Japanese shrines

若宮神社

若宮神社

Kagawa

Located in the scenic Seto Inland Sea region of Kagawa Prefecture, Ifuruyamagisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Okami, and also enshrines the kami of fertility, agriculture, and prosperity, namely, the Three Goddesses (Sakuya no Kami) and the Eight-Deity Shitennō. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical connection to the powerful samurai clans of the region.

荒魂神社

荒魂神社

Kagawa

Located in the scenic town of Saka, Kochi Prefecture is not found here but rather nearby in Shikoku, Shichimenji Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, a kami associated with rice and fertility. The shrines in Kagawa Prefecture are known for their unique architectural style, which combines traditional Japanese and Ryukyu influences. This shrine's history dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in Shikoku.

小宮社

小宮社

Kagawa

Small, tranquil Shinto shrine in the mountains of Kagawa Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of a local kami. The shrine is known for its picturesque surroundings and traditional architecture, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage.

新浜荒神社

新浜荒神社

Kagawa

New Hamamatsu-ari Shrine, located in the Kagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, known as the patron of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), with a unique blend of traditional Japanese styles.

城荒神宮

城荒神宮

Kagawa

Castle Ruins Shrine Castle Ruins Shrine is located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, and is dedicated to the enshrined kami of Ichinohara no Okuninushi, a Shinto deity believed to be responsible for the well-being of farmers and the prosperity of the region. The shrine's grounds feature the ruins of a medieval castle, which date back to the 14th century.

須田金刀比羅神社

須田金刀比羅神社

Kagawa

須田金刀比羅神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Susa-no-Okami, the God of Swordsmiths and the Kami of the town's history. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the Heian period (794-1185 CE) style.

天満宮

天満宮

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Tenman-kyo is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of wisdom, Susuwatari. The shrine is known for its unique architecture and rich cultural heritage, with historical ties to the 47 Ronin incident. The shrine's main hall is decorated with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Japanese history and literature.

明神宮

明神宮

Kagawa

Located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Sanbutsudoen (the main hall of Shitennō-ji Temple), contains a significant relic from the legendary imperial deity Sanaka-tsurugi-jin or possibly even related to the Shinto god of good fortune and prosperity, San-butsu, which were brought from the city's original location. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

荒神宮

荒神宮

Kagawa

Arashiyama Shrine, located in western Kyoto, is not the correct location. The actual Arashi no Kami, a Shinto kami associated with storms and sea travel, has multiple shrines dedicated to it across Japan. However, one such shrine is the Arashi no Kami shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, which honors the deity of the sea and storm god. This small shrine, located on the coast of Kagawa, is often visited by fishermen and those seeking protection from storms and bad weather. The shrine's architecture is typical of a Shinto shrine, with a simple main hall and several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities associated with the sea and weather. Despite its relatively small size, the shrine holds significant cultural importance for the local community.

坂荒神宮

坂荒神宮

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Kagawa Prefecture, Sakaharaginu Shrine is a tranquil oasis dedicated to the worship of Sakahara-hime, a legendary goddess said to have appeared on Mount Katsuragi during the Nara period. This beautiful shrine boasts a unique blend of traditional Japanese architecture and natural beauty, with its gardens and pond reflecting the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

天満宮

天満宮

Kagawa

Tennan-ma, a Shinto shrine in Kagawa Prefecture dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, is situated near the historic town of Takamatsu. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Edo-period style with a striking vermilion torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing the history of the region and a tranquil garden.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Kagawa

The Inari Shrine in Kagawa is one of the most famous and iconic Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Located at the foot of Mt. Zao, the shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that symbolize purification and protection. Visitors can take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and explore the various shrines and temples within the complex.

琴平神社

琴平神社

Kagawa

Located in the scenic town of Shikoku, Kubikinai Shrine is a lesser-known yet fascinating Shinto site dedicated to the god of wisdom and craftsmanship, Kubikinai. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a simple yet elegant design that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

明見神社

明見神社

Kagawa

明見神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. The shrine is dedicated to the god of longevity and prosperity, and its name roughly translates to 'bright sight' or 'clear view'. According to legend, the shrine was built by Queen Yōmei, who is said to have been searching for a place to pray for her husband's safe return from battle. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style of its time period, with a wooden torii gate and vermilion roofing.

