Japanese shrines

八大竜神社

八大竜神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Omitomo, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Great Dragon God Shrine is dedicated to Fūjin and Raijin, two powerful Shinto deities associated with wind, storms, and lightning. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major hub for maritime trade and communication during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the imposing main hall and admire the traditional Japanese landscaping.

大杉神社

大杉神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Dai Sugan Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the sugi tree, a revered species in Japanese culture. The shrine's main hall is adorned with traditional carpentry and features a distinctive curved roofline, characteristic of many Edo-period shrines. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the tranquil gardens, exploring the surrounding wooded area, and experiencing the local community's hospitality.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Kasumigaura Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture and fertility, Kasumigashi Hohodemi no Okami, also known as Kamikaze Hachiman. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Gods' of the Kasumigaura sea', reflecting its proximity to this coastal area. Established in 1725 during the Edo period, the shrine has played a significant role in local religious and cultural practices.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Tōchigi, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Muku-in (also known as Shichiyama Jingu) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its numerous fox statues and shrines dedicated to the deity. While not as well-known as some of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines, it remains an important cultural and spiritual site in rural Ibaraki.

野友水神社

野友水神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Nishiyotsukayama no Otsuka Water Shrine (also known as Odaka Water Shrine) is an ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to water and purification. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, scenic views of the surrounding mountains, and historic significance in the region's mythology.

秋津神社

秋津神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic Akita prefecture, Autumn Leaves at Autumn Twilight Shrine, Autumn Leaves is a Shinto shrine in Japan that is dedicated to the deities of agriculture and harvest. The shrine's main deity, Tsukuyomi-no-Kami, god of the moon, is enshrined here along with the rice goddess Inari Okami. Visitors can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage during the autumn season while participating in traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies.

大宮神社

大宮神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, great eastern shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. The shrine's history dates back to the 8th century, during the Nara period, and has been rebuilt several times due to natural disasters and wars. Today, it remains an important Shinto shrine in Japan, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

仲須稲荷神社

仲須稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Nukitsu Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, known as the patron god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as one of the oldest shrines in the region. Built during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the shrine's main hall and torii gate date back to this era. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional gardens and admire the beautiful autumn foliage. In addition, the shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and lanterns that illuminate the grounds at night.

伏見稲荷神社

伏見稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. However, Fushimi Inari Taisha's Ibaraki branch, also known as Fudo-Myo Inari Taisha, honors a different kami. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. As the primary shrine for farmers and merchants in the region, Fudo-Myo Inari Taisha serves as a vital spiritual center. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a wooden torii gate and a thatched roof. The shrine's unique feature is its Shinto garden, which offers visitors a serene escape from urban life.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

Ibaraki

Gold Sword Arrows Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Fukuda, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of war and prosperity, it is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major route between Edo and Tokyo. Gold Sword Arrows Shrine is famous for being the place where the legendary Golden Arrow was said to be placed.

富士浅間神社

富士浅間神社

Ibaraki

富士浅間神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, known as the sacred site where Sakae Toyo, the first wife of Emperor Meiji, died. The shrine's primary deity is Fujisan (Mt. Fuji), and it enshrines various kami including Hachiman and Fujishinjinroku. The shrine's architecture reflects the Kamakura period style, with a distinctive torii gate and five-story pagoda. Visitors can participate in the annual Aso Matsuri festival to honor the spirit of Sakae Toyo.

氷川神社

氷川神社

Ibaraki

氷川神社, located in the scenic town of Hitachiota, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami, Ryujin, the Dragon God. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a characteristic haiden (main hall) and a hon-den (main shrine). The shrine grounds feature a scenic pond, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a serene atmosphere for visitors to relax and connect with nature.

新宮神社

新宮神社

Ibaraki

New Miyagino Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Ryujin and the god of agriculture, Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as an important fishing port, with wooden pillars and shoji screens used in its design. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and museum, which houses artifacts related to the shrine's history and regional culture.

熊野神社

熊野神社

Ibaraki

Kōzan-ji Shrine, located in the town of Katori, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's most ancient Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it has played a significant role in Japanese mythology and history. The shrine's name, Kōzan-ji, translates to 'Mountain Temple', reflecting its mountainous surroundings. A prominent architectural feature is the haniwa statues found throughout the grounds.

愛宕神社・淡島神社

愛宕神社・淡島神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ai Tateyama Shrine and Tanishima Shrine are a historic Shinto shrine complex dedicated to two deities: Ai Tateyama, a kami associated with the region's natural springs and fertility, and Tanishima no Okami, a powerful deity revered for its healing properties. The shrine complex features a mix of traditional Japanese architecture and Edo-period (1603-1867) designs. Visitors can explore the shrine's interior and grounds, which include several temples and shrines dedicated to different deities.

新宮神社

新宮神社

Ibaraki

新宮神社, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. It has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the kami Tamamo-no-Mori, a legendary fox spirit. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a distinctive San-San-Tai (three main altars) structure typical of traditional Japanese Shintoism. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several smaller shrines and buildings, including the impressive torii gate.

慈光稲荷大明神

慈光稲荷大明神

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 慈光稲荷大明神 Shrine is dedicated to Fujimato-no-kami, a Shinto deity associated with agriculture and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for rice cultivation in the region. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional torii gate, serene gardens, and museum showcasing local art and history.

淡嶋神社

淡嶋神社

Ibaraki

Located in the coastal town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tama God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tamagakami, a kami associated with fertility and prosperity. Built on the site where the god was said to have emerged from the sea, the shrine features traditional architecture inspired by the region's maritime culture. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the nearby Kashima Bay while exploring the shrine grounds.

息栖神社

息栖神社

Ibaraki

Kaze-izumi Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of wind and water, Kaze Izumi. The shrine's name translates to 'Wind Water God's Shrine' or 'Spirit of the River.' According to local lore, the shrine was built around a natural spring believed to have healing properties. Visitors can still see the remains of an old bridge, known as the Kashiwazuka Bridge, which spans over the shrine's water feature. The shrine's architecture is typical of traditional Japanese temples with tiled roofs and wooden pillars.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

Ibaraki

Gold Sword Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi-Oda in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Satoru Kaminaga, known as Kinuta. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. The shrine was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and has been well-maintained over the centuries. In addition to Kinuta, other kami are also enshrined at the shrine, including Fujin and Raijin.

香取神社・八坂神社

香取神社・八坂神社

Ibaraki

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Katsura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility and abundance. The shrine complex consists of two main shrines, the main shrine ( Honden ) dedicated to the god of fertility Katsurahime, and the eight-stairway shrine ( Hachijōdai ) dedicated to the Eight Destitute Ones (hachi no ichi), a group of poor but virtuous women who prayed for assistance. The shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional Japanese architecture.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kagetanuma Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, Enmei. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and traditional festivals, including the annual Hitachi Matsuri. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a striking gable roof and beautifully crafted wooden decorations.

水神宮

水神宮

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, Mizu no Misono Shrine is dedicated to the kami of water and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with a unique 'bridge gate' (furuike yokocho) that spans a moat, reminiscent of ancient Shinto bridges built over rivers. At night, lanterns are lit along the bridge, creating a magical atmosphere.

高貴神社

高貴神社

Ibaraki

High Rank Shinto Shrine located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the enshrinement of various kami and believed to be one of the oldest shrines in the region. Visitors can experience a serene atmosphere amidst beautiful gardens and tranquil forests.