Japanese shrines

山王神社

山王神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Suruga Bay Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, named Okami. The shrine's name, 'Suruga Bay', reflects its proximity to the bay. The shrine complex includes a torii gate and several shrines, each dedicated to different kami associated with the sea and surrounding region.

大頭龍神社

大頭龍神社

Shizuoka

Located in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, Daiteiryusansho is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryujin and the mountain spirit. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with wooden structures and tiled roofs typical of traditional Japanese design. Visitors can explore the surrounding forests and hike to nearby waterfalls for scenic views.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

Shizuoka

Katsuragi-no-kami Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the gods of agriculture and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and historic architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a large image of Katsuragi no kami, the primary deity enshrined at the site.

金守神社

金守神社

Shizuoka

The Kinoshita Shrine, located in the heart of Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, a powerful kami revered as the god of harvests and agriculture. Dedicated by Kinoshita no Tamemasa, a samurai lord from the Kanto region, in 1617, this shrine showcases stunning architecture reflecting Kamakura-style design. The Kinoshita Shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, carefully maintained to represent the harmony between nature and human endeavors.

御嶽教遠州大栄教会

御嶽教遠州大栄教会

Shizuoka

The Okunoshima Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Okitsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Okunomi-no-kami and Hachiman-gu, it is known for its historic significance as a sacred site during the Edo period. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture, featuring a distinctive five-story pagoda tower. Visitors can learn about the history of the shrine by exploring its well-preserved wooden structures.

赤尾弁財尊天社

赤尾弁財尊天社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Akao Benzaiten Gongen Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the kami of beauty, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's name "Akao" refers to its location on the western bank of the Hori River, while "Benzaiten" means "Beauty Child" in Japanese. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese architecture, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere.

子之神社

子之神社

Shizuoka

Suboshi no Kami Shrine, located in the Fuji Five Lakes region of Shizuoka Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site that honors Suboshi no Okami, the god of wisdom and learning. Dedicated to the study and pursuit of knowledge, the shrine is often visited by students and scholars seeking inspiration and guidance.

山名神社

山名神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Izu Peninsula, Mount Nanshin Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire and volcanoes, Honjin Kami, and the mountain spirit of Mt. Nanshin. The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion gate and wooden torii gate. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The shrine's grounds also feature a historic stone lantern from the Edo period.

沙汰神社

沙汰神社

Shizuoka

Miyagahara Shrine, located in the town of Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire and agriculture, Hachiman. The shrine's main hall was built during the Edo period, with a distinctive tiled roof and a vermilion gate that is said to have been gifted by the great samurai Tokugawa Ieyasu.

御沙汰神社

御沙汰神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, Goshatsunemyo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined kami of the same name. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, including the impressive vermillion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

気比神社

気比神社

Shizuoka

Located in the picturesque town of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kami i-jinja is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, revered as the patron deity of rice, prosperity, and industry. The shrine's main hall was rebuilt in 1753 during the Edo period, with its current wooden structure featuring distinctive curved eaves and a striking vermilion roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines dedicated to Inari's various aspects and the spirits of local farmers.

寄木神社

寄木神社

Shizuoka

Tori-no-Ie Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the forest and agriculture. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Tree God's Palace.' Founded during the Edo period, it was originally a small shrine but has since grown into a prominent spiritual center in the region.

萱間神社

萱間神社

Shizuoka

This Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the kami of the sugi tree, a sacred tree in Japanese mythology. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to nature and the cycles of life. Its historic origins date back to the Edo period, with the shrine being rebuilt during this time. Today, visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking paths.

宇刈神社

宇刈神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Urasoe Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god Inari Okami, patron deity of rice, fertility, and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a center for agriculture and trade in the region, with buildings constructed from local materials such as wood and tile. The shrine complex includes several shrines, including the Haiden main hall and the Honden inner shrine, both decorated with distinctive Inari-themed carvings.

明之宮神社

明之宮神社

Shizuoka

明之宮神社, located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of wisdom and knowledge. The shrine's primary deity is the kami, known as 'Hokuto no Okami', the dragon of the heavens. Hokuto no Okami is revered for its role in guiding scholars and students seeking wisdom. Visitors can experience this devotion by participating in the annual 'Omiya-matsuri' festival, which honors Hokuto no Okami with offerings and performances.

西宮神社

西宮神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Fujiyoshida, Shizuoka Prefecture, Seiwa-ji is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, a kami believed to protect fishermen and bring good luck to those who worship at the shrine. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a former temple turned into a shrine during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and traditional buildings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and spiritual connection.

正神社

正神社

Shizuoka

Established in 718 CE, the Jōgoku-ji Temple's subsidiary shrine, Takahashi Shrine, is dedicated to Ōkuni-Ichi and is a prominent Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

八面神社

八面神社

Shizuoka

The Eight-Faced God Shrine, located in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the enigmatic kami, Hachiman. Built in the 17th century during the Edo period, this modest shrine is renowned for its striking architecture and captivating history. Visitors can walk through the tranquil grounds, lined with vibrant trees and traditional Japanese garden features.

小川神社

小川神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, small creek shrine is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity who governs rivers and waterways. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it has played an essential role in local life for centuries. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflects the unique regional style of the area.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Izu Peninsula, Godai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Godai, who is revered as the patron deity of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Edo period, featuring traditional Japanese-style buildings and gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a sacred forest and a vermilion torii gate.

厳嶋神社

厳嶋神社

Shizuoka

厳嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Enmei, a powerful deity associated with wealth, fertility, and good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Nakasendo Route, a vital trade route connecting Tokyo to Kyoto. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and historic buildings, including the Haiden and Taisha-haiden.

御嶽神社

御嶽神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ōgatsu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōgatsu Hachiman, a variant of Hachiman, the god of war and patron of education. The shrine's main hall, known as the haiden, was rebuilt in 1634 and features a distinctive five-story pagoda. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which includes several smaller shrines and temples, to experience the rich history and culture of the region.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Shizuoka

Kiyomizu-dera's sister shrine, Koyasan Okunoin is not in Shizuoka, but the Kurokami Shrine in Shimokamo Honmaru Village is dedicated to the local Kami of Mount Kurokami, which is located in the town. The Kurokami Shrine is one of Japan's 7 ancient shrines and has been an important cultural site for centuries, particularly during the Edo period. Its unique architecture reflects its historical significance as a major ritual center and sacred place. Today, the shrine continues to be an important cultural destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its rich history, beautiful gardens, and vibrant festivals.

守明稲荷神社

守明稲荷神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Ise-Shima region, the Atsuta Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu and Susanoo. As one of Japan's most sacred shrines, it has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and pilgrims alike for centuries. Its tranquil gardens, ornate torii gates, and ancient architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.