清神神社

清神神社

Kagawa

清神神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture. Dedicated to the deity Shinden-no-Okami, the shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and traditional festivals. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens, adorned with cherry blossoms and maple leaves during autumn. The shrine's wooden torii gate is a striking feature, adding to its natural beauty.

山之神神社

山之神神社

Kagawa

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Mt. Ishizaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the mountain deity Shisa, and the god of fertility, San Susanohime. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mt. Ishizaki, which is said to be a sacred place according to legend. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Iwakura-zukuri style, characterized by a large torii gate and a square-shaped vermilion building. The shrine grounds are known for their scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Seto Inland Sea.

糸之越金刀比羅宮

糸之越金刀比羅宮

Kagawa

The Tsuchi-no-Oki-tsume-katana-giri-miya shrine, located in the Seto Inland Sea region of Kagawa Prefecture, is dedicated to the sea goddess and protector of fishermen, Oki-kotobiki. The shrine's name translates to 'the mountain with a golden, treasured sword'. The complex features various architectural styles, including traditional Shinto temples and samurai-era structures. Oki-kotobuki is associated with the protection of sailors and safe passage at sea.

天満神社

天満神社

Kagawa

Located in the Seto Inland Sea region of Japan, Tenman Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a sacred place for fishermen and sailors. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, traditional buildings, and experience the local culture.

須賀神社

須賀神社

Kagawa

须賀神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, which was originally built as an imperial shrine for Emperor Kanmu in 747. The shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with its current structure dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867). As one of the oldest shrines in Japan,须賀神社 is a significant cultural and historical landmark, and its traditional architecture reflects the influences of various historical periods.

賀茂神社

賀茂神社

Kagawa

Matsuyama Kannon Shrine, also known as Joju-ji or Matsuyama Gomyo-ji, is the main shrine of Shinga Matsudaira Naozaki no kami, but most notably it is dedicated to Okuni Ikkyu's deity. However the primary enshrined kami of this shrine is Kami of good fortune and prosperity; the deity, often depicted as a benevolent and smiling spirit with a long nose, is said to reside within the shrine grounds. The shrine has a large temple-like structure in the front and a more modest structure behind it. Visitors can see beautiful paintings on the pillars of the large hall inside the temple complex, which date back to 1645. In addition to traditional Shinto services, this shrine also performs Buddhist rituals. The shrine is one of the most famous temples in Japan and attracts many tourists.

鹽竈神社

鹽竈神社

Kagawa

Shikoku's Salt Shrine, located in the coastal town of Nankatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the salt-producing kami. The shrine is situated near the port where salt was once traded and processed. Its architecture reflects the region's maritime history, with a blend of traditional and modern elements. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this coastal shrine as they walk through its peaceful grounds.

仁尾 稲荷神社

仁尾 稲荷神社

Kagawa

Located in the heart of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Rinnō-ji Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Ōno-mikoto, the god of rice, prosperity, and good fortune. The shrine's striking architecture reflects its rich history, with multiple stages leading up to the main hall and hundreds of vermilion torii gates that evoke a sense of sacred energy.

中須賀恵比須神社

中須賀恵比須神社

Kagawa

Middle須賀恵比須神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Seto Inland Sea region of western Japan's Kagawa Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Enoshima Okami, a local deity revered by the Awa villagers for centuries. Middle須賀惠比須神社 is notable for its unique architecture, which reflects the traditional Japanese style with subtle influences from the nearby Awa Odori folk dance traditions.

龍王宮

龍王宮

Kagawa

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, the Ryūō-jō temple in Kagawa Prefecture is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryūōjin, who is believed to protect fishermen and bring good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the sea, with curved roofs resembling waves. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this temple while surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning ocean views.