Japanese shrines

船付稲荷神社

船付稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, 舶付稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari Okami, patron deity of fertility and rice crops. The shrine's name, 'Hakone Ichigaya' translates to ' Eight-House Shrine', referring to the original eight temples built around the shrine complex. Founded in 711, this ancient shrine has played a significant role in local history and culture.

鷲神社

鷲神社

Ibaraki

Tategoshi-no-Ma Shrine, also known as Tategoshi-san, is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of the sea, Tategoshi-kami, who is believed to protect fishermen and bring safe passage to ships. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year, including the annual Tategoshi-san Shrine Festival, which features sake brewery tours and traditional food stalls.

春日香取神社

春日香取神社

Ibaraki

located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Spring Day Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōkame no Okami, who is revered as a protector of women, childbirth, and fertility. The shrine's name reflects its association with the arrival of spring, during which it is celebrated with various festivals and events. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture and grounds, which feature several buildings and structures that date back to the 17th century.

水神宮

水神宮

Ibaraki

Water god Shinto shrine located on the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the reverence and protection of the sea and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional and modern elements, with a striking vermilion torii gate that stands out against the serene coastal backdrop. Visitors can walk along the shoreline and explore the surrounding forests, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and stunning ocean views.

仲瀨杓子稲荷神社

仲瀨杓子稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Nakase Ingoshinsha is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Nikko, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is one of Japan's most famous and beautiful shrines. The shrine is dedicated to the god of rice, rice plants, and fertility, as well as the god of prosperity and good fortune. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a large torii gate and imposing vermilion buildings. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens, enjoy the stunning views of Lake Chuzenji, and participate in the annual harvest festival to celebrate the rice harvest.

新宮素鷲神社

新宮素鷲神社

Ibaraki

新宮素鷲神社は、東日本大震災の被害を受けた地域を代表する重要な神社です。新宮村では、1973年に震災が発生した際に神社が損傷されました。その後、1996年に修理が完了し、現在もこの神社が地域の復興と強化を支援しています。この神社は、Ibaraki県で最も古い神社の一つです。新宮素鷲神社は新宮村に伝わる老舗神社であり、この村の代表的な景観である素鷲神社の本社でもあります。 この神社では、毎年2月11日に東日本大震災の記念祭を催します。この祭では、地元の人は新宮素鷲神社に参ることで、大勢で集まって祈り、被害者に感謝を表します。同行に参加する際は、この日には早めに到着し、神社前を静かさと敬意を持って歩くことを心がけてください。 新宮素鷲神社は地域の文化と歴史を豊かな一体として残すことにも力を入れています。新宮村では、この神社の伝統的な作物を手掛ける人も多く、ここから得られる高級品を買い物に使うことができるのです。

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine's architecture and layout are characteristic of traditional Japanese Shinto shrines, with a main hall, several smaller buildings, and a beautiful garden. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by walking through its serene grounds.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Ibaraki

Located in the picturesque town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 熊野神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of rice and fertility, Ryujin. The shrine is known for its beautiful garden, which features a stunning torii gate and a peaceful pond. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by attending a sake tasting ceremony or participating in a ritual purification bath.

正一位稲荷大明神

正一位稲荷大明神

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shin-Itto Hiyori Taishōgū is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hiyori Taishōgū, a prominent kami associated with prosperity, good fortune, and the rice harvest. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'One Hundredth Place Hiyori God,' reflecting its status as a minor deity within the larger Hiyori family of deities. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature traditional Japanese architecture, including a five-story pagoda, while also experiencing the local culture and history.

富士神社

富士神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Fuisu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Haiden. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture, which features a vermilion torii gate and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can enjoy traditional festivals, such as the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place in late April, and participate in rituals and ceremonies to ensure good harvests.

