Japanese shrines

蟲王大明神

蟲王大明神

Ibaraki

The Inari Taisha, located in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari Okami, the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's complex structure features multiple shrines, torii gates, and ornate lanterns. The site has been occupied since the 8th century, with records of its existence dating back to the Nara period.

正一位稲荷大明神

正一位稲荷大明神

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Sashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shingu-mae Inari Taisha is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's current structure dates back to 1635, although it is believed that the site has been a place of worship since the 8th century. Visitors can explore the shrine's numerous gates, which are said to symbolize the 8,000 gates of heaven, and purchase ema at the main gate to pray for good fortune and prosperity.

関原八幡神社

関原八幡神社

Ibaraki

Kanari Hachimantai Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Torishima, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, which features a five-story pagoda and a large wooden gate. The shrine is said to be dedicated to the deity Hachiman, who is believed to have been invoked by the local ruler when he was ill. The shrine also enshrines the deities of good luck, prosperity, and protection.

中曽根神社

中曽根神社

Ibaraki

Middle Ages, a local deity was worshipped by the inhabitants of the area who were mainly farmers and fisherman. The shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful gardens, which feature a large pond with a teahouse and a statue of a large deer.

田中稲荷神社

田中稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Tama-no-Hashi Shrine, located in the town of Kuroba in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami. The shrine's main hall was built during the Edo period and features a distinctive architecture with three-tiered roofs and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies, such as the O-masubeni service, which takes place once a year on January 1st to pray for good luck and prosperity.

宝神社(Takara Shrin)

宝神社(Takara Shrin)

Ibaraki

Takara Shinto shrine, located in the town of Himeya in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a smaller but historic Shinto site dedicated to the god of wealth and prosperity. The shrine's name, 'Takara,' roughly translates to 'treasure' or 'valuable thing.' Although its origins are unclear, it is believed to have been built during the Edo period (1603-1867) as a local temple for the town's villagers.

Yamada Munakata Shrine

Yamada Munakata Shrine

Ibaraki

Yamada Munakata Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Munakata Taishō, a famous poet and patriot who lived during the Meiji period. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a simple yet elegant main hall and ornate torii gate. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, which feature beautifully pruned cherry blossom trees and tranquil walking paths.

Yasaka sintoh shrine

Yasaka sintoh shrine

Ibaraki

Yasaka Shintoh Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a serene and lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of water and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a minor shrine dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a simple yet elegant design featuring a thatched-roof main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, which include a beautiful pond and walking paths perfect for contemplation.

Aiki-jinja

合氣神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Aiki-jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Aiki, who is believed to have originated from the region's fertile soil and abundant harvests. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall, several shrines, and a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including its famous stone lanterns and peaceful walking paths.

Akabane Hachiman Shrine

赤羽八幡神社

Ibaraki

Akabane Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Minami, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the god Hachiman, the shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and is associated with the mythical figure said to have guided the emperor Tenji in his search for a new capital. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura-period origins, with a distinctive vermilion torii gate standing out against the surrounding landscape. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in Shinto rituals and ceremonies, such as the purification rites performed during the annual spring festival.

Akagi Shrine

赤城神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Daigo, Akagi Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Hachiman-no-Okami, a god of war and messenger of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a military shrine, featuring traditional Japanese style with elements of Chinese influence. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, historic buildings, and sacred grounds, which are said to be inhabited by the enshrined kami.

Aoto Shrine

青砥神社

Ibaraki

Aoto Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ō no Yasumaro, a former emperor and military leader known as Hikohito. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, with a main hall built in the Heian period and later rebuilt in the Kamakura style. Visitors can see the shrine's traditional Japanese garden and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the surrounding riverside paths.

Asakusa Fuji Sengen Jinja

Ibaraki

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Asakusa Fuji Sengen Jinja shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Enma Daijin, also known as Fuji-san, the mountain god. The shrine was originally built in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.

