Japanese shrines

中川八幡神社

中川八幡神社

Nagasaki

Located in the heart of Nagasaki Prefecture, Middlekawara Hachimangu Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian-style design, with a distinctive curved roofline and serene garden surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine's historic grounds, which feature several ancient trees and a tranquil pond.

滑石太神宮

滑石太神宮

Nagasaki

Scrolling stones are a distinctive feature of the Shiroishi Taikannon Shrine in Nagasaki, where visitors can walk among over 2,500 carved stone 'slides' which create a unique sound when walked upon. The shrine is dedicated to the god of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Shiroishi no Kami, who is revered as a protector of the city from natural disasters. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Kamakura period.

鳶髙大明神

鳶髙大明神

Nagasaki

The Bird Altar Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to the enshrined deity Tatsu no Okami, a local kami associated with the sea and birds. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a curved roof and eaves adorned with bird-shaped motifs. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and tea while strolling along the nearby Nagasaki harbor.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Nagasaki

Located in Nagasaki, the Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up the mountain. Visitors can make offerings at the shrine's many shrines, which are said to have been built to house the kami of various aspects of life, such as agriculture, industry, and education.

金毘羅神社

金毘羅神社

Nagasaki

Kinpu-dera Shinshu, a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Kinpu, also known as Kin no Tsukuyomi. The shrine is situated at the top of Mount Kinpusan, which was once a sacred site for the indigenous Hacca people. During the 17th century, the shrine was rebuilt by the samurai Tokugawa Iemitsu and has since become an important Shinto pilgrimage site. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding city.

七面堂

七面堂

Nagasaki

Located in the heart of Nagasaki, the Shichimen-dō is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity, Benzaiten. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine has played a significant role in the city's history and culture. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens and admire the traditional Japanese architecture, which blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

天満神社

天満神社

Nagasaki

Tenshukaku Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good fortune and prosperity. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the shrine has been an important site for locals seeking blessings and protection. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a large torii gate and a vermilion-painted main hall. Inside, visitors can find various offerings and decorations, including the famous 'tsukubai' water basin.

原島神社

原島神社

Nagasaki

The Ōshima Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Ōfushi no kami and the island goddess Ōsumi-tsu Hime no kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major port city, with a mix of traditional and modern elements. Visitors can experience the shrine's serene atmosphere and learn about its rich history and mythology.

川平八幡神社

川平八幡神社

Nagasaki

Kawauchi-Hachimantai Shrine, located in the city of Nagaizumi, on the main island of Kyushu, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Imperial family. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-era origins, with a large torii gate and a complex system of shrines and halls. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a peaceful garden and several historical structures. Despite being rebuilt after the Nagasaki earthquake in 1918, the shrine still maintains many of its traditional features.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Nagasaki

Located in the city of Nagasaki,鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's history dates back to the 17th century, during the Edo period. Its architecture reflects the traditional style of Japanese shrines, with a main hall covered in vermilion tiles and a tranquil garden. Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful autumn foliage or participate in the annual Autumn Festival (Kyūbutsu Matsuri), which features traditional dances and offerings to Inari Okami.

石本神社

石本神社

Nagasaki

Stone Inari Shrine, located in the heart of Nagasaki City, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its stone lanterns and torii gate made from stones quarried from the nearby islands of Kagoshima and Kyushu. Visitors can walk through the 'stone path' that leads to the main hall, where they can offer prayers and receive blessings. The shrine's unique architecture and natural surroundings make it a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city.

戸隠大権現

戸隠大権現

Nagasaki

Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, 房隠大権現 Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's name translates to 'Hiding Place of the Great Deity.' It is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with records dating back to 718 CE. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, featuring a large torii gate and a wooden hall adorned with carvings. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing the history of the shrine and its significance in Japanese culture.

岩戸大明神

岩戸大明神

Nagasaki

Iwahoro Daikannon Shrine in Nagasaki is dedicated to the deity of medicine and healing, known as Iwahoro no Kami. Located near the coast, this shrine is closely associated with the sea and its bounty. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, featuring a wooden torii gate and a roof that resembles a ship's sail. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens, which are said to have been designed by Buddhist monks.