青萱八幡宮

青萱八幡宮

Ibaraki

Located in the picturesque town of Nihonmatsu, Shiroishi Hachiman Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the god Hachiman, a protector deity of war, the shrine was built on an ancient burial ground and features a unique octagonal shrine structure that dates back to the 12th century. With its rich history spanning centuries, this shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Shinto culture and tradition.

釜上神社

釜上神社

Ibaraki

Pulihara Shrine, located in the town of Tsukudani in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Pulihara no Kami, who is believed to be the god of good luck and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the ancient road connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period.

釜神社

釜神社

Ibaraki

Katsurao Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of fire and iron, Katsu-Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of a Heian-period shrine, with a simple yet elegant design that emphasizes its connection to nature. Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature a variety of plants and trees, as well as a large stone statue of Katsu-Okami.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Izuhara Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, specifically associated with rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, featuring a wooden torii gate and a rectangular hall dedicated to the shrine's primary deity, Inari Okami. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens, offering a serene escape from the surrounding urban landscape.

御岩神社

御岩神社

Ibaraki

The Ō-Ga-ki Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of Mount Iwaki and the local deities of the region's surrounding villages. The shrine's name, Ō-Ga-ki, roughly translates to 'Great Oak Tree' in English, possibly referring to a sacred tree on the mountain. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to nature and the natural world. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount Iwaki from the shrine grounds.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the coastal town of Kashima,鹿島神社 (Kashima Shrine) is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Built in the 8th century during the Nara period, the shrine is renowned for its unique architecture and historical significance. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the surrounding Kashima Bay while exploring the shrine grounds.

胡桃下稲荷神社

胡桃下稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Hachimata Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its association with the legendary hero Hachiman, who is said to have visited the area during his travels. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Edo period, and it features a unique blend of traditional and modern architectural styles. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a moss-covered torii gate and a tranquil garden.

酒列神社

酒列神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Katsuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture, Nihonmatsu Jokoen Temple's subsidiary shrine, Mutsu no Okamiya Shrine, is dedicated to the kami Mutsu no Okami. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style and features a torii gate surrounded by five large stone pillars adorned with Shinto prayer beads. Locals and visitors alike come to worship at this humble yet powerful shrine.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Katsura Island Shrine, located in the scenic town of Tōgane, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of the sea and fertility, known as Mutsu-no-okami. The shrine's beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Ibaraki

Tanabata Shrine, located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the star-crossed lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, a mythological pair from Greek origin. However, it's worth noting that the shrine was originally founded as Omiya Hachimangu Shrine, which enshrines the Shinto deity Hachiman. Over time, Tanabata Shrine has evolved to incorporate elements of Western folklore. Visitors can walk through the beautiful gardens and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, especially during cherry blossom season. The shrine's history dates back to 1604.

伏見稲荷神社

伏見稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Taito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, Inari Okami. While not as famous as its Tokyo counterpart, Fushimi Inari Shrine still maintains a rich history and cultural significance. The shrine was originally established in 1593 by Ii Naomasa, a powerful daimyo, to honor his military victories. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and walkways adorned with thousands of vermilion torii gates. The shrine's architecture is typical of Edo-period Shinto shrines, featuring a traditional honden and several smaller shrines dedicated to various kami. Inari Okami is revered as the patron deity of rice farmers and merchants, and his influence can still be felt in the surrounding community.

榛名神社

榛名神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, Daishu Namegami Shrine is dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility, revered by farmers and agricultural communities throughout Japan's history. With its traditional architecture and scenic surroundings, the shrine offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life.

久伊豆神社

久伊豆神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kujūdō Shrine is a serene Shinto site dedicated to the god of fertility, agriculture, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a striking vermilion torii gate and intricately designed wooden structures. Founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), the shrine has been an important cultural hub for local farmers and artisans.

大六天神社

大六天神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Katsuta, Ibaraki Prefecture, Dai Roku Tenjinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's architecture is typical of Heian-period (794-1185 CE) Jomon-style shrines, with a main hall constructed from local cedar wood and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this ancient shrine by taking a stroll through its serene gardens.