Japanese shrines

八坂神社 (Yasaka Shrine)

八坂神社 (Yasaka Shrine)

Gunma

Located in the heart of Nikko, Yasaka Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deity Futsunokami Inari. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major pilgrimage site during the Edo period. Visitors can still see the remains of an old highway leading up to the shrine, which was once a key route connecting Nikko with Tokyo.

Afuriten Shrine

阿夫利天神社

Gunma

Afuriten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kumagaya, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to a kami named Afuretenokami, who is believed to be a patron deity of travelers and traders. According to local legend, Afuretenokami was said to have appeared as a benevolent spirit to guide travelers through treacherous mountain passes.

Happy Shrine

しあわせ稲荷

Gunma

Happy Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the picturesque town of Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the shrine is famous for its vermilion torii gates and beautiful gardens. The name 'Happy' refers to a nickname given to the shrine by the local villagers due to its proximity to a lively hot spring that has been said to bring good fortune and happiness.

Hikawa Shrine

氷川神社

Gunma

Hikawa Shrine, located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the nearby Hikawa River and its surrounding area. The shrine is known for its historic architecture and beautiful gardens, which feature various types of Japanese maples and cherry blossoms. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, including a large torii gate and several shrines dedicated to local deities.

Hodosan Shrine

寶登山神社

Gunma

Hodosan Shrine, located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hodosan Okami. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with records indicating its establishment during the late 17th century. Hodosan Okami is believed to be a kami of mountains and forests, revered for his power over nature. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the local region's unique cultural heritage.

Hotaka-jinja Shrine

武尊神社

Gunma

Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Hotaka-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron of travelers. The shrine is nestled amidst a serene forest environment, offering visitors a peaceful escape from urban life. With its rich history dating back to the 17th century, Hotaka-jinja Shrine has played an important role in local culture and tradition.

Ikaho Shrine

伊香保神社

Gunma

Located in the scenic town of Akitaakita, Ikaho Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of fire and iron, as well as a revered site for sake brewing and production. The shrine's unique architecture features a distinctive wooden torii gate surrounded by a beautiful garden, with stone lanterns illuminating the surrounding area. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere while strolling through the lush greenery.

Inari Shrine

稲荷神社

Gunma

Inari Shrine, located in the city of Tokyo's western suburbs, is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the god Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of fertility, rice, and industry. The shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that line the entrance and its unique architecture, which features a complex network of passageways and tunnels. Visitors can walk through these narrow corridors, called 'fushi-miya,' to pay their respects to Inari and make offerings at the many altars along the way.

Inatsutsumi Shrine

稲裏神社

Gunma

Inatsutsumi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Komanuma, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Inatsutsumi no Kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its history dating back to the Edo period, with a traditional gasshoin style wooden hall. The shrine's significance extends beyond its agricultural focus, as it is also believed to be an important site for fishing and hunting.

Itsukushima Shrine

弁財天厳島神社

Gunma

Itsukushima Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year. Dedicated to the kami Fujitsubo, the shrine is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The iconic main hall, which appears to be floating on water at high tide, is a testament to the ingenuity of Japanese engineers. Visitors can explore the various buildings, including the Hokosha Hall, where the shrines' sacred treasures are kept, and the nearby Itsukushima Garden, featuring stunning autumn foliage.

Iwagami Inari Shrine

岩神稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Shimoishi, Gunma Prefecture, Iwagami Inari Shrine is a small but charming Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agriculture and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional torii gate, which appears to be 'eating' the surrounding trees. Visitors can make offerings of rice and other grains at the many grain stores along the winding path leading up to the main hall.

Kaiko Shrine

懐古神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma prefecture, Kaiko Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of the mountain and forest. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a guardian of the local ecosystem, with traditional wooden structures blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by walking along the tranquil paths that wind through the surrounding forests.