山大神

山大神

Nagasaki

Located in the heart of Nagasaki, Yamanoue no Okami Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to Yamanoue Okamimi no Okami, a powerful kami associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura-period roots, with a traditional vermillion torii gate and a sacred forest surrounded by stone lanterns. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese-style buildings.

白髭稲荷大明神

白髭稲荷大明神

Nagasaki

Located in the heart of Nagasaki, Hakata Inari Taisha is one of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Okami, the patron deity of fertility, prosperity, and industry. The shrine complex spans over 30 acres and features a unique architecture that reflects its Heian period origins. Visitors can explore the many torii gates that lead to the inner sanctuary, where they may find offerings and prayers from devotees. A visit to Hakata Inari Taisha is a chance to experience the rich history and culture of Nagasaki's unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

岩戸大権現

岩戸大権現

Nagasaki

Iwado Daigoten is a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki, Japan, dedicated to the worship of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's architecture is characterized by its traditional Japanese design, with a rectangular main hall and a distinctive tiled roof. The grounds feature a large stone lantern and several tea houses. Iwado Daigoten is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and tranquil gardens. According to local legend, the shrine was founded in 1638 during the Edo period.

大山祇大神

大山祇大神

Nagasaki

Daigasanami Daikami is a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of mountain and fertility, believed to be an important deity at the former imperial palace of Dazaifu. The shrine is famous for its impressive architecture, beautiful garden, and traditional festivals. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period, with evidence of a temple existing on the site since then.

高倉稲荷大明神

高倉稲荷大明神

Nagasaki

Located in Nagasaki Prefecture,高倉稲荷大明神 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Fusen. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a simple yet elegant design featuring a large torii gate and a sacred pond. As one of the oldest shrines in Nagasaki, it has played an important role in the region's history and culture.

五月大明神

五月大明神

Nagasaki

The May 5th Taisho Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Ō no Yasuhide, who was a regent of Emperor Go-Toba during the Kamakura period. The shrine's name 'May 5th' refers to its founding date, May 5, 1926, and honors the Taisho Emperor's birthday. Visitors can experience the shrine's unique architecture, which features a combination of traditional Shinto styles with modern elements.

天地神明

天地神明

Nagasaki

Tengen Jinmyou Shrine in Nagasaki Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the heavenly deity and the gods of heaven, Earth, and sea. The shrine is nestled among lush greenery and features traditional Japanese architecture, including a vermilion torii gate and a wooden pagoda. Tengen Jinmyou Shrine is an important site for locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

飯盛神社

飯盛神社

Nagasaki

Futsuromi Jinja, also known as Futsuromi Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of abundance and prosperity, Futsuromi, who is believed to protect the local fishing industry and ensure a bountiful harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major hub for the city's trade and commerce during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature a beautiful pond, walking paths, and traditional torii gates.

琴平神社

琴平神社

Nagasaki

Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, the Kokutenjinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune. The name 'Kokuten' means 'piano field,' as it was originally built beside an area where people used to play the shamisen and other traditional instruments, which was mistakenly translated as piano by early Western travelers.

筒水神社

筒水神社

Nagasaki

Located in the heart of Nagasaki, Tsutsugishinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsutsugi-no-kami, a kami believed to protect the city's residents from flooding and storms. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period, with a significant reconstruction during the Meiji era. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, featuring a large torii gate and a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine's museum to learn more about its history and significance.

坂上天満宮

坂上天満宮

Nagasaki

Sakamachi Tenman Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the deity of thunder and lightning, Amaterasu Omikami's son, Ōmoriyatsuhime no Okami (Ōmoriyatsuhime). The shrine was built during the Edo period and features traditional Japanese architecture with a main hall surrounded by a lush garden. Visitors can walk through the serene grounds and experience the tranquility of this ancient Shinto site.