Japanese shrines

金比羅神社

金比羅神社

Shizuoka

Kintsugi-ji, a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to Kinryu, the god of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the annual Kintoki festival, which celebrates the mythical 'peach seed' that granted Kinryu his powers. Locals believe that visiting the shrine before the festival will bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a striking vermilion torii gate and intricately carved wooden decorations.

津島神社

津島神社

Shizuoka

Tsushima Shrine, located on Tsushima Island in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most sacred sites and a major destination for Shinto pilgrims. Built in 1881, the shrine honors the legendary samurai warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who was said to have appeared as the god of war, Minamoto-no-Okami, at Tsushima Island. The shrine is also associated with the island's unique folklore and legends, which revolve around the mythical creatures that inhabit the waters surrounding Tsushima.

日吉神社

日吉神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Hamamatsu, Dayotsu-jinja Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine's architecture reflects its Edo period origins, with a distinctive five-story pagoda and traditional wooden buildings. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a serene pond and a replica of an ancient Japanese farmhouse.

平井神社

平井神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, but often mistakenly attributed to Shizuoka, is the famous Izu Katsuura Hie Shrine's neighboring deities are enshrined here at 平井神社 (Plainside Shrine). This shrine is dedicated to the primary deity Inari Okami, patron of rice and industry. It is one of the shrines in Japan that can be visited during Cherry Blossom season.

厳島神社

厳島神社

Shizuoka

厳島神社 is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Izu Oshima in Shizuoka Prefecture, known as Haku Sanzan and one of Japan's Three Holy Islands. This shrine enshrines the kami Amaterasu Ōmikami and is famous for its sacred torii gate that stands at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

日吉神社

日吉神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Dayotsu Jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, a kami associated with agriculture and fertility. The shrine is famous for its 'yurei' (ghost) festival, which takes place on May 7th, where visitors are offered yurei-themed sweets as an offering. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a wooden torii gate and a five-story pagoda. Locals often visit the shrine to pray for good harvests and protection from disease.

大野神社

大野神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of the Japanese countryside, Daino Shrine is a serene and historic Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the patron deity of fertility, agriculture, and commerce. Visitors can explore the shrine's rustic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, while also learning about its rich cultural heritage.

菅原神社

菅原神社

Shizuoka

菅原神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of agriculture and fertility, Sugawara-no-mikoto, the shrine has a long history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's current structure is from the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), with many renovations during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, gardens, and torii gate, as well as participate in traditional festivals and rituals. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Shizuoka

The Eightfold Shrine, located in the town of Shimoda in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the Shinto god of prosperity and abundance, Hachiman. This shrine is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens, which reflect the region's strong maritime history. Built in 1592 during the Sengoku period, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries, with notable restorations taking place during the Edo period.

中山神社

中山神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Middle Mountain Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 7th century. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful vermilion torii gate and stunning autumn foliage. As a Shinto site, it serves as a place of worship and connection with nature.

大富峯神社

大富峯神社

Shizuoka

Big Rich Cliff Shrine, located in the Fuji Five Lakes region of Shizuoka Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of various kami. The shrine's name reflects its proximity to Mt. Fuji and its reputation as a wealthy and prosperous destination. Founded during the Edo period (1603-1868), it has been an important cultural and spiritual hub in the area.

富永神社

富永神社

Shizuoka

Rich in natural beauty,富永神社 (Fujinaga Shrine) is a serene Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Hachiman, Fujinaga Shrine is surrounded by lush forests and offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important stopover for travelers during the Heian period.

天白神社

天白神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tenboshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of wind and lightning, Hachiman. The shrine's name literally translates to 'Clear Sky God Temple.' With its rich history dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Tenboshi Shrine has played an important role in local worship and festivals. The shrine is known for its beautiful garden and unique architecture, which reflects the traditional Japanese style of 'Koishikawa-zukuri.'

八坂神社

八坂神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Ena, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eighteen Stage Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Fujin and Raijin, the wind god and lightning god respectively. The shrine is famous for its wooden archway called 'Tobira' with 18 pillars that symbolize the 18 stages of the Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu). The shrine is also known for its historic significance dating back to the Edo period.

神明神社

神明神社

Shizuoka

Godai Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of fire and agriculture. The shrine's main hall was built during the Edo period, with additions made during the Meiji period. The shrine's unique feature is its large wooden torii gate and its historic significance as an important stop on the Nikko Toshogu pilgrimage route. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies, including the daily purification ceremony.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Tatsuta no Okami Shrine in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to Tatsuta no Okami, a local Shinto deity known as the 'Tiger God.' The shrine's architecture and design are influenced by the Heian period, with traditional Japanese carpentry and roofing materials used. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, including the main hall, shrines for regional kami, and a sacred forest.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Dayeh-jinsha is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Hakone, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Fujin, the god of wind and storms, and Hikoboshi, the spirit of the hanging bridge of the dead. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a temple during the Edo period, with a traditional Japanese-style hall and a distinctive red roof. Visitors can experience the unique charm of Hakone's natural beauty by taking a stroll through the surrounding forests or enjoying a scenic view from the shrine's grounds.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Katsukawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Okami, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Guard. The shrine is famous for its wooden torii gate and stunning autumn foliage. As one of the three main shrines in Shizuoka, it attracts many visitors each year.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Dayo-jinja, the Dayo Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of fertility and prosperity, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 7th century. Located near the coast, it is believed to have played a crucial role in the region's rice production.

菊川神社

菊川神社

Shizuoka

菊川神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, it is one of the many shrines throughout Japan that honor this revered deity known as the patron of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a vermilion torii gate and wooden structures. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and grounds.

Akiha-jinja Shrine Shimosha

秋葉山本宮秋葉神社下社

Shizuoka

Located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Akiha-jinja Shrine Shimosha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Akiha-no-kami, also known as Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder. The shrine is renowned for its unique architecture, with a distinctive five-story pagoda and a museum housing an impressive collection of artifacts from the region's rich cultural heritage. As one of the oldest shrines in Iwata, Akiha-jinja Shrine Shimosha has played a significant role in the town's history and continues to be an important site for locals and tourists alike.

Akihasan Hongū Akiha Jinja Kamisha

秋葉山本宮秋葉神社上社

Shizuoka

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka, Akihasan Hongū Akiha Jinja Kamisha is a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Akiha, the god of autumn leaves and harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as one of Japan's oldest surviving shrines, with structures dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, adorned with autumn foliage, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Shizuoka.

Akihasan Yōhaisho (prayer shrine on the Akiha Kodō)

秋葉山遥拝所

Shizuoka

Akihasan Yōhaisho is a Shinto prayer shrine located in Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the spirit of Akiha Kodō, a famous mountain pass in the Japanese Alps. The shrine's architecture reflects the regional style of the area, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a large torii gate and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by leaving prayers at the designated boxes and walking through the peaceful grounds.

Amagi Shrine

天城神社

Shizuoka

Located in the scenic town of Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Amagi Shrine is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Hidesaburo. The shrine's name, 'Amagi,' roughly translates to 'heavenly mountain.' According to local legend, the shrine was founded in the 7th century by the legendary goddess Kusanagi-no-Taka-Miko, who descended from heaven and established a sacred site on the mountain slopes. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, which offer stunning views of Mt. Amagi and surrounding countryside.