Japanese shrines

Hie Shrine

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Edo-era Tokyo, Hie Shrine is one of Japan's most revered and historic Shinto shrines. Dating back to 757 CE, it was originally dedicated to Fujin, the god of wind, but later came to be associated with various kami, including Inari and Benzaiten. The shrine's stunning architecture reflects its rich history, featuring a majestic torii gate, elegant wooden buildings, and serene gardens. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine while exploring its many nooks and crannies.

Hie Shrine

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Hie Shrine is one of Japan's most famous shrines and a symbol of the city's history and culture. Dedicated to the god of war and fortune, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the shrine was originally built in the Kamakura period as a Shinto shrine for a local samurai family. Over time, it has been renovated and expanded several times, with the current main hall dating back to the Meiji period. Today, visitors can walk through its tranquil gardens and admire its beautiful architecture, while also seeking good fortune and success.

Hie Shrine

日枝神社

Shizuoka

Hie Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it was originally built as a humble shrine during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Over time, it has evolved into a majestic structure with a rich history and cultural significance.

Himeyu Shrine

姫湯神社

Shizuoka

Himeyu Shrine, located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Himeyu, a regional deity believed to protect the town and its people. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a five-story pagoda and a traditional torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several shrines and temples, as well as the nearby Himeyu Museum. The shrine is particularly famous for its annual autumn festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional performances and games.

Hirose Shrine

廣瀬神社

Shizuoka

Hirose Shrine, located in the town of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of fertility and agriculture, reflecting the region's rich history as a hub for rice cultivation. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with its main hall featuring a tiled roof and a distinctive curved eave. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a large park and several smaller shrines dedicated to various kami. During the spring season, the shrine hosts a festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the fertility of the land.

Hirotomi Inari-jinja Shrine

廣富稲荷神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Izu Kama, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hirotomi Inari-jinja Shrine is a small but historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami. The shrine's name, 'Hirotomi,' roughly translates to 'the one who has heard the wind' and refers to its location on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. According to local legend, the shrine was built by a local chief who sought the protection of Inari from harm.

Hiyoshi Shrine

日吉神社

Shizuoka

Hiyoshi Shrine, located in the town of Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Taira clan. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, which are said to have been inspired by the nearby Mt. Fuji. In terms of cultural significance, the shrine is notable for its association with the legend of the 'Kiyomizu Taisha', where the spirit of Hachiman was believed to have descended upon a certain priest. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful garden, which features stunning rock formations and traditional Shinto altars.

Homusubi Shrine

火産霊神社

Shizuoka

Homusubi Shrine, located in the city of Ise, Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the spirit of fire and purification. This shrine is known for its unique architecture and cultural significance within the local community. According to Shinto tradition, Homusubi Shrine serves as a symbol of the divine energy that brings people together and fosters harmony. The shrine's design is inspired by traditional Japanese temple style, with a vermilion-colored main hall and a distinctive curved roof. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this sacred space while also appreciating its historical importance. Throughout the year, Homusubi Shrine hosts various festivals and rituals to honor the spirit of fire, which are deeply rooted in Shinto culture. These events are an excellent opportunity for visitors to connect with local customs and traditions.

Honden (Main Hall)

本殿

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Honden Shrine is a notable Shinto shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it has been an important center for worship and cultural events since its founding in the 8th century. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design elements, with a main hall (honden) featuring a distinctive tiled roof and wooden columns.

Ichi-no-Miya Shrine

一之宮神社

Shizuoka

Ichi-no-Miya Shrine is a small but significant Shinto shrine located in the city of Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, and is believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style hall and a beautiful garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this ancient shrine and connect with its rich history.

Ieshiro Akiha Jinja

家代秋葉神社

Shizuoka

Ieshiro Akiha Jinja, located in the city of Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a lesser-known but charming Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami and Fujin Raijin. The shrine's name, 家代秋葉神社, translates to 'House of Autumn Leaves Shrine', reflecting its association with the changing colors of autumn in the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature several stone lanterns and a large cedar tree. The shrine is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees during spring.

