Japanese shrines

太子殿

太子殿

Nagano

Located in the town of Komagane, Nagano Prefecture, Taishi-den is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Taisho-gami, who is revered as the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Kita and is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors.

飯縄稲荷神社

飯縄稲荷神社

Nagano

Furadon Inari Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, revered as the patron of agriculture, fertility, and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period's influences, with a wooden torii gate and traditional Japanese-style buildings.

笹焼神社

笹焼神社

Nagano

Sakazake-Shrines, located throughout Japan, often honor the kami of rice wine or sake. Sakazake-Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is believed to be dedicated to the god of rice, water, and fertility, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. The shrine's architecture and layout are influenced by traditional Japanese designs, featuring a vermilion torii gate and a serene garden.

天皇子神社

天皇子神社

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Tenno no Chi no Kami Shinto Shrine honors Emperor Sogo, a legendary emperor who ruled Japan from 1134 to 1173. The shrine's architecture reflects its rustic mountain setting and traditional Japanese design. As one of the most important Shinto shrines in the region, it attracts visitors seeking spiritual renewal and connection with nature.

虫倉神社

虫倉神社

Nagano

Mushoku-no-Ma Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and industry. Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the shrine is famous for its well-manicured garden paths and numerous fox statues, believed to be messengers of the kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a rectangular torii gate and a small shrine building. The area surrounding the shrine is also home to several rice fields and vineyards.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Kinugasa Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the god of war and justice, Hachiman Okami. The shrine is renowned for its impressive stone walls and five-story pagoda tower. As a major Shinto site, it attracts numerous visitors seeking spiritual guidance and blessings. Founded during the Edo period, the shrine has played a significant role in local folklore and mythology.

飯綱神社

飯綱神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, 飯綱神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine is known for its well-tended gardens and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Founded in 1573, it has played an important role in local agriculture and is still an essential destination for farmers and nature lovers alike.

打澤神社

打澤神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Ōtazawa Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary that honors the spirit of the forest and its inhabitants. Dedicated to the kami of Ōtazawa, a sacred tree said to have been born from a bird's egg, the shrine is renowned for its breathtaking natural surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.

倉科神社

倉科神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Kōkai-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of the sea and transportation, Kōkai-tōjin. This shrine is often overlooked by tourists visiting the nearby Zenko-ji Temple, but it offers a glimpse into the unique traditions and history of the region.

岡地天満宮

岡地天満宮

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Okagai Tenman-gu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari. The shrine is known for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds and experience traditional Japanese culture.

耳聾薬師堂

耳聾薬師堂

Nagano

The Etori Yakushido is a Shinto shrine located in Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of hearing and medicine. This shrine is particularly famous for its unique architectural style, which combines traditional and modern elements. The shrine's main hall features a striking wooden structure with a curved roof, reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens, where they may find inspiration in nature and spiritual renewal. Despite its remote location, the Etori Yakushido is a popular destination for those seeking a deeper connection with Shinto traditions.

平和神社

平和神社

Nagano

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Peace Shrine is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to promoting peace and harmony within individuals and society. Founded during the Meiji period (1868-1912), it is one of the many shrines built to honor the late Emperor Meiji, who was revered for his role in modernizing Japan. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design elements, with a distinctive tiled roof and ornate wooden beams. Visitors can walk through the peaceful gardens and reflect on the significance of peace in their daily lives.

天満宮

天満宮

Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Tenman-kyo is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, and fertility. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it has been an important center for cultural and spiritual practices since its founding during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects this rich history, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a large hall dedicated to Benzaiten's worship.

薬師堂

薬師堂

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Karuizawa, Shinmei-ji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Shichi no Kami, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. The temple's architecture reflects its Heian period origins, with a wooden torii gate and a tranquil garden. Visitors can experience the serenity of this historic site while honoring the kami that watch over the town.

老婆澤神社

老婆澤神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Old Mother泽神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Ze, an ancient forest spirit believed to inhabit the surrounding mountains. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall and several smaller shrines nestled among ancient trees. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a serene pond and walking trails through the nearby Ze-no-take mountain forest.

福井神社

福井神社

Nagano

Fukii-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Iizaka, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the deity Ōkuninushi, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with records dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the classic style of a Japanese temple. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through the serene grounds and admiring the intricate carvings on the torii gate.

芝宮神社

芝宮神社

Nagano

Located in the picturesque town of Fujikawaguchi, Shibamayashiro-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the protection and prosperity of local farmers and artisans. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a rural shrine, with a traditional gempuku style building that dates back to the Heian period. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature various species of trees, including the iconic Japanese maple.

稲荷社

稲荷社

Nagano

Inari Okami Shrine in Nagano is a Shinto site famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, a testament to the shrine's association with the rice god Inari Okami. Visitors can walk through the labyrinthine alleys surrounded by these gates, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.

三島神社

三島神社

Nagano

Located in the Nagano prefecture, three islands in Lake Biwa are said to be the origin of the three islands in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, who is revered as a patron of fertility, rice, and industry. It is one of several Inari shrines throughout Japan, but its unique location has made it an important site for local worship.

埴科縣神社

埴科縣神社

Nagano

The Shiroko-jinja Shrine in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture is one of the oldest shrines in the region, with a history dating back to 718 CE. Dedicated to the kami of Mt. Kiso, it plays an important role in the local community's spiritual life.

招魂社

招魂社

Nagano

招魂社 Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman Ōno-maryō no Kami, a prominent Shinto deity associated with battle strategy and protection. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a military temple, featuring a traditional Japanese-style gatehouse and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several smaller shrines and monuments dedicated to Hachiman's various aspects. The shrine is also known for its annual festivals, including the Hachiman Matsuri, which honors the god of war and celebrates the harvest season.

昌言神社

昌言神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Shizukahachi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Shizuka, the goddess of childbirth and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Nakasendo highway, with its traditional thatched roof and stone walls dating back to the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several tea houses and traditional Japanese gardens.

古大穴神社

古大穴神社

Nagano

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, ancient Ōdaijinja Shrine is a revered Shinto site honoring Ōkuninushi no kami, the god of agriculture and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical connection to the Edo period, with traditional torii gates and a simple yet elegant main hall. As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it holds significant cultural and historical value.

田原神社

田原神社

Nagano

Taka no Yu no Tsurugi Shrine, located in the town of Yabitsu in Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fertility and agriculture, Otori no Michi no Kami, as well as other kami such as Okami, and Ukemochi. The shrine's name, 'Taka no Yu no Tsurugi' roughly translates to 'The Sword of the Blue Water', reflecting its location near a lake. The shrine complex features a unique architectural style characteristic of the Edo period, with wooden structures and tiled roofs. Visitors can explore the shrine's gardens, which are said to have been created by Otori no Michi no Kami himself.