Kamatari Inari Jinja

稲荷神社

Gunma

Kamatari Inari Jinja, located in the Gunma prefecture, is one of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and prosperity. As a sacred site for farmers and artisans alike, this shrine reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. Its architecture, adorned with vibrant vermilion torii gates and intricately designed roof tiles, harmoniously blends traditional Shinto elements with local influences.

Kanasana Shrine

金鑚神社

Gunma

Kanasana Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the prefecture of Gunma, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Aizenokami, a deity believed to reside in the nearby mountains. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a square torii gate and a large, rectangular main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several walking trails and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Kangiin Kumagaya

妻沼聖天山

Gunma

Located in the city of Kumagaya, Gunma Prefecture, Kangiin Kumagaya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and one of Japan's most revered deities. The shrine's name, which translates to 'Divine Light from the Lagoon', reflects its location on the edge of Lake Sanriku, a body of water that has played a significant role in Japanese history and culture. Built during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the shrine's architecture is characteristic of this era, with a wooden torii gate and a large stone base.

Karasuyama Inari Shrine

鴉山稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma prefecture, Karasuyama Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of fertility, rice, and industry. The shrine's unique architectural style reflects its Heian-era origins, with a distinctive vermilion-painted torii gate and ornate roof tiles. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, which feature several shrines and buildings dedicated to various aspects of Inari's domain.

Konsei-jinja Shrine

金精神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Kusaka, Gunma Prefecture, Konsei-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of rice and industry. The shrine's name, 'Konsei,' roughly translates to 'spirit of prosperity' or 'soul of abundance.' Its primary deity is enshrined in honor of this concept, with many visitors seeking blessings for their businesses and agricultural endeavors.

Kumano Shrine

熊野神社

Gunma

Located in the Japanese Alps, Kumano Shrine is one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of wisdom and longevity, and also an enshrined kami from the Sanzu River and the forest spirits of the region. The shrine complex spans over several mountainside hills, including Koya-san, sacred territory for local inhabitants since ancient times.

Mikasa Shrine

三笠神社

Gunma

Mikasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Mikasa, Gunma Prefecture, and is dedicated to the deity Mikasa, who was believed to have protected the nearby Kusatsu Onsen hot spring resort from fire. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall (honden) built in 1742 and several smaller shrines (torii and haiden). Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Gunma mountains and experience the serene atmosphere of this historic shrine.

Mitsumine Shrine

三峰神社

Gunma

Mitsumine Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Gunma Prefecture, and it is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to the worship of Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Takeda clan, who was born in the area. The shrine complex spans over 1 million square meters, making it one of Japan's largest shrines. Its architecture reflects its historical significance, with a distinctive haiden-style main hall, torii gate, and a beautiful garden designed by famous Japanese landscape architect Katsuragi Kiyozumi.

Mitsumine Shrine

三峯神社

Gunma

Mitsumine Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tokugawa, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and historical significance as a major stop on the Nakasendo route, a historic road connecting Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Mitsumine Shrine is also said to be the final resting place of Yorimasa, a samurai who died in battle against the forces of Takeda Shingen.

Okumiya Shrine

三峰奥宮

Gunma

Okumiya Shrine, located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Ōkami, the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name literally translates to 'The Peak of the Three Peaks', reflecting its remote location at the summit of Mt. Okami, which rises over 2,000 meters above sea level. Built in the late Heian period (11th century), the shrine's main hall is adorned with traditional Japanese architecture and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Ontake Shrine

御岳神社

Gunma

Ontake Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Hachiman-gu, the god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Army. The shrine is situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, near the summit of Mount Ontake, an active volcano. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and experience a tranquil atmosphere amidst nature.

Reimu Shrine

霊夢神社

Gunma

Reimu Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, is a tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Reimu, revered as the goddess of good luck, prosperity, and blessings for travelers. The shrine's architectural style blends traditional Japanese design with elements of local Ainu influence, reflecting its unique cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, adorned with vibrant autumn leaves during the fall season, and participate in traditional festivals held throughout the year.