Japanese shrines

大川神社

大川神社

Ibaraki

大川神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Higashimado, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Kamimusubi-Okami, it is said to have been built in the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a simple torii gate structure, later expanded upon with additional buildings. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese landscaping.

吉徳神社

吉徳神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kiyoshioka Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good luck and prosperity. The shrine's name, Kiyoshioka, means 'abundant virtues,' reflecting its historical association with the virtues of its founder, Lord Uesugi Kenshin. Visitors can admire the shrine's traditional architecture and explore the surrounding park, which features several ancient trees said to be sacred sites.

駒形神社

駒形神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Iwase, Ibaraki Prefecture, Okamegami Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron deity of samurai. The shrine is famous for its unique, curved roofed hall with a distinctive hump, resembling a saddle or an elephant's back, which is said to have been built by the shrine's founder, who was a skilled carpenter. According to legend, Hachiman visited the shrine after being injured during battle and the unique roof design was a result of his discomfort.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashiwazuma Shrine is dedicated to the deities of fertility and agriculture, with a focus on the rice harvest. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, it showcases traditional Shinto architecture and serves as a spiritual hub for locals seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the historic city of Mito, Shinto shrine dedicated to the rice goddess Inari Okami. Dedicated to agriculture and prosperity, visitors can pray for good fortune and abundance. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful forest, adding to its serene atmosphere. With its long history dating back to 745 AD, the shrine is one of Japan's oldest.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Katsura Shrine, located in the city of Katsura, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune, it is believed to have been built by Emperor Toba, who ruled from 1224 to 1238 CE. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, with a main hall and several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Fujin (the wind god) and Inazuma (lightning). Visitors can experience the tranquility of this ancient shrine by taking a stroll through its beautifully maintained gardens.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Tomida, Kagishi Island Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of the island. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. It is said that the shrine's foundation was laid during the Nara period, although no exact date is known.

お宿稲荷

お宿稲荷

Ibaraki

The o-temmon-gu Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari Ōkami. The shrine's unique architectural style, featuring a long row of vermilion torii gates leading up to the main hall, is said to resemble a giant dragon ascending from the earth. This distinctive design is meant to symbolize the deity's association with fertility and abundance. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a beautiful garden and a traditional Japanese tea house.

山之神

山之神

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic city of Hitachino, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Shinryōjin Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami of mountains and forests. This shrine is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region, serving as a symbol of the harmony between humans and nature.

貴船神社

貴船神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Tomobe, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hieizan Takamatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Takamatsuhiko, who is said to have been born on the island of Awaji. According to legend, the shrine was built as a monument to commemorate Takamatsuhiko's journey to his home on the island after being forced into exile on Awaji. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a sacred space for a prominent local family, with a simple yet elegant design characteristic of traditional Japanese Shinto shrines.

上合 水神宮

上合 水神宮

Ibaraki

Upper Harima Water Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of water, Suoujin-no-Kami. The shrine's architecture and traditions reflect its origins as a water source for the local community, with features such as a large stone well and a ritual for purifying tap water before consumption. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and participate in traditional ceremonies, including the annual Water Festival.

高房神社

高房神社

Ibaraki

High House Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, famous for its unique architecture and historical significance. Dedicated to the kami of the high house (high palace) where Emperor Sujin lived during his reign from 3 BC to 51 AD. The shrine's design reflects its connection to the imperial family and is adorned with intricate wooden carvings and sculptures. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, dedicated to Emperor Sujin, as well as its subsidiary shrines and gardens.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic coastal town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture's Kashiima Island Shrine is a serene Shinto destination dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-kami, the god of the moon and harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a humble torii gate marking the entrance to the island, with an adjacent vermilion torii gate from the 19th century. Visitors can walk through the tranquil forest surrounding the shrine, where offerings are left for Tsukuyomi-no-kami in the hopes of good fortune and bountiful harvests.

山倉大六天王

山倉大六天王

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic Ibaraki Prefecture, Mt. Kasumigahara's Shrine, Yamakura Taishitenshuu, is dedicated to the Sixteen Kings of Heaven, a group of powerful kami associated with Buddhism and Shintoism. The shrine is renowned for its impressive vermilion torii gate and tranquil atmosphere, offering visitors a serene escape from the bustling city.

大杉神社

大杉神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, Daigassu Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the great oak tree that once stood on the site. The shrine's main deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a powerful Shinto god known for his mischievous and stormy nature. According to legend, Susanoo created the island of Honshu by striking it with his sword. Visitors can still see ancient trees surrounding the shrine grounds, believed to be descendants of the original great oak. The shrine's architecture reflects its humble beginnings as a humble Shinto shrine. The main hall is simple and unadorned, while intricate wooden carvings adorn the supporting pillars. In the rear courtyard, one can find a beautiful cherry blossom tree said to have been planted by Susanoo himself. The Daigassu Shrine festival takes place on July 23rd, celebrating the summer solstice with traditional dances and offerings to the shrine's deities.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic coastal town of Sasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture,鹿島神社 (Deer Island Shrine) is a small but serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity. As one of the oldest shrines on Ibaraki's mainland, it offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

黒栖神社

黒栖神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Fukuda, Ibaraki Prefecture, Mōko-sugi no Mikawa-shrines are a group of Shinto shrines dedicated to various kami. The Black Swamp Shrine (Kurokawa-jinja) is one of the many shrines under this group, and it is primarily associated with the kami Taka-mori-no-kami. The shrine's location at the edge of Mōko-sugi swamp suggests its connection to nature and water-based deities.

香取鹿島神社

香取鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Chita, Ibaraki Prefecture, Take-Kojima Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo, two of Japan's most revered kami. The shrine is situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, reflecting its unique significance as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture, including the honden and haiden, and participate in seasonal festivals to honor the kami.

又久保稲荷神社

又久保稲荷神社

Ibaraki

又久保稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kamakura, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility. According to local legend, the shrine was built by a samurai who wanted to repay his debt to Inari after being saved from death during battle.

坂戸宮神社

坂戸宮神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Sakidotomya Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of local samurai who protected the area from invading Mongol forces during the Nanboku-chó period. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian and Kamakura periods, with a main hall that features a distinctive haji-style roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several small shrines dedicated to regional kami.

和志之宮稲荷神社

和志之宮稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Andashi-no-miya Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a large torii gate at its entrance. Visitors can explore the various shrines within the complex, including the shrine for Inari Okami himself and several smaller shrines dedicated to other kami. The Andashi-no-miya Inari Taisha is an important cultural and historical site in Japan, attracting many tourists each year.

借宿神社

借宿神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Take-hoshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Okami, the god of war and patron deity of the Takeda clan. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden, which features a tranquil pond, walking paths, and various statues of Hachiman Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with its tiled roof, wooden pillars, and serene atmosphere.

八龍神社

八龍神社

Ibaraki

Located in the picturesque town of Sakuragaoka, Eight Dragon God Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery and winding streams. Dedicated to the enshrined deity Ryōjin-no-kami, this ancient shrine has witnessed the passage of centuries, silently bearing testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms during spring, and take in the majestic views of the surrounding countryside.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the coastal town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿島神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Ryujin and the local deity Kashima-tsumi-no-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the regional influence of the Kashima region, with a wooden torii gate and a sacred pond. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and pay respects at the shrine during the annual Kashima Matsuri festival in September.