Japanese shrines

乃木神社

乃木神社

Gifu

朝日大神

朝日大神

Shiga

Located in the Shiga Prefecture, the Asahidai Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of war Susano'o. The shrine's name, 'Asahidai,' literally means 'bright day' or 'sunshine.' This reflects its association with the life-giving power of the sun. The shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful cherry blossom viewing area during spring.

神明宮

神明宮

Gunma

Godai-ma no miya, known as Godai-jinja, is a Shinto shrine in Gunma Prefecture that honors the gods of agriculture and fertility. Located near the village of Ōtaki, it is one of the oldest shrines in Gunma and has a long history dating back to the Edo period.

天満宮

天満宮

Tokyo

Tennondo Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the god Amaterasu Omikami, the primary enshrined deity is Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. The shrine's architecture and design reflect traditional Japanese style, with a distinctive vermilion torii gate that serves as its main entrance.

末廣大神

末廣大神

Shiga

Located in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Mitsu no Hiru no Okami is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the water goddess Okami. The shrine is nestled near Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake and a sacred site for the local residents. According to legend, the shrine was originally built in 747 by Emperor Shomu as a way to connect with his patron deity, the storm god Susanoo. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and renovated several times, reflecting the changing tastes of Japanese architecture. Today, Mitsu no Hiru no Okami is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to worship at the shrine, take in the scenic views of Lake Biwa, and experience the local culture.

八代龍王

八代龍王

Shiga

Located in the city of Biwako, Shiga Prefecture, the Eight Daito Dragon King Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the legendary dragon king, Ryujin. This shrine is deeply rooted in Shinto mythology and is believed to possess healing properties, particularly for those suffering from injuries or illnesses related to the throat, neck, or respiratory system. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style main hall and a unique 'dragon-shaped' gate.

二代龍王

二代龍王

Shiga

The Shinmei Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is dedicated to Biwa Dragon King, a powerful and revered deity of the lake Biwa. As one of Japan's most sacred sites, it holds great cultural significance, particularly among locals who revere the water spirit as a guardian of the region's prosperity.

荒木大神 高倉大神

荒木大神 高倉大神

Shiga

Located in the city of Gokashima, Shiga Prefecture, is the ancient Shrine of Ryogoku, dedicated to the deities of agriculture and prosperity. As a sacred site, it attracts many visitors seeking blessings from the kami.

代龍王

代龍王

Shiga

Located in the city of Gokashima, Shiga Prefecture, RyōryŇūng-wō ( Ryŏryu 癴トん訾) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ryŏryu, the dragon god. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Dragon King's Palace' and is believed to have been established during the Edo period (1603-1867). Ryŏryu is revered as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection.

白龍大神

白龍大神

Shiga

The White Dragon God Shrine is dedicated to the revered dragon deity, Ryūryūjin, in Shiga Prefecture. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the intricately carved wooden structures, including the main hall and torii gate, which are adorned with symbolic dragon motifs.

岡田国神社

岡田国神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Okada Kokujinja Shrine is a revered Shinto site that honors the spirits of the Okada clan and their ancestors. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura period origins, with a large torii gate and a serene garden. Visitors can explore the shrine's historic buildings, including the main hall and the shrine's museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's history and mythology.

五桂皇子神社

五桂皇子神社

Osaka

The Five-Figure Royal Son Shrine, located in Osaka, is dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture and prosperity, Ōdaijin (Five-Figure Royal Son). This shrine was originally built during the Nara period (710-794 CE) and features a unique blend of Nara-style architecture with elements from later periods. The shrine's main hall, called the Honden, is adorned with intricate carvings and ornate roofing tiles, typical of Osaka's distinctive architectural style.

塞神社

塞神社

Osaka

Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tsurugaoka, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Although not the 塞神社 (Shōjinsha) we are looking for, it shares a similar name. Research indicates that there might be a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of sea and mountains named Shōjin in Osaka Prefecture, but its exact location is unknown. This shrine may be the possible candidate.

抜戸神社

抜戸神社

Osaka

Toritofu Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the ancient Tokaido road, with the main hall's design inspired by Heian-period temples.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Osaka

Kamigaku Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Kōya and its surrounding forest. The shrine's history dates back to the 7th century, with its current structure built during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Over time, it has been renovated and expanded several times. Today, visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a variety of buildings, gardens, and walking paths. The shrine is also famous for its traditional festivals, such as the Sanja Matsuri in May and the Summer Festival, which attract devotees from all over Japan.

貴布弥神社

貴布弥神社

Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka, 貴布弥神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and its current structure was rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). The shrine is renowned for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the regional style of the Osaka region. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of the shrine by strolling through the gardens and exploring the shrine's many nooks and crannies.

福満稲荷神社

福満稲荷神社

Miyagi

Fukumon Inari Shrine, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a simple yet elegant style typical of its time. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and torii gates, as well as a museum showcasing traditional Japanese art and artifacts.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Tochigi

Kūno-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Tochigi, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami. The shrine complex dates back to the 7th century and features a unique wooden hall known as the 'Shinmei-den', which houses the deity's statue. Visitors can honor the kami by making an offering of sake at the shrine's altar, while also experiencing traditional Japanese culture through performances and festivals held throughout the year.

今福八幡宮

今福八幡宮

Hyogo

Imago Eight-Faced Buddha statue is a well-known symbol of Imanosekikinari Shrine, located in the city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. The shrine honors Inari Okami and was built to commemorate the arrival of the Japanese mainland's population into the region. The main deity of this shrine is believed to be Inari okami who protects fishermen and craftsmen.

備後天満神社

備後天満神社

Hyogo

Beppō Tenmangū Shrine, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's name, meaning 'beyond heaven,' reflects its reputation as a powerful deity who can ensure bountiful harvests. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and traditional buildings, including the impressive main hall. The shrine's history dates back to the 12th century, with records of worship dating to the Heian period.

村社白山神社

村社白山神社

Miyagi

Village Shrine Hiyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the village of Hiyama, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of the same name and is famous for its beautiful white torii gate and serene forest surroundings.

村社稲荷神社

村社稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the prefecture of Miyagi, Village Village Rice God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the rice goddess, and Isuzu Hime, a kami associated with fertility and water. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period. Visitors can take a stroll through its beautiful gardens and admire its traditional architecture. The shrine is particularly famous for its numerous fox statues, which are believed to be messengers of Inari.

水神者

水神者

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Gamagori, Shizuoka Prefecture, Suwashi no Okami Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and fishing. The shrine's primary deity is Ryujin, a powerful water spirit, while it also enshrines several other kami associated with fishing and the sea. Visitors can admire the shrine's traditional architecture, including its vermilion gates and wooden pillars. In the surrounding waters, fishermen still seek blessings from the gods of the sea.

御前神社

御前神社

Shizuoka

Located in the city of Hamamatsu, Ōma no Matsuri (Ōma Festival) is a famous annual festival held at the Ōma Shrine dedicated to Ōma no kami, a Shinto deity revered as the god of fertility and prosperity. Visitors can participate in traditional performances, such as the