Japanese shrines

西田金山神社

西田金山神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, 西田金山神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami En no Gyōja, who is revered for his role as a patron of the arts and education. The shrine is situated near the remains of the ancient Kita-no-Okura Castle ruins, adding to its historical significance.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the storm god Inari Okami. As one of the most famous shrines in Japan, it attracts numerous visitors each year. The shrine's architecture reflects its age, with various structures built during different historical periods, including the Edo period. The complex is also known for its vibrant festival celebrations, particularly the annual 'Higan' festival, which honors the souls of ancestors. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals, such as purifying themselves at the shrine's waters and offering prayers to the kami.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Tokyo

Kanayama Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the storm god Susanoo and the sun goddess Amaterasu's grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this ancient shrine has played a significant role in Japanese history and culture. The shrine's architecture reflects its rich heritage, with a blend of traditional and modern elements.

杉山神社

杉山神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Setagaya, Sagiyama Shrine is a Shinto site that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and is dedicated to the kami of Mount Fuji's northern slope, Sagiyama. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a haiden, a main hall with a rectangular roof, surrounded by torii gates and a large pond. Visitors can walk through the shrine grounds and explore the beautiful gardens and forests. The shrine is particularly famous for its autumn foliage, with thousands of maple trees changing colors in late November.

登戸稲荷神社

登戸稲荷神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo,登戸稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's primary enshrinement is of Inari Ōkami, known as Inari no Kami.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Tokyo

Tokyo's Tempe Shrine, dedicated to the kami of mountain and forest life, offers a serene escape from urban Tokyo. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, reflecting the classic Heian period style.

相原天満宮

相原天満宮

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo, Kominami Shrine is dedicated to Komachi Okuni, a legendary geisha and folk hero from the Edo period. The shrine's current structure dates back to 1923, although its location was previously occupied by a smaller shrine dating from 1791.

高幡下田稲荷神社

高幡下田稲荷神社

Tokyo

HighHatadai Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its vermilion torii gates, beautiful gardens, and numerous shrines within the complex, each honoring a different aspect of Inari's power.

成瀬杉山神社

成瀬杉山神社

Tokyo

Established in 1871, the Shitennō-ji temple complex was originally a Buddhist temple but was later converted to Shintoism in 1920. In 1937, the Shitennō-ji precincts were donated to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and were subsequently divided into several smaller shrines including the Sagamigawa shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the god of rice Suisanami-no-kami, the god of wind Bokkoro-no-kami, and Shintoku no kami. The shrine is nestled within a lush forest and features traditional Japanese architecture.

天王社

天王社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tennokan Shrine is a serene oasis dedicated to the worship of Emperor Kanmu, who reigned from 781 to 806 and was known for his benevolence and cultural achievements. The shrine is also revered as the ancestral home of the imperial family, with many notable emperors enshrined within its grounds. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the classic Heian period style.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Tokyo

The Eight-Fold Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a revered Shinto site that honors the god of war, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine's name, Hachimantai, translates to 'Eight-Fold', reflecting its association with eight virtues: courage, wisdom, sincerity, generosity, patience, honesty, respect, and self-discipline. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 7th century, it is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage.

長津田 王子神社

長津田 王子神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Longtusuda Ōson no Shinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to King Ōson, a legendary ruler who ruled the Ryūkyū Kingdom from 1429 to 1455. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a Ryūkyū-style shrine, with a distinctive tiled roof and ornate lanterns. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and experience the local culture by participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

天縛皇神社

天縛皇神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tenbōkōgū Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine's main hall is adorned with a magnificent golden torii gate, and its grounds feature a beautiful garden and a museum showcasing the history of the Tokugawa family. Visitors can explore the shrine's various shrines and halls, including the shrine of Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Shinto sun goddess.

八杉神社

八杉神社

Tokyo

Eight Cedar Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the traditional Japanese style, with a rectangular main hall and a small vermilion torii gate. According to local legend, Eight Cedar was founded by Emperor Jimmu in 659 CE, during the mythical reign of Japan's first emperor.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Kuma-no-ma Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the enshrined deity Kuma no Okami, the god of bears. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, reflecting the classic style of Japanese temples during the Heian period.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Tokyo

Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in Fuchu Ward of Akihabara, Tokyo, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, known as the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. Visitors can walk through the gates, which are believed to bring good luck and fortune. The shrine's architecture and design reflect traditional Japanese styles, with a focus on natural materials such as wood and stone.

常盤日枝神社

常盤日枝神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, 常盤日枝神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Daye no Kami, who is revered as the god of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a prominent torii gate and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and pray for blessings at this historic site.

木月延命地蔵尊

木月延命地蔵尊

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Mokuzen-yasutora-san is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of longevity and good fortune, Yasutora-san. The shrine's name, meaning 'Forest Moon Deity of Long Life', reflects its association with the natural world. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine's forested grounds, adorned with ancient trees and moss-covered stones.

富士浅間神社

富士浅間神社

Tokyo

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha's lesser-known sister shrine, Fujisawa Misaki Hachiman-ji in Kanagawa Prefecture was inspired by it but,富士浅間神社 is dedicated to the Shinto god of storms and fertility Hachiman. The shrine, built in 1457, features a unique thatched-roof main hall, a testament to traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can observe the ritual purification ceremony performed during the New Year's festival, which takes place on January 13th.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Tokyo

Ninno-ji Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of war Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a wooden main hall and tiled roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a peaceful garden. In the spring, the shrine is adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms, making it a popular destination for hanami celebrations.

金比羅宮

金比羅宮

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Kinryu-ji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of commerce and prosperity, Kinryu. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Golden Phoenix Palace.' Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Kinryu-ji is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles with a mix of wooden and stone structures. Visitors can admire the shrine's main hall, which houses the sacred treasure of the god Kinryu, a golden statue said to have been created during the reign of Emperor Jimmu.

厳島社

厳島社

Tokyo

厳島社, located in Tokyo's Koto Ward, is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines and a major pilgrimage site. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami, it is also the primary shrine for the deity Fujin, god of wind, and Raijin, god of thunder and lightning. As a result, it serves as a focal point for those seeking protection from natural disasters, bad weather, and stormy skies. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a long history dating back to 645 AD, during the Nara period.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Tokyo

Located in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo,諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Ōyashiro clan. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall (honden) and an octagonal torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which feature a beautiful pond and walking paths.

三峯神社

三峯神社

Tokyo

Three-Furuiwatarishi Shrine, located in the heart of Tokyo, is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it has witnessed significant changes and influences from various historical periods. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of the Kami Furuiwatarishi, a nature spirit believed to reside within the nearby Kanda River. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, which incorporate traditional Japanese landscaping elements and unique architectural features, such as the distinctive torii gate.