Japanese shrines

黒嶋神社

黒嶋神社

Kagawa

Blackish sand beaches and scenic views make Black Devil Shrine a serene destination in Kagawa Prefecture. As one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, it has maintained its traditional architecture and culture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the sea, Ryujin, who is believed to have brought the island's fertile soil from the mainland.

明星大権現

明星大権現

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Shikoku, the shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, known as Yamato-tsuchi in Japanese. The shrine was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and its main hall features a unique octagonal design, reflecting its historical significance as one of Japan's oldest shrines. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, which are said to be the favorite resting places of the kami.

住吉神社

住吉神社

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Naruto, Kagawa Prefecture, 住吉神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fishing and prosperity. The shrine's name, 'Respect for the Rising Sun', reflects its association with the sun god. Built in 1889, the shrine is an example of traditional Japanese architecture, featuring a wooden torii gate and a large hall for festivals.

柞田 須賀神社

柞田 須賀神社

Kagawa

Teshigahara Shrine, located in the scenic town of Shikoku, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Sōgō Tenjin, patron of learning and culture. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Zao and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Teshigahara Shrine has played an important role in regional spiritual life for centuries.

植田天満宮

植田天満宮

Kagawa

Located in the town of Mimasaka, Shitennei-ji Temple is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari Okami, patron deity of rice and fertility. The temple complex features a unique blend of architectural styles, including a traditional torii gate and a wooden hall with an impressive tiled roof. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include several shrines and gardens, making it a popular destination for those seeking spiritual enrichment and scenic beauty.

皇太子神社

皇太子神社

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, the Ōgatsumiya Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Nara's younger son, Emperor Kotoku's, deified spirit as the Shinto deity Oiguma-tsurugi-mikoto. This shrine is one of the oldest and most historically significant in Japan, with a history dating back to 645 AD, during the Asuka period. In Japanese culture, shrine architecture often reflects regional characteristics. The Ōgatsumiya Shrine features a unique combination of Silla-inspired and Japanese architectural styles.

龍王神社

龍王神社

Kagawa

Located in the scenic Kotohira town of Kagawa Prefecture, Ryō no Makoto Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the dragon deity RyŁ no Makoto. The shrine's architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese styles, with a distinctive curved roof and vermilion gates. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature walking paths, gardens, and a serene pond.

高良神社

高良神社

Kagawa

Highly revered for its historical significance, High Shrine of Kōryū (高良神社) is located in the heart of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. This Shinto shrine has been a spiritual center for locals and visitors alike since its founding in the 8th century, making it one of Japan's oldest shrines. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Inari Ōkami, who is revered as the patron deity of commerce, industry, and agriculture.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, the Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and a popular destination for pilgrims. Dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami, who is revered as the patron deity of rice, industry, and commerce, the shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that represent the spirits of various kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE) with its traditional Japanese-style buildings, including the main hall and several temples. Visitors can explore the vast complex, including the Inner Garden and the Outer Garden, which features a scenic pond and walking paths.

日枝神社

日枝神社

Kagawa

Located in the city of Ton, Kagawa Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of a 9th-century poet named Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. In the early morning hours, visitors can observe the beautiful sunrise from the temple's grounds.

荒神

荒神

Kagawa

The Oku Shrine, also known as Arashiyama, is a Shinto shrine located in the beautiful countryside of Kagawa Prefecture. This shrine is dedicated to the god of rice fields and fertility, and is believed to have been built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the serene gardens and traditional architecture, making it a must-see destination for those interested in Shinto culture.

随神門

随神門

Kagawa

The Shinden-mae Shrine, located in the heart of Kochi City, is a historic Shinto shrine that has been continuously worshiped for over 1,300 years. This shrine was originally dedicated to Inari Okami and Kumagasa-yoshino-no-kami, two deities believed to protect fishermen and farmers. Over time, the shrine's enshrined kami expanded to include others such as Inari no Kami, Izanagi, and Fujin. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's well-preserved architecture and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

日枝神社 御旅所

日枝神社 御旅所

Kagawa

Daya Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates arranged in a zigzag pattern along the approach road, symbolizing the twists and turns of a rabbit's path. The shrine complex includes several buildings, including a main hall, a treasure house, and a museum showcasing the history and culture of the area.

丸山神社

丸山神社

Kagawa

Located in the scenic Seto Inland Sea coast of Kagawa Prefecture, Sanzan Shrine is dedicated to the kami of Mount Sanzan, a prominent spiritual site revered by locals and travelers alike. With its rich history dating back to the Heian period, the shrine has witnessed numerous significant events and has played an important role in regional Shinto traditions.

堺八幡神社

堺八幡神社

Kagawa

Betsu-oki Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god Benzaiten and later came to be known as the 'Shrine of Eight-Bell Chime', is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kagawa Prefecture. Its main building, the haiden, features a unique roof with eight small bells that are believed to have been added during the Edo period. The shrine's grounds contain various smaller shrines and structures dedicated to different kami, including Benzaiten and Atsuta-oki. Visitors can still hear the gentle ringing of the eight bells during peak seasons.

龗(うがみ)神社

龗(うがみ)神社

Kagawa

Ugami Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Shikoku's Nakatanidake Mountains, is a sacred site for locals and travelers alike. As one of the oldest shrines in Kagawa Prefecture, it has been continuously dedicated to the worship of the kami, Ugamimi-no-kami. This shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful architecture and serene gardens, which are said to reflect the harmony between nature and humanity.

山田神社

山田神社

Kagawa

Located in the town of Asaminami, Kagawa Prefecture, Yamada Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the god of learning, literature, and poetry, Okuninushi. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the classic style of the Heian period.

清正公大神社

清正公大神社

Kagawa

清正公大神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, dedicated to the deified spirit of Prince Yoshitomo of Akita, a noble from the late Heian period (1142-1185). The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a large torii gate and a rectangular vermilion-hued torii. The shrine grounds feature several smaller shrines enshrining regional kami and ancestors. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Asahi River.

正一位稲荷神社

正一位稲荷神社

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Takamatsu, Iishioka-dera is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, also known as Iishiokami. The shrine's main hall features a striking vermilion roof and elegant stone lanterns. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), it has been restored and renovated several times throughout its history.

大西神社

大西神社

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Shikoku, Ohashi Shrine is dedicated to the god of the sea and fishing, Oshichi no kami. Visitors can admire the beautiful garden and traditional architecture, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.

瘡神神社

瘡神神社

Kagawa

Located in the Kagawa Prefecture, Iwai no Kami Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Iwai-no-Kami, a kami associated with the legend of Izumo Takamatsu, and is said to be built at the site where Izumo Takamatsu was born. The shrine is renowned for its unique architecture, which reflects the region's rich cultural heritage.

清正公大神祗(せいしょうこうだいじんぎ)

清正公大神祗(せいしょうこうだいじんぎ)

Kagawa

The Clear Virtue Great Shining Deity Shrine in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of clear virtue and great shining. With its long history dating back to the Edo period, this shrine has been an important spiritual center for the local community. Its architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with a large torii gate and a main hall adorned with vibrant red lanterns.

請川神社

請川神社

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, please-kawa-gu-temple is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Asahi River and the city's origins. This historic site has been an integral part of local life for centuries, with its architecture and traditions reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage.

白山神社

白山神社

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Shikoku, the White Mountain Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the kami of the White Mountain. This beautiful shrine complex is nestled at the foot of Mount Zao, an active volcano that towers above the surrounding landscape. The shrine's tranquil gardens and serene atmosphere invite visitors to contemplate the mysteries of nature.