Japanese shrines

楡山神社

楡山神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture,楡山神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Iwato, also known as Iwato-san. The shrine's name translates to 'Plum Blossom Mountain Shrine.' With its rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has played an important role in the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, traditional architecture, and unique Plum Blossom Festival, which honors the arrival of spring.

三吉神社

三吉神社

Miyagi

Three-ji Shrine, located in the town of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Three-ji, a kami believed to be responsible for the prosperity and protection of fishermen and farmers. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as an important center for trade and commerce during the Edo period.

湯前神社

湯前神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, Tsukinaga Shrine is dedicated to the deity Tsukinaga okami, a water spirit believed to protect fishermen and the local rice fields. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of Heian period temples, with a wooden torii gate and a large stone foundation. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and walking paths along the nearby river. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including the temizuya purification station and the honden main hall.

金澤八幡宮

金澤八幡宮

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Sendai, Goldleaf Eight-Horseshoe Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in Miyagi Prefecture. Dedicated to the eight-legged deity of prosperity and good fortune, it has been a symbol of protection for fishermen and traders since its founding during the Edo period.

正一位稲荷神社

正一位稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Jotoiwa Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, known as Jotoiwa in Japanese. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its long history, with a series of wooden structures built on top of each other, eventually topped by a tiled-roof hall dedicated to Inari.

鳥越 八幡宮

鳥越 八幡宮

Miyagi

Located in the scenic town of Ichinoseki, Miyagi Prefecture, Bird River Eight-Horned Shrine is a revered Shinto site that honors the Eight-Horned God and the patron deity of fishermen. Dedicated to the prosperity of the local fishing industry, this shrine stands as a testament to the enduring bond between nature and human communities.

八幡社

八幡社

Gifu

天満神社

天満神社

Yamagata

Tenshūjinsha, located in the city of Sendai, Yamagata Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Tenshi, who is believed to possess supernatural healing powers. The shrine's architecture reflects its location near the coast, with a large torii gate and a wooden veranda that offers stunning views of Matsushima Bay. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and pray for good health and longevity.

戸澤神社

戸澤神社

Yamagata

Located in the heart of Yamagata Prefecture, Todai-ji Shrine is dedicated to the worship of the kami who presides over agriculture and fertility, with a focus on the deity associated with the rice fields and harvests.

神明神社

神明神社

Miyagi

Located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, Godai Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Okuninushi. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a tranquil pond.

市神社

市神社

Miyagi

The city of Sendai, located in the prefecture of Miyagi, is home to the Miya Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-Okami, also known as the Moon God. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional design of the 'hachimangu' style, with a rectangular main hall surrounded by gardens and shrines for various deities.

三笠神社

三笠神社

Hokkaido

Located in the heart of Sapporo, three-spired shrine is a prominent Shinto site dedicated to the enshrined deity Tsukuyomi, god of the moon and the harvest season. Its striking architecture reflects the blend of traditional Japanese and modern Hokkaido influences.

大頭龍神社

大頭龍神社

静岡県 · 菊川市

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Ōjima Dragon Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryūjin. This shrine is situated at the foot of Mt. Kurodake and is famous for its well-preserved Heian-period architecture. The shrine's design features a unique roof with a curved shape reminiscent of a dragon's head, which gives it its name. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, observe traditional Shinto rituals, and learn about the local legends surrounding Ryūjin.

雷神宮天満宮

雷神宮天満宮

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, 雷神宮天満宮 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of storm and lightning, Raigetsu, as well as the god of harvest and fertility, Amaterasu Ōmikami. The shrine's name reflects its dual role as a sanctuary for both the storm-god and the sun goddess. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including its iconic torii gate and honden, which houses the main shrine hall.

秋場神社

秋場神社

Miyagi

Akibashigahara Shrine, located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection of travelers and the safe passage of those on their way to the nearby Seiryu-ji Temple. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period, during which it was an important stop for pilgrims traveling to the temple. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the Kamakura period.