Asakusa Shrine

浅草神社

Ibaraki

Asakusa Shrine, located in the city of Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous and historic Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane, also known as the 'God of Learning', it has played a significant role in Japanese history and culture for centuries. The shrine complex includes the iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and the Senso-ji temple, which houses a massive paper lantern and thousands of Buddhist statues.

Atago Shrine

愛宕神社

Ibaraki

Atago Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire and metalworking, Hachiman. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Atago, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including its iconic torii gate and five-story pagoda. The shrine also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the 'Atago Odoshi', a ritual to purify the mind and body.

Atago Shrine ( Noda )

愛宕神社

Ibaraki

Atago Shrine, located in Noda, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fire and prosperity, Atago Okami. The shrine's name, 'Atago,' literally means 'fire' or 'embers' in Japanese, reflecting its association with the sacred flame that once burned within its grounds. Built during the Edo period (1603-1868), the shrine's architecture is characteristic of traditional Japanese Shintoism, featuring a simple yet elegant torii gate and a tranquil garden. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its peaceful grounds and reflecting on the importance of fire in Japanese culture.

Atago sinto shrines

愛宕神社

Ibaraki

Atago Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of fire and the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Atago, a dormant volcano that is said to be the residence of the god of fire, Kagutsuchi. Visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the shrine during the annual Atago Matsuri festival, which takes place in June. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with buildings dating back to the Edo period. The complex also features several smaller shrines and temples, including a memorial for the victims of the 1995 Ibaraki earthquake.

Bujitomi Inari Jinja

Ibaraki

Bujitomi Inari Jinja, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name, Bujitomi, roughly translates to 'rice field mountain' or 'mountain of rice fields,' reflecting its proximity to agricultural lands. Built in the 17th century, the shrine's architecture showcases traditional Japanese design, with a wooden torii gate flanked by vermilion lanterns and surrounded by lush greenery.

Daikoku Shrine

大國神社

Ibaraki

Daikoku Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of wealth and prosperity, Daikokuten. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a major hub along the ancient trade route between Edo and Kyoto, featuring traditional Japanese-style buildings with tiled roofs. The shrine's grounds are also home to several scenic gardens and walking paths.

Dairokuten Shrine

大六天神社

Ibaraki

Dairokuten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the primary deity Hachiman. The shrine was built in 1625 and features a unique blend of Edo-period architectural styles. Visitors can explore the main hall, the five-story pagoda, and the surrounding gardens. The shrine is also famous for its annual festivals, particularly the Autumn Leaves Festival and the Spring Festival.

Fujinomori Inari Jinja

藤之森稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Fujinomori Inari Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Fujinomori, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility, who is also revered for his association with snakes and fertility symbols. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian-period styles, with a distinctive tiled roof and vermilion torii gates. Visitors can walk through the tranquil gardens and explore the shrine's various altars, including the Inari Okami shrine within the main hall.

Funakata Shrine

船方神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Funakata Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Takemikazuchi, god of lightning and thunder. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a stopover for travelers on the famous Nakasendō, a major route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature a large stone lantern and a traditional Japanese garden.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

伏見稲荷

Ibaraki

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most iconic Shinto shrines in Japan, located in Kyoto's western foothills. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami 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 hike the narrow trail through the gates, which is said to be a path of good luck and blessings. The shrine's design reflects its Heian-era origins, with traditional wooden buildings and gardens. Fushimi Inari Shrine is also known for its unique tradition of 'torii gate exchanges,' where visitors take down a gate from the mountain as a symbol of gratitude and return it after their visit.

Futasugi Shrine

二杉神社

Ibaraki

Futasugi Shrine, located in the town of Kamakura, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and agriculture. The shrine's name, Futasugi, roughly translates to 'pine tree shrine.' While its exact founding date is unknown, it is believed to have been established during the Edo period (1603-1867). The shrine is famous for its beautiful pine tree forest, which surrounds the main shrine building. Visitors can walk through the forest and experience the serene atmosphere of this historic Shinto site.