Iinoyagu Shrine

井伊谷宮

Shizuoka

Iinoyagu Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Ena in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to Inari Okami, the revered Shinto deity associated with rice, fertility, and prosperity. Built in the 17th century, the shrine's traditional architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop along the ancient Nakasendo highway. Visitors can still see remnants of the old gatehouse and traditional Japanese houses nearby. The shrine is renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Ikazuchi jinja

いかずち神社

Shizuoka

Ikazuchi Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kamo in Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of thunder, lightning, and storms. The shrine's name, Ikazuchi, refers to the kami of the heavens and the god of lightning, Inari Okami's brother, Karasu-taka no Kami. The shrine is famous for its impressive torii gate and unique architectural style. According to local legend, the shrine was built by the emperor Kinmei in 594 CE, during the Nara period.

Ikona Hime-no-Mikoto Shrine

伊古奈比咩命神社

Shizuoka

Ikona Hime-no-Mikoto Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the goddess Hime-no-Mikoto, the shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines dedicated to an empress. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a large torii gate and a spacious main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and learn about the mythology and traditions surrounding Hime-no-Mikoto.

Inari Shrine

三田稲荷

Shizuoka

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and visited Shinto shrines, dedicated to the kami Inari Okami. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Visitors often make offerings of rice balls and pray for good fortune, prosperity, and love.

Ise Daijingu Shrine

伊勢大神宮

Shizuoka

Ise Daijingu Shrine is one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her son Susanowo. Located on the southeastern coast of Honshu, the shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with its main hall, the Haiden, built in 888 CE. The shrine is famous for its unique wooden stage, called the 'Yaburi-ba', where offerings are made during special ceremonies. Ise Daijingu Shrine is also known for its role as a symbol of Japanese royalty and its connection to the Imperial Family, with Emperor Jimmu, Japan's first emperor, believed to have been born here.

Itasawa Jinja

板澤神社

Shizuoka

Itasawa Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's main structure is a traditional Japanese-style building with a tiled roof, surrounded by a tranquil garden filled with cherry blossom trees. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine during the spring festival, where they are offered gifts of sake and mochi.

Itsukushima Shrine

嚴嶋神社

Shizuoka

Itsukushima Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the most famous and iconic Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to the kami (spirits) of the moon and fertility, the shrine is known for its unique 'floating' torii gate during high tide. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional Heian-era style with Kamakura-period influences. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, temples, and museum showcasing its history and cultural significance.

Iwamuro Shrine

岩室神社

Shizuoka

Iwamuro Shrine, located in the town of Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deities) believed to reside within a nearby cave system. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a hexagonal main hall and a large torii gate. According to local legend, the shrine was built during the Edo period to honor the spirit of a samurai who died in battle.

Jingi Taisha Shrine

神祇大社

Shizuoka

Jingi Taisha Shrine, located in the heart of Japan's scenic Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the kami of the heavens, thunder, and lightning, this majestic shrine has been a symbol of power and protection for centuries. The shrine's stunning architecture, adorned with vibrant vermilion torii gates, reflects its historical significance as a center of spirituality and governance.

Joyama Shrine

城山神社

Shizuoka

Located in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, Joyama Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Kamado-no-Kumeta-kami, who was said to reside on Mount Hiei. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design with its tiled roof and vermilion torii gates. In the surrounding mountains, visitors can enjoy hiking trails offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Kakuru Shrine

賀久留神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kakuru Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami Hikokuro. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Tokaido road, a key route between Edo and Kyoto during the Edo period. Visitors can still see remnants of the original 17th-century gate that once marked the entrance to the shrine.

Kamino-jinjya Shrine

上之神社

Shizuoka

Kamino-jinjya Shrine, located in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, is a serene and peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Kamino-zukami, the kami of the heavens and the sea. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style with a wooden gate, torii, and a spacious courtyard surrounded by majestic cedars. According to local legend, the shrine was built on the site where the god Kamino-zukami descended from heaven to earth.

Kanazakura Shrine

金櫻神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kanazakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of fertility and prosperity, as well as the god of agriculture. The shrine is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and traditional architecture.