Japanese shrines

新海神社

新海神社

Gunma

New Sea Shrine, located in the town of Agematsuri, Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea and its bounty. The shrine's name, '新海神社', roughly translates to 'New Sea God Shrine' or 'Sea God Shrine'. Its history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), during which it was a minor shrine serving the local community. Over time, it has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with notable renovations taking place in the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Today, visitors can still see remnants of its traditional architecture, including the main hall and the sacred torii gate.

松原諏訪神社 下社

松原諏訪神社 下社

Gunma

Located in the picturesque town of Minaka, Matsumine Shrine Honso is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of prosperity and good fortune. Built in 1629, it has undergone several renovations throughout its history. The current structure features a beautiful forested area with a large torii gate and an impressive stone lantern.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Gunma

Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture,諏訪神社 is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to Tamazuma no Okami, a powerful kami associated with the forests and waters of the region. The shrine's architecture reflects its humble origins as a mountain shrine, with a wooden torii gate and simple buildings that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of this shrine by participating in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

豊昇神社

豊昇神社

Gunma

Toyoshino Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto kami Toyoshihime, is a historic shrine located in Gunma Prefecture. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the shrine has undergone several restorations and renovations over the centuries. Its architectural style reflects traditional Japanese design, with a tiled roof and wooden structure.

菅原神社

菅原神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, Shirogane Shrine is dedicated to the worship of the god of rice, sake, and fertility, as well as the kami of the forest and the local patron deity, Gifu-no-kami. The shrine is known for its unique architecture, which features a large torii gate that doubles as a bridge over the nearby river. Visitors can experience the beauty of Japanese nature at this serene oasis.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Ōmura, Gunma Prefecture, eight-horned god shrine Eight-Horned God Shrine is dedicated to a local deity believed to protect travelers and bring good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's Heian period history, featuring a simple yet elegant design. Visitors can observe the unique torii gate with two pillars, a common characteristic of shrines in the Kanto region.

伊奈村大神社

伊奈村大神社

Gunma

Iina Village Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Yaita, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility. It is one of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading to the main hall. Visitors can explore the tunnels and receive prayers from vendors selling food and drinks. The shrine also has a beautiful garden with several scenic walking trails.

常世岐姫神社

常世岐姫神社

Gunma

常世岐姫神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Nikkō, Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Enmei, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a striking vermilion door and a large bronze lantern. The shrine is also famous for its 'giant' trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's name 'Hachimangū' translates to 'Eight Horseshoe Shrine', reflecting its association with the legendary samurai Hachiman Ōkami, patron deity of war and protection. As one of Japan's most famous shrines, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, attracting visitors from all over the country.

三宮司神社

三宮司神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Karuizawa, Gunma Prefecture, three-miya no michi no kami-jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deities, Hachiman and Inari, as well as Kunitsubushi no Kami, with whom it shares its name. The shrine complex dates back to the 17th century and features a mix of traditional Japanese architectural styles, including the hall of Hachiman and the shrine halls dedicated to Inari.

稲荷社

稲荷社

Gunma

Inari Okunoina, dedicated to Inari Ōkami, the Shinto deity of rice and fertility, is a historic Shinto shrine located in the town of Annaka in Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up to the main hall. This unique structure represents the abundance of rice and prosperity of the local area.

稲荷社

稲荷社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto goddess of rice and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain, and is often visited by hikers and travelers seeking good luck and prosperity.

静之神社

静之神社

Gunma

静之神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the mountain, and its name translates to 'Silent God Shrine'. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive honden (main hall) and a torii gate. It is one of the most visited shrines in Japan, especially during the annual Kusatsu Onsen Festival.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. This shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and industry, Inari Okami.

大倭神社

大倭神社

Gunma

Located in the picturesque town of Ōmihachiman, Gunma Prefecture, Ōguma Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture, Inazuma Ōkami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for rice cultivation during the Edo period. Visitors can admire the unique 'Hachi no Ki' tree, believed to be over 1,000 years old.

大塩神社

大塩神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Yamakita, Gunma Prefecture, Ōsai-jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of salt and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its importance as a producer of high-quality salt, with its main hall featuring a traditional tiled roof and a large wooden gate adorned with carvings of animals. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this rural oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature.

西新井稲荷神社

西新井稲荷神社

Gunma

West New Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion gates and its association with the rice goddess Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of farmers and entrepreneurs. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof.

中新井稲荷神社

中新井稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Middle New Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, known as Inari no Kami. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Its location near the confluence of two rivers adds to its natural beauty.

桐生西宮神社

桐生西宮神社

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, 桐生西宮神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of the Japanese imperial family. The shrine's name, 'Katsurao Nishi no Miyajisho,' roughly translates to 'Shrine of the God of Katsurao on the Western Side.' This name likely refers to the region's historical connection to the western part of Japan and the importance of the shrine as a place for ancestral worship.

三光神社

三光神社

Gunma

Located in the town of Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, Sanlight Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of light and the three aspects of time: past, present, and future. The shrine's name 'Sanlight' reflects its connection to these concepts. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature a large oak tree said to be over 1,000 years old.

正一位稲荷大明神

正一位稲荷大明神

Gunma

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Ryuzuichi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ryuzen, a local deity believed to have descended from Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a god of storms and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian-style, with a large torii gate and a wooden hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a pond and several walking paths.

鼻面稲荷神社

鼻面稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Nose no Makihito Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Nose no Makihito, a legendary samurai who lived during the Edo period. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall featuring a curved roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several small shrines dedicated to other kami.

大神宮神社

大神宮神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Toko, Gunma Prefecture, Ōgamiya Hachiman-gū is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Hachiman, patron deity of warriors and scholars. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the shrine is renowned for its historic significance and architectural style, which blends traditional Japanese elements with regional influences from the local Kanto region.

鼻面稲荷神社

鼻面稲荷神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, 鼻面稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good luck and prosperity. The shrine's name, which translates to 'Nose Face Rice God Shrine', is believed to be derived from the shape of the rice-shaped shrine building. The shrine is known for its historic architecture, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and features several notable features including a large torii gate and a beautiful garden.