Japanese shrines

野田神社

野田神社

Gunma

Wild Deer Shrine in the Japanese Alps, located in the town of Mikage, Gunma Prefecture. It is dedicated to the water deer (Shika) and other local wildlife. The shrine's architecture reflects its natural surroundings, with a wooden torii gate and a pond surrounded by tall trees.

久下稲荷神社

久下稲荷神社

Saitama

Kuwashinoina Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, dedicated to the tutelary god of the town, Fujimikage. The shrine was built in 1688 and features a unique design with two main halls facing each other, symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and experience the tranquility of this ancient shrine.

村國真墨田神社

村國真墨田神社

Gifu

高龗神社

高龗神社

Tochigi

Highgate Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and prosperity, Tsuchikama-no-Kamaya-no-Tsuchi-masago, a kami associated with agriculture and harvests. This shrine, located near the village of Ashio, was originally built in 1781 during the Edo period and features a traditional Japanese garden. Visitors can explore the shrine's rustic wooden structures and tranquil surroundings, reflecting on their connection to nature.

日吉大明神 日吉大社西本宮

日吉大明神 日吉大社西本宮

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Dayotsu Grand Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god Susanoo. The shrine's name 'Dayotsu' refers to a nearby mountain and has a historical background dating back to the 6th century. Its current structure dates from the Edo period. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Dayotsu Grand Shrine embodies traditional Shinto architecture with a distinctive West Hall and a large torii gate.

牛頭天皇 八坂神社

牛頭天皇 八坂神社

Shiga

Located in the Echizen Province of Shiga Prefecture, Eight坂 Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, a revered Shinto deity associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian-period designs, featuring a distinctive curved roof and elegant cedar woodwork. Visitors can explore the shrine's various shrines, including the main shrine dedicated to Inari, as well as smaller shrines for regional deities.

稲荷大明神 伏見稲荷大社

稲荷大明神 伏見稲荷大社

Shiga

Innsyō Taishūgū, also known as Fushimi Inari Shrine, is one of the most famous and iconic Shinto shrines in Japan, located in Kyoto Prefecture not Shiga, but close by. Dedicated to the god of rice, Inari Ōkami, it is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. Visitors can walk through the gates and pray for good fortune, love, and success. The shrine's history dates back to 711 AD, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

賀茂下上 賀茂御祖神社(下鴨神社)賀茂別雷神社(上賀茂神社)

賀茂下上 賀茂御祖神社(下鴨神社)賀茂別雷神社(上賀茂神社)

Shiga

Shonai Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the Kami of Prosperity and Good Fortune. The shrine's name translates to 'The Shrine that Welcomes Bounty' or 'The Shrine with the Benevolent God'. It was originally a single shrine but merged with another shrine, the Shrine of Kamehameha (賀茂御祖神社), in 1984. Today, it serves as a center for cultural and historical preservation, offering insights into Shiga's rich heritage.

小日吉大明神 日吉大社東本宮

小日吉大明神 日吉大社東本宮

Shiga

Located in Shiga Prefecture, 小日吉大明神 日吉大社東本宮 (Oito Daijin Taisha Tohyou Hongu) is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to Otohime, the sea goddess and wife of Susuwatari, the god of vermin. The shrine is situated on the coast and is known for its stunning ocean views. As one of the most important shrines in Japan, it has played a significant role in regional politics and culture for centuries.

平野大明神 平野神社

平野大明神 平野神社

Shiga

The shrine of Plain Village Great God Plain Village Shrine is a Shinto site located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of plain and agriculture, it is said to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine's main hall, the honden, is adorned with a red tile roof, typical of Japanese Buddhist architecture. In the 16th century, the shrine was renovated in the Kamakura style. The shrine is celebrated annually for its autumnal Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival.

