Japanese shrines

湯殿山

湯殿山

Niigata

Tōdai-san Shrine, located in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deities Fujin and Raijin, patrons of wind and lightning. The shrine's name translates to 'Hot Spring Temple Mountain.' It is believed that hot springs in the area are sacred to the kami, providing them with a constant source of energy. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains while paying respects to these powerful deities.

大神神社

大神神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Echizen, Fukui Prefecture is often mistaken for being the same as Shiga, but actually it's not as close to the prefecture that the name may indicate. However, 大神神社 (Ōgami Jinja) is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to Ōgami, an early Shinto deity believed to be an ancestor of the local Mikado. The shrine is famous for its unique, ancient architecture and its association with regional folklore.

上野國中十二神

上野國中十二神

Shiga

The Upper Country Nakatomi Twelve Deities Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, but was originally established in the Hie area of Kyoto (now part of Kamigaya). The shrine enshrines twelve deities from Japanese mythology. It is believed to have been built during the Edo period. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

下野國中十一神

下野國中十一神

Shiga

Located in the heart of Honshu, Lower Naniwa Province, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the eleven deities believed to have been involved in the founding of the city of Takakura, which lies nearby. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a center of power during the Heian period.

佐渡國中九神

佐渡國中九神

Shiga

佐渡國中九神 Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, and is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman. The shrine's name reflects its connection to the legendary leader Omi no Mikoto, also known as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who was revered as a powerful kami. With nine enshrined deities, including Otsutsuji-jin and Yata-no-kami, the shrine showcases traditional Shinto architecture and rich cultural heritage.

信濃國中四十八神

信濃國中四十八神

Shiga

Located in Echizen Province,信濃国中四十八神 Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to the worship of the forty-eight immortals from Japanese mythology. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall dating back to the 8th century. Visitors can experience the shrine's serene atmosphere and explore its traditional gardens.

備中國中十八神

備中國中十八神

Shiga

Beppu-cho Daimyo-sha is a Shinto shrine located in Beppu, the capital city of Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the 'Beppu-cho eighteen deities,' a group of local kami associated with the area's natural hot springs and volcanic origins. Visitors can experience the unique charm of this shrine, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

備前國中二十六神

備前國中二十六神

Shiga

Located in the city of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, 備前國中Twenty-six Gods Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the twenty-six kami associated with the Katsura River and the surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's unique cultural heritage, blending traditional elements with modern design. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and experience the tranquility of this serene oasis.

備後國中十七神

備後國中十七神

Shiga

The Ōmi Tenjin Shrine in Iida, Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the 17 deities of Ōmi Province, a historical region that corresponds to part of modern-day Shiga and Fukui prefectures. The shrine's architecture reflects its status as an important center for Shinto worship during the Heian period. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds and historic buildings, including the main hall and the torii gate.

出羽國中九神

出羽國中九神

Shiga

Located in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, Outa no Kunetsu Hikohoji Shrine is dedicated to the nine kami of the former province of Outa, a region that corresponds to modern-day Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures. This shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins with a distinctive hirairon gate tower and traditional torii gate. The shrine complex also features several historic buildings dating back to the 17th century, including a magnificent hall dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war. While less well-known than other Shinto shrines in Japan, Outa no Kunetsu Hikohoji Shrine remains an important cultural and historical site in its region.

加賀國中四十二神

加賀國中四十二神

Shiga

Located in the city of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, 加賀国中42神 Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the 42 gods believed to have been enshrined by Omi-no-kuni (the province that includes modern-day Echizen) during the Silla period. The shrine's primary deity is not well-documented but is associated with the province's patron kami, Mikasa-no-okami.

周防國中十神

周防國中十神

Shiga

Located in Shiga Prefecture, the Shrine of the Ten Deities of Saikō is dedicated to the worship of ten deities associated with the region's history and geography. The shrine is situated at the confluence of the Katsura River and the Hōdo River, making it a significant site for those interested in the region's cultural heritage.

