.

Haruna Shrine

榛名神社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, Haruna Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Hohodemi no Okami, a deity revered by the ancient Awa people of Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this peaceful oasis.

Higashimurayama Yasaka Shrine

東村山　八坂神社

Saitama

Higashimurayama Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Seibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the god of rice, water, and fertility, reflecting the importance of agriculture and irrigation in the region's history. The shrine complex includes several buildings, including a torii gate and a large hall with a unique hippon-style roof, showcasing traditional Shinto architecture.

Hikawa Shrine

氷川神社

Saitama

Hikawa Shrine, located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, is a sacred Shinto site that honors the kami (spirits) of the land and its people. With a history dating back to the Heian period, this shrine has played an important role in local culture and traditions. The shrine's architecture is a reflection of traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive thatched roof and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine by strolling through its beautifully maintained grounds.

Hikawa Shrine

氷川神社

Saitama

Hikawa Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Hikawa River and its surrounding areas. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall constructed from hinoki cypress wood and covered with thatched paper roofing. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a pond, creating a serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection.

Hizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine

膝折ノ氷川神社

Saitama

Hizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iwatsuki, Saitama Prefecture. The shrine's name translates to 'the place where the knees are bent', and it is believed to be dedicated to the kami of water, particularly the god of ice and snow. According to local legend, the shrine was built on the site where a legendary woman named Hizaore was frozen in time by a samurai who was searching for her. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to water, with a distinctive curved roofline that resembles a wave. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a small pond and a traditional torii gate.

Horigane Shrine

堀兼神社

Saitama

Located in the town of Sakura, Saitama Prefecture, Horigane Shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a powerful Shinto deity associated with thunder and lightning. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period origins, with a main hall constructed from wood and adorned with traditional roof tiles. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine grounds, which are surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking paths.

Ichikishima shrine

市杵嶋神社

Saitama

Located in the city of Ikebukuro, Saitama Prefecture, Ichikishima Shrine is a small but historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and prosperity, Otori no Ichikawa-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian-style design, with a large torii gate and a wooden hall (honden). The site is believed to have been used as a resting place for travelers during the Edo period.

Imakuma jinja

今熊神社 (遥拝殿)

Saitama

Imakuma Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Higashimachi, Saitama Prefecture. The shrine's name, Imakuma, literally translates to 'Bear God' or 'Bear Kami,' which is fitting given its unique architecture and historical significance. According to local legend, the shrine was built by the legendary founder of the town, who was said to have been helped by a giant bear in his endeavors.

Imakuma Jinja (Honden)

今熊神社 (本殿)

Saitama

Imakuma Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's main hall, the Honden, features a distinctive curved roof and a beautiful garden. Visitors can participate in traditional festivals, such as the annual Inari Matsuri, which takes place in mid-August. During this festival, visitors write wishes on ema, small wooden tablets, and tie them to the shrine's vermillion torii gate.

Issan Shrine

一山神社

Saitama

Located in the town of Hiki, Saitama Prefecture, Issan Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Tsukuyomi, god of the moon and the harvest season. The shrine's architecture is typical of those found in rural Japan, with a wooden main hall surrounded by garden paths and moss-covered stones.

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Saitama

Located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, not Saitama, Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most iconic and historically significant shrines. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the shrine is renowned for its stunning vermilion torii gate that appears to be floating on the water during high tide. The shrine has a long history dating back to 593 AD, with its origins tracing back to the mythical island of Takamagahara.

Kami no Hikawa Shrine

宿氷川神社(上ノ氷川神社)

Saitama

Kami no Hikawa Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Kami no River, which flows through the nearby town of Hikawa. The shrine's name, Kami no Hikawa, translates to 'Shrine of the God of the River.' According to local legend, the shrine was established by the founder of Hikawa, who was said to have been guided by a divine spirit to build a shrine on the riverbank.

Kasuga Jinja Shrine

春日神社

Saitama

Kasuga Jinja Shrine, located in the city of Togashima, Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Kasuga Okami, a Shinto deity associated with good fortune, prosperity, and protection. The shrine's main hall dates back to 1843, but its origins can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). As one of Japan's most famous shrines, Kasuga Jinja is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can explore the shrine's many torii gates, ornate wooden lanterns, and serene courtyards, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture.

Kitano Shrine

打越天神北野神社

Saitama

Kitano Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the 8th century. The shrine is dedicated to the god of agriculture, Kunitokumaya Hachiman, and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional Japanese architecture.

Kitano Tenman-jinja Shrine

北野天満神社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Kitano Tenman-jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to Tenman Okami, a prominent kami of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture is characterized by its impressive wooden torii gate, which serves as the main entrance. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including the tranquil gardens and traditional Shinto buildings.

Kitanosha

北野社

Saitama

Kitanosha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Tokyo, originally founded in 1653. Dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, it is known for its historic temple buildings and beautiful gardens. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's grounds, which were once used as a royal hunting ground during the Edo period.

Kofukusha

巨福社

Saitama

Kofukusha Shrine in Saitama is dedicated to the Shinto deity of good fortune, prosperity and abundance. The shrine complex includes a grand torii gate, impressive shrine buildings, and serene gardens. Founded during the Edo period, it serves as a popular destination for locals seeking blessings and good luck.

Kotama Shrine

児魂神社

Saitama

Kotama Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of birth and longevity. The shrine's name, Kotama, roughly translates to 'birth god' or 'god of origin.' As one of the oldest shrines in the region, it has played a significant role in local history and culture. Visitors can explore the shrine's historic buildings, including the main hall and the sacred torii gate.

Koyasu Shinto

子生神社

Saitama

Located in the town of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Koyasu Shrine is dedicated to the kami of good harvest and fertility, believed to have been established during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and thatched roofing. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and grounds, which feature several stone lanterns and a large stone shrine dedicated to Koyasu kami.

Maeno Kumano Shrine

前野熊野神社

Saitama

Located in the town of Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, Maeno Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Kumano Okami, a regional deity associated with the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian-period styles, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several walking paths and a large cedar tree believed to be over 400 years old.