Japanese shrines

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.

菅原神社

菅原神社

Hiroshima

鳥取東照宮

鳥取東照宮

鳥取県 · 鳥取市

Bird-take Koto-ryo-mi-yu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu located in Bird Take city, Bird Take prefecture. The shrine was originally established in 645 AD during the Asuka period and has since become one of Japan's most important shrines. With a primary focus on worshiping the god of fertility and agriculture, Hachiman, it also honors several regional kami including Inari Okami, the patron deity of rice and commerce.

日脚八幡宮

日脚八幡宮

Shimane

Located in the scenic city of Matsue, Dayatsuku Hachiman Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines dedicated to Hachiman Okami, the god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Court. Dedicated to the warrior god Hachiman Okami, this shrine is believed to have been established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and has since become a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking protection, good fortune, or military success.

長浜天満宮

長浜天満宮

Shimane

Long Hamamatsu Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Hamamatsu in Shimane Prefecture, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the sea and fishing. The shrine's name, Long Hamamatsu, literally translates to 'Long Hamamatsu,' signifying its historical significance as a long-standing place of worship. Built on the coast, the shrine's architecture reflects the maritime culture of the region, with its distinctive wooden torii gate and traditional Japanese-style buildings.

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.

六町神社

六町神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic town of Tomida, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Six Town Shrine is a serene Shinto oasis that honors the kami of prosperity and good fortune. Built during the Edo period, the shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with its tiled roofs and wooden pillars. Visitors can walk through the tranquil gardens and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred site.

紀部神宮

紀部神宮

Kyoto

紀部神宮 is a Shinto shrine located in the capital city of Kyoto, Japan. Dedicated to the kami of the same name, the shrine is associated with the legend of Prince Nagara, who was said to have been sent by Emperor Keitai to survey the land and establish the boundaries of Kyoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major Shinto site in the city, with its unique torii gate and traditional Honden building. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several smaller shrines dedicated to various kami, including those associated with agriculture and prosperity.

久光山八幡宮

久光山八幡宮

Shimane

Located in the scenic Shimane Prefecture, Kikukosaka Mountain Eightfold Shrine is a prominent Shinto site dedicated to the deity of war and prosperity, Hachiman. The shrine's history dates back to the Nara period, with its primary structure built during the Heian era. Its design reflects the architectural style characteristic of that time, featuring a tiled roof and a majestic torii gate. Over the centuries, the shrine has been refurbished and expanded several times, with notable restorations occurring in the Kamakura and Edo periods.

厄除神社

厄除神社

Kyoto

厄除神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, dedicated to the kami of protection and purification. Its name, '厄除', literally translates to 'guarding against evil spirits.' Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine has played a significant role in protecting its community from harm. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of traditional Japanese Shintoism, with a focus on harmony between nature and human habitation.

火幡神社

火幡神社

Osaka

Kawahatsu Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's name, Kawahatsu, roughly translates to 'fire-swept village,' likely referring to its historical significance as a settlement ravaged by fire. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, which features a large torii gate adorned with vibrant lanterns during festivals.

濱田護國神社

濱田護國神社

Shimane

濱田護國神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Hata, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Otohime-sama, the spirit of the sea and daughter of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. According to legend, Otohime-sama was transformed into a mortal woman by the gods to protect her from the evil spirits that dwelled in the sea. The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture and scenic coastal location.

石神神社

石神神社

Shimane

Located in the heart of Iwami Province, the Ishigadani Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a history dating back to the 7th century. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's many torii gates and pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity.

春日神社

春日神社

Kanagawa

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.

男山神社

男山神社

Tokushima

Male Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Ayagawa, Tokushima Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. It is known for its unique architecture, which features a combination of traditional and modern elements. The shrine's main hall, the hondo, is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful paintings depicting scenes from Japanese mythology.

熱田神社

熱田神社

Shimane

Nagoro-jinja, a Shinto shrine located in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, is famous for its wooden architecture and association with the legendary '1000 hands' statue of Hachiman, the god of war. The shrine was built during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries) as a symbol of peace and prosperity. Today, it attracts visitors from all over Japan who come to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness.

今宮神社

今宮神社

Shimane

Imurayama Shrine, located in the prefecture of Shimane, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including its iconic torii gate, which is adorned with vibrant vermilion paint.

天一神社

天一神社

Kochi

東向観音堂

東向観音堂

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Ostōmei-hall is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of compassion and mercy, Otome, also known as Benzaiten. The shrine's design reflects its role as a place of healing and protection, with a distinctive curved roof and a tranquil garden. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its beautifully maintained gardens and admiring the ornate wooden structures.

金毘羅堂

金毘羅堂

Fukui

Kinro-dō, located in the heart of Fukui Prefecture, is a sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to Kinro-san, the god of labor and industry. Founded during the Edo period (1603-1868), the shrine has played an essential role in local community life, providing blessings and protection for farmers, artisans, and workers. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a simple yet striking main hall and serene gardens.

鐘馗社

鐘馗社

Kochi

権現社

権現社

Kochi

芝山神社

芝山神社

Kochi