壱岐國中二十四神

壱岐國中二十四神

Shiga

Located in the city of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, this shrine is dedicated to the 24 gods (Kami) of Ise-Shima region, known as the 'Ise-Shima Daijingu'. The shrine is said to be a branch shrine of the famous Ise Grand Shrine, located on the island of Saikō, and was originally built in 1893 to enshrine the remains of Emperor Genshō. Today, it is dedicated to the worship of all 24 Kami of the region, including Ō no Yashiro no Kami, a Shinto deity associated with fertility and prosperity.

大隅國中五神

大隅國中五神

Shiga

Located in the city of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, the Ōmumi no Kuni Daimyō Gojin is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of five deities, believed to have been enshrined since the 7th century. The shrine's name translates to 'The Five Deities of Great Country Province', reflecting its association with the region's history and geography. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, which features a unique design influenced by the Heian period.

安藝國中三神

安藝國中三神

Shiga

Ansei Kuni Daisan Jingū is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, and is one of the most famous shrines in Japan dedicated to the three gods of agriculture and fertility: Susanowo, Tsukiyomi, and Amaterasu. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Heian period, with a main hall dating back to 757 AD. Ansei Kuni Daisan Jingū is particularly notable for its large torii gate, which symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.

對馬國中二十九神

對馬國中二十九神

Shiga

Against the backdrop of Lake Biwa, Against Mountain Twenty-Nine Deities Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of multiple kami. With its rich history and cultural significance, the shrine has been an important center for Shintoism in the region for centuries.

播磨國中五十神

播磨國中五十神

Shiga

The播磨国中五十神 Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of fifty kami. The shrine's name reflects its historical significance as the central site for the播磨 Country, a region that once comprised parts of present-day Hyogo and Shiga prefectures. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a striking torii gate, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding gardens. The shrine is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom in late March.

日向國中四神

日向國中四神

Shiga

The Dayotsu-cho Four Deities Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the four kami of the Japanese countryside, often referred to as the 'Four Heavenly Kings.' The shrine's architectural style blends traditional Japanese elements with regional influences, reflecting its historical significance as a rural gathering place. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens and grounds, which offer a serene escape from the surrounding urban landscape.

筑前國中十九神

筑前國中十九神

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Kōka-jūkyū-jinshū is a well-preserved shrine that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's name literally translates to 'nineteen kami of the town'. It is believed to have been built as an ancestral hall for the imperial family. Visitors can still see many original structures and artifacts from the time, including ancient wooden buildings, stone lanterns, and ceramics.

筑後國中四神

筑後國中四神

Shiga

Located in the Shiga Prefecture, Katsuocho-ku Shugakuin Shrine is dedicated to the four gods of the late Heian period. The shrine complex includes a grand hall with a beautiful garden, reflecting the refined taste of the aristocracy during that era.

美作國中十一神

美作國中十一神

Shiga

Located in the city of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, the beautiful Eleven Deities Shrine is a serene oasis amidst the bustling streets. Dedicated to the Shinto deities believed to protect farmers and promote good harvests, the shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. Visitors can walk through the gates adorned with beautiful paper lanterns, explore the historic Hondo Hall, and enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.

美濃國中三十九神

美濃國中三十九神

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the Omi-Tsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the Omi-no-kami, a powerful kami believed to reside at the confluence of the Katsura and Uji rivers. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of Lake Biwa. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a major stopover for travelers on the Nakasendo highway, with many traditional structures still intact today.

肥前國中四神

肥前國中四神

Shiga

Located in the town of Katsuta, Shiga Prefecture, Futo Gunshi-sha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the four gods of the sea (futo gunshi). These deities are believed to have the power to ward off shipwrecks and protect sailors. The shrine's architecture reflects its nautical theme, with wooden pillars and a curved roof resembling waves. Visitors can pray for safe passage on the water or ask for good fortune in fishing.

肥後國中四神

肥後國中四神

Shiga

Located in the town of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, Echizen Matsunaga Shrine is dedicated to the four gods of good luck and prosperity: Inari Okami, Hachiman Okami, Susanoo no Kami, and Kasato-Matsunaga kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for Buddhist and Shinto worship in the region.