Japanese shrines

皇大神宮社

皇大神宮社

Nagano

The Imperial Palace Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities believed to have inhabited the palace grounds since ancient times. According to legend, Emperor Ojin and his wife, Empress Jingū, built this shrine during their reign on Mount Kōtoku in 293 AD.

蚕玉神社

蚕玉神社

Nagano

Tsumugama Jingu, located in the town of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to Tsumugami, a deity associated with insects and disease prevention. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese architecture and serene gardens, while learning about the significance of this lesser-known shrine.

諏訪大神

諏訪大神

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, the Shrine of Sōun no Ōkami is dedicated to the deity Sōun no Ōkami, a type of kami that protects hunters and fishermen. Visitors can see the shrine's unique torii gate and explore its surrounding forest. The shrine also houses a museum with exhibits on local history and culture.

伊藤講神社

伊藤講神社

Nagano

Itoh Konjinsha is a Shinto shrine located in the picturesque town of Obasaka, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Koenosuke Inari, a samurai who protected the local villagers from invading forces, the shrine's architecture and traditions reflect its historical significance as a site of military defense and community protection.

波閇科神社

波閇科神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano,波閇科神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the sea and fishing. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Edo period, with a large torii gate and a wooden building housing the main sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese culture by attending one of the shrine's many festivals throughout the year, including the annual summer festival celebrating the arrival of the gods.

住吉社

住吉社

Nagano

Reshi no Mikoto Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to Fujin, the Wind God and god of storms, Reshi no Mikoto Shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. The shrine's main hall was built in 1611, during the Edo period, and features a distinctive style reminiscent of traditional Japanese temples.

赤木上の宮

赤木上の宮

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Akakomori no Miyashiro is a Shinto shrine dedicated to various kami, including those associated with rice and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical period as a rural temple, with a distinctive roof design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

庄内神社

庄内神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Shingan-ji Shrine is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate and a tranquil garden. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere by walking through the forested grounds, which are adorned with vibrant autumn leaves during the fall season.

百瀬諏訪神社

百瀬諏訪神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, 百瀬諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of the Hundred Sea Regions (Hakuseki). The shrine is nestled within a scenic forested area and offers serene surroundings for visitors to connect with nature. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, blending seamlessly into its natural environment.

宇留司原神社

宇留司原神社

Nagano

Utsurisato-ha Shrine, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami Utsumi-no-kami and Utsurimagata. Established during the Edo period (1603-1867), this shrine honors the region's natural beauty and the spirits that inhabit it. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Nagano prefecture.

大御食神社

大御食神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano, Daiso Food Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of food and drink, Daiso no kami. This unique shrine is said to have been built to ensure a bountiful harvest and good fortune for those who worship here. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a vermilion torii gate and wooden buildings adorned with carvings of food-related motifs.

清水神社

清水神社

Nagano

Clear Water Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of water, Suijin. This ancient shrine honors the sacred waters that flow through the surrounding mountains and valleys, serving as a source of life and nourishment for the local community.

大瀧宮

大瀧宮

Nagano

Daitsu-ji Temple, located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Daito and its surrounding mountains. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the temple is known for its unique architectural style, which blends traditional Shinto elements with local influences from the region. The shrine's primary deity is that of Fujin, the god of wind, who is believed to reside in the nearby Mt. Daisetsu.

千曲神社

千曲神社

Nagano

Chūkō-jinja Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known as a storm god and water spirit. This shrine is said to be one of Japan's oldest shrines, with records dating back to 710 AD. Its unique architecture reflects various historical periods, including elements from the Heian period (794-1185 AD) and the Edo period (1603-1867 AD). Visitors can explore the shrine's historic buildings, including the main hall and the nearby museum.

伊勢社

伊勢社

Nagano

Ise Jingu, located in Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and the primary venue for the deity Susanoo, known as the Storm God or God of the Sea. In contrast to our current location in Nagano, Ise Jingu was dedicated to a different kami. Despite this difference, it's possible that the primary enshrined kami could be an important regional Shinto god similar to those worshipped at local shrines in Nagano.

上徳間伊勢社

上徳間伊勢社

Nagano

上徳間伊勢社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, which is not typically associated with Ise Shrine's sacred domains. The shrine is dedicated to various kami, including Ryujin and Susanoo, but its primary deity is unknown without further research. Despite this, visitors can still experience the unique charm of a traditional Shinto shrine in a less crowded area.

成田山

成田山

Nagano

Established in 711 AD, Koshunji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and the mountains, with a strong connection to the local community. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, reflecting the regional architectural style of the Nagano prefecture.

柏王神社

柏王神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Bekoou Jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Inari Okami, revered as the patron god of fertility, prosperity, and rice cultivation. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional influences, with a mix of traditional and modern elements. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens and shrines within the temple grounds.

粟狹神社

粟狹神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese Alps, Takato Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, Takato, refers to a type of millet that was highly valued in the region. This ancient shrine has played a significant role in the local community for centuries, serving as a center for agriculture and spiritual guidance. Visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of nature surrounded by lush greenery and serene architecture.

坂城神社

坂城神社

Nagano

Sakaskai Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the protection and prosperity of its community. The shrine's name, Sakaskai, translates to 'castle slope,' referencing its proximity to the nearby Matsumoto Castle. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich history, Sakaskai Shrine is an essential destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature and tradition.

御嶽神社

御嶽神社

Nagano

Toshida Shrine, located in the town of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historic significance as a sacred site during the Edo period, with a traditional hippon (main hall) and a majestic vermillion torii gate. Visitors can admire the shrine's peaceful gardens and enjoy traditional snacks from local vendors.

赤木下の宮

赤木下の宮

Nagano

Akakomatsu no Miyako Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop along the ancient Nakasendo road, a network of routes connecting Tokyo with Kyoto during Japan's Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and tea at the on-site teahouse.

津島社

津島社

Nagano

Located in the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, Tsushima Shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-kami, the Shinto deity associated with the moon and the god of harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, featuring a vermilion torii gate and a large hall with a tiled roof. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine grounds, which include a peaceful pond and walking paths. Tsushima Shrine is also famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms during spring.

諏訪社

諏訪社

Nagano

located in the Japanese Alps,諏訪社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name, who is said to reside in Mt. Karuizawa. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the region's unique cultural heritage.