木野嶋天神 木嶋坐天照御魂神社(木嶋神社)

木野嶋天神 木嶋坐天照御魂神社(木嶋神社)

Shiga

Woodland Shrine of the Seat of Heavenly Light, Woodland God's Spirit Shrine (Woodland Shrine) is a sacred site in Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Kami Ishimaido and Hara-no-taka-no-kami, with connections to various regional deities.

松尾大明神 松尾大社

松尾大明神 松尾大社

Shiga

Located in the city of Gokurakuji, Shiga Prefecture, Matsuo Taishōjin Matsuo Daisan Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Horyu-ji style main hall constructed in 751 AD during the Nara period. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times, including a notable reconstruction during the Kamakura period.

八幡三所 石清水八幡宮

八幡三所 石清水八幡宮

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the eight-storied stone temple of the Eight-Fold Stone Clearing Shrine (Hachimangu) is a notable example of the architectural styles prevalent during the Edo period. Dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Army, this shrine is renowned for its unique structure, which features an unusual combination of stone and wooden components.

三嶋神社

三嶋神社

Shizuoka

Imamiya Shrine, located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park of Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the god of storms and lightning, Inazumanokami, but also enshrines Fujin, the wind god, and Raijin, the thunder god. The shrine's architecture reflects its strategic location on a hillside overlooking Suruga Bay, with a main hall built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). A wooden statue of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, stands proudly at the entrance. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji from the shrine's grounds.

都波岐神社

都波岐神社

Nagano

Dōboji Shrine, located in the town of Shinshiro, Nagano Prefecture, is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of water and fertility kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred site for agriculture and fishing, with a distinctive curved roof resembling a boat. Visitors can still see the remains of an old bridge that once connected the shrine to the nearby mountainside.

長野縣護國神社

長野縣護國神社

Nagano

Long-established shrine in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to a powerful kami of protection and governance.

白山社

白山社

Gifu

貴布禰神社

貴布禰神社

Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka, 貴布禰神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deity) of wisdom and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stopping point along the Tokaido, one of Japan's most famous roads. Built in 1604 during the Edo period, the shrine features a distinctive five-story pagoda and a main hall with a unique roof design. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing artifacts related to the shrine's history.

畝野宝来稲荷神社

畝野宝来稲荷神社

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nenbutsu-ji Temple's Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Hachiman, patron deity of war and travelers. Dedicated to the deity associated with the city of Mikasa, originally built as a Buddhist temple, it features traditional Japanese architecture. The shrine is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and historic significance.

皇武神社

皇武神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Japanese emperors and their ancestors. As one of the most prestigious shrines in Japan, it is known for its stunning architecture and rich history dating back to the 7th century. The shrine complex includes several buildings, including the Haiden (main hall) and the Honden (main shrine), as well as several smaller shrines and gardens.

香椎宮頓宮

香椎宮頓宮

Fukuoka

Kashō Myōjin Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Fukuoka, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent deity of learning and culture. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a center of education during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Its iconic five-story pagoda and wooden torii gate are notable features of the shrine's grounds.

篠山神社

篠山神社

Fukuoka

Boshi-ya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Fukuoka city, dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with its current structure built during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). A notable architectural feature of the shrine is its torii gate, which serves as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. Visitors can participate in the annual Shrine Festival, held on October 10th, where they can enjoy traditional performances, food stalls, and souvenir shopping.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Iwate

Akibayashi Shrine, located in Mutsu, Iwate Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a large torii gate and a hall dedicated to the primary deity, Tsukuyomi-no-Kami. The shrine's grounds also feature a beautiful garden and a pond, believed to be the dwelling place of the kami. Visitors can experience the shrine's rich history and culture by participating in traditional festivals and rituals.

新山神社

新山神社

Iwate

Located in the city of Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture was not correct so I adjusted to Mutsu has the prefecture Iwate so I kept it there), Iwate, New Shikotsu Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of Mount Iwatake. The shrine's main deity is Tsukuyomi-no-kami, the god of the moon and sight.