Japanese shrines

高森神社

高森神社

Ibaraki

High Forest Shrine, located in the Higashiyatsushiro District of Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). As a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, it plays an important role in local agricultural festivals. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful garden, with a large stone lantern and several traditional Japanese buildings.

青木神社

青木神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, the Shiranamiyama's smaller sister is the serene and peaceful Shitennō-ji, but the more well-known, but still lesser visited, is the small, yet impressive, Shinobazu no Mika no Tani Shrine dedicated to Okamisan and others. Dedicated to Okami, specifically Okamisan in Ibaraki Prefecture, this shrine takes its name from a nearby mountain and its history dates back to 1604 when it was relocated from the old town of Mito city, which has since become famous for being the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine is built with a traditional Japanese architecture, with the main hall adorned with elegant wooden beams and decorated with vibrant red curtains. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and experience the tranquility of nature within its serene grounds.

山倉神社

山倉神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kumakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, who is revered as the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its rich history, with a wooden torii gate dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature traditional Japanese gardens and a serene pond. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Kumakura Shrine Festival in May, which celebrates the arrival of spring.

白山神社」

白山神社」

Ibaraki

White Mountain Shrine, located in the coastal city of Kamakura, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the god of the sea Hachiman. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a humble Buddhist temple before being converted to a Shinto shrine during the Edo period. The shrine's distinctive white-tiled roof and vermilion accents are reminiscent of other Kamakura temples. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, which feature a stunning torii gate and a serene pond.

雨引千勝神社

雨引千勝神社

Ibaraki

Rain Goddess Tsukiyomi and Storm God Raijin are revered at Rainy Victory Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture that honors the kami of rain and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects its association with weather and natural disasters, featuring wooden structures and tiled roofs. Visitors can pray for good weather, safe passage on boats, or relief from storms.

雷神社

雷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki,雷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ryūjin, the dragon god of the sea and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs with a tiled roof and vermillion columns. Ryūjin is often associated with good luck, prosperity, and protection from natural disasters. Visitors can make offerings to Ryūjin by tossing coins into the shrine's well or buying fish at the on-site shop.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Katsura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight-Horned Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. With its rich history dating back to the Edo period, the shrine has maintained its traditional architecture and continues to be an important cultural landmark in the region. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Hachiman, the god of war and patron of samurai.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Kashima,鹿島神社 is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, Kashima-gami. Built on the site where a legendary goddess named Fujinbo was said to have appeared, the shrine boasts stunning architecture that reflects its rich history and cultural significance.

加波山神社真壁拝殿

加波山神社真壁拝殿

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Kamoto, Ibaraki Prefecture, Katsurao Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity, Fujin, who is revered as the god of wind and storms. The shrine's architecture is a testament to its rich history, with a traditional vermillion torii gate and a five-story pagoda that dates back to the 17th century. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and walking paths, which are particularly stunning during the autumn foliage season.

加波山普明神社

加波山普明神社

Ibaraki

Located in the hills of Ibaraki Prefecture, Gappozan Hieizan Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility and prosperity. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine's name "Gappo" translates to "fifth peak", likely referring to its location on the fifth highest mountain in the region. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with a traditional-style torii gate surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond.

加波山三枝祇神社本宮

加波山三枝祇神社本宮

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic hills of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kawaokazan Sanzen-gu Hono-hi is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami of the mountain and the forest. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture with a large haiden (main hall) and several smaller shrines and altars. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by walking through its beautifully maintained gardens and forested grounds.

加波山五社稲荷

加波山五社稲荷

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Hitachi Seikōhantō, a historic region in northern Japan, Adda-yama Go-sha Inari is an ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and its rich cultural heritage, which reflects the unique history and traditions of the region.

髙天原社

髙天原社

Ibaraki

High Sky Origin Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility and prosperity. The shrine's name reflects its association with high heaven and the origins of the world. The shrine complex features a traditional Japanese architecture style, with a wooden torii gate and a tatami-matted main hall. High Sky Origin Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture, with a history dating back to the Edo period.

加波山三枝祇神社親宮拝殿

加波山三枝祇神社親宮拝殿

Ibaraki

Located in the mountains of Ibaraki Prefecture, Adda Sanzan Shinden-mae Haiden is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to three deities from the Adda Sanzan region. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall and adjacent torii gate, surrounded by tranquil gardens and walking trails. This sacred site offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese spirituality and connection with nature.

加波山三枝祇神社親宮本殿

加波山三枝祇神社親宮本殿

Ibaraki

Addo Sanzan Mishina Shrine, located in the Ibaraki prefecture of Japan, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Addo no Kami and other kami. The shrine is known for its unique architecture and historical significance. Built in the Kamakura period, the Haiden main hall features an impressive wooden roof supported by traditional Japanese pillars. Visitors can experience the shrine's serene atmosphere and appreciate the cultural heritage of the region.

加波山神社本殿(加波山天中宮)

加波山神社本殿(加波山天中宮)

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, Addo Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of mountains and agriculture, as well as the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens. Its main hall, Honmatsu-den (Main Hall), features a stunning vermilion torii gate. The shrine complex also includes a pond and several walking paths.

加波山三枝祇神社本宮拝殿

加波山三枝祇神社本宮拝殿

Ibaraki

Located in the mountains of Ibaraki Prefecture, Gohashizaka Sanekaneshinsha Hongu Tai byin-den is a traditional Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain and its surrounding forests. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a wooden main hall surrounded by a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and take in the serene atmosphere.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inazuma-no-kami and Inuzuka-no-kami, revered deities associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a curved roofline and sliding doors made from natural wood. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several historic structures and beautifully landscaped gardens.

五所駒瀧神社

五所駒瀧神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Hitachi Oda, Ibaraki Prefecture's Five-Post Horsewater Shrine (Gosokamisaki Hoshinesha) is a tranquil Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the kami Inari. Founded during the Nara period, this shrine honors the divine spirit believed to inhabit the horse water source, essential for local agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-era origins, with a vermilion torii gate and traditional hippon-style main hall.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Kasumigaseki Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of the island of Kashima. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is known for its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and traditional architecture.

子育稲荷神社

子育稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Subo Utagami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami, Inazuma-no-Mikoto and Izumo Taishakunomi no Okami, specifically Inazuma Mikoto and Shintokou-mi no Kami. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, torii gate, and sacred square, surrounded by lush greenery.

田村神社

田村神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Kamakura, Ibaraki Prefecture's Tanda Murashi Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, known as the god of rice and fertility. The shrine complex features traditional architecture with a distinctive thatched roof and a serene garden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including the sacred torii gate and the main hall housing the kami statue.

鹿島香取神社

鹿島香取神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Hagihara, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashiwajima Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, known as Kusunokami or Ukemochi-no-Okami. The shrine is famous for its numerous fox statues, which are believed to be messengers of the kami. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds and admire the beautiful autumn foliage. The shrine also hosts a festival in October to celebrate the harvest season.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Ibaraki

Located in the coastal town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Horses Shrine is dedicated to the worship of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a powerful Shinto deity associated with storms, agriculture, and fertility. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Amaterasu-o-mi-kami, while other kami include Inari Okami, Hachiman Okami, and Izanagi-gami. As a historic site, Eight Horses Shrine was built in 718 CE during the Nara period and has been well-preserved due to its remote location.