信濃金龍山天狗神社

信濃金龍山天狗神社

Nagano

信濃金龍山天狗神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his association with gold and wealth. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period's influence, while its design incorporates local materials such as cedar wood and stone. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and participate in traditional festivals held throughout the year, including the annual 'Shinshu Gold Festival.'

鴻嶽神社

鴻嶽神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Nagano's Togakushi Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of those seeking to overcome adversity. This sacred site is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and its architecture reflects a mix of traditional Nagano style and Kamakura influences. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, the Hachiman Shrine Hall, which features intricately carved wooden panels depicting scenes from Japanese mythology.

天神宮

天神宮

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Tenjin Shrine is dedicated to the kami of learning and wisdom, Sugawara no Michizane. This Shinto shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, showcasing elements typical of Heian period styles. Visitors can walk through the tranquil grounds, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature.

八坂神社

八坂神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Hachiman Shrine at Sakata is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman. The shrine was originally built in 711 CE during the Nara period as a temple but was later converted into a Shinto shrine in the Edo period. It enshrines the kami of protection and divine guidance. Visitors can walk through the historic torii gate and explore the serene gardens.

科野大宮社

科野大宮社

Nagano

Ko-no-o Dai-myaisha is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine was founded during the Edo period and is dedicated to Ko-no-o, a kami associated with thunderstorms and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a large torii gate and a wooden main hall (honden) that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as participate in festivals and ceremonies that honor Ko-no-o.

愛宕神社

愛宕神社

Gunma

愛宛神社は、神奈川県横浜市の神宮西別院と並び、日本の最も美しい神社の一つとして挙げられます。愛宛神社は長く歴史があり、天台宗を中心とする新仏教が発展する前には、この地域で大きな影響力を誇っていた本尊の真宮寺がありました。しかし、その後、この神社にその本尊を移され、現在でもこの神社の中心として活用されています。愛宛神社は天然美しさに富む景色豊かな所々を見られることで知られており、特に三里塚から下長根の間の道が有名です。 この神社では、毎年2月16日に花見（hanami）が行われ、多くの女性が来場します。女性は、地元の慣習により、花見において赤い服を着用する習慣があります。 愛宛神社には、神奈川県内で最も古い神社の一つとしても知られる、公認された建物が1921年に完成した、西本宮大社の神殿と、1973年に完成した西本宮天帝大社の神殿があります。愛宛神社は、神奈川県内で最も古い神社の一つとしても知られ、その歴史は、800年以上にわたって続いています。 この神社では、毎年2月16日に花見（hanami）が行われます。女性は、地元の慣習により、花見において赤い服を着用する習慣があります。

活汲神社

活汲神社

Hokkaido

Located in the scenic town of Kutchan, Hokkaido's northernmost tip, 活汲神社 (Aktan-gami-jinja) is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Aktan-gami, believed to be the guardian spirit of the village and its people. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its seaside location, with wooden torii gates situated along the shoreline.

若狭稲荷神社

若狭稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Ishinomaki, Aomori Prefecture is not correct, however, the Shrine located in Higashi Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, was rebuilt in 2017 after a tsunami destroyed it, yet still claims to be the direct descendant of the original shrine built in 1818. The shrine enshrines the kami Inari Okami and is dedicated to rice harvest and fertility. Visitors can explore the main hall, which features a large vermilion torii gate and traditional Japanese architecture. The surrounding grounds also feature a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing the history of the shrine.

上茶屋町出世稲荷神社

上茶屋町出世稲荷神社

Miyagi

Located in the historic district of Aoba-ku, Yamagata-cho Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Ōkami. This shrine serves as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for locals and travelers alike. The shrine's traditional Japanese architecture features a vermilion torii gate, a large honden, and several smaller shrines. In addition to its historical significance, Yamagata-cho Shrine is also notable for its unique festival traditions. During the Setsubun Festival in February, visitors can participate in a ritual where beans are scattered around the shrine's grounds, believed to ward off evil spirits. In the spring, the shrine hosts a beautiful cherry blossom viewing event. The shrine's architecture reflects its Shinto heritage, with wooden structures and natural materials used throughout. The honden is dedicated to the worship of Inari Ōkami, who is revered as the god of fertility, agriculture, and industry.