Japanese shrines

Mitake Shrine

御嶽神社

Ibaraki

Mitake Shrine, located in the town of Nihonmatsu in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines and a significant cultural landmark. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine was originally dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, god of rice and fertility, as well as the mountain spirit Mitake no Kami, who is believed to reside in the nearby Mount Mitake.

Mito Shrine

水戸神社

Ibaraki

Mito Shrine, located in the historic city of Mito, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman Ōkami, patron deity of scholars and messengers. Founded in 718 AD during the Nara period, the shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines. The shrine complex features a unique double torii gate structure, with a five-story pagoda and a beautiful garden.

Mitsumine-jinja Shrine

三峰神社

Ibaraki

Mitsumine-jinja Shrine, located in the Fujioka District of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the deity of the mountain and the prosperity of agriculture. The shrine's name, Mitsumine, translates to 'three peaks,' possibly referring to the distinctive landscape of the surrounding mountains. Dedicated to the god of the mountain and the harvest, Mitsumine-jinja Shrine serves as a sacred place for locals to pray for good fortune and bountiful crops.

Miyawaki-Kashima Shrine

宮脇鹿島神社

Ibaraki

Miyawaki-Kashima Shrine, located in the scenic town of Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami (deities) of the region. The shrine's primary deity is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with local spirits and ancestors. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature several buildings and structures, including the main hall and a sacred well. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), during which time it was an important center of worship for the local population.

Moro Shrine

茂侶神社

Ibaraki

Moro Shrine, located in the town of Sakura, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity of fertility and agriculture. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it has been an important spiritual center for local farmers and communities for centuries. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional hippon (main hall) and several smaller buildings.

Moto-Mishima-jinja Shrine

元三島神社

Ibaraki

Moto Mishima Shrine, located in the town of Yuki, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, Ninjin, as well as the local deity Kishinō, who watches over the rice fields. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and is especially revered during the harvest season. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the shrine grounds, take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and participate in traditional festivals and ceremonies.

MutsumiInari Shrine

六実稲荷神社

Ibaraki

MutsumiInari Shrine, located in the town of Miyako, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with records indicating that it was built in 1632 during the rule of Tokugawa Iemitsu. Over time, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, but its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens remain intact. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a peaceful torii gate, a scenic pond, and a sacred pathway lined with vermilion lanterns.

Myogi-jinja Shrine

妙義神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Ibaraki, Myogi-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman Okami, revered as the god of war and martial arts. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian period style, with a distinctive vermilion torii gate and a wooden main hall. The shrine grounds are also home to several smaller shrines and altars honoring various regional kami.

Myōken Shrine

妙見社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Tomobe, Ibaraki Prefecture, Myōken Shrine is dedicated to the kami of good luck and fortune. The shrine's name, Myōken, literally means 'temple of perfect sight', reflecting its association with clarity and insight. According to local legend, a local samurai was granted good fortune and wisdom by visiting this shrine before a battle.

Nakamachi Hikawa-jinja Shrine

仲町氷川神社

Ibaraki

Nakamachi Hikawa-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the town of Kamakura, Ibaraki Prefecture, and serves as the ancestral home of the Hikawa clan. As one of the many shrines dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, Nakamachi Hikawa-jinja Shrine is revered for its beauty and historical significance. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional and modern elements, with its main hall featuring a distinctive gable roof and its surroundings adorned with ancient trees and stone lanterns.

Nanae Inari Shrine

七栄稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Nanae Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, featuring a traditional gongen-zukuri style with a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several shrines and temples within the compound, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.

Nanakura-inari-jinja Shrine

七倉稲荷神社

Ibaraki

Nanakura-inari-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, Nanakura, refers to its founding location near two rice paddies. Built in 1845, the shrine showcases traditional Japanese architectural style, with a wooden torii gate and a main hall adorned with vibrant vermilion paint. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner courtyards and pray for blessings related to agriculture, prosperity, and good fortune.

Nanasha-jinja Shrine

七社神社

Ibaraki

Nanasha-jinja Shrine is a small Shinto temple located in the town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of seven mountains, it is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to the local landscape and the surrounding mountains, featuring traditional Japanese wooden buildings with tiled roofs. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and explore the various shrines dedicated to each of the seven mountains.

Nanaura-benzaiten Shrine

七浦弁財天

Ibaraki

Nanaura-benzaiten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, and fertility. The shrine's name, Nanaura, refers to its location near the Nanaura River. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall featuring a vermilion-colored torii gate. Visitors can experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

Nezu Shrine

根頭神社

Ibaraki

Nezu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Nishi, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, known as Nezu Okami. The shrine's main hall, Ōdai-ji, features a unique wooden structure with an imposing gate that bears the name of the shrine, "Nezu", which is derived from the name of the deity. Visitors can walk through the adjacent beautiful garden, which dates back to the Edo period, and experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine.

Niijuku Hie Jinja

新宿日枝神社

Ibaraki

Located in the historic city of Ibaraki, Niijuku Hie Jinja Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the Niijuku district. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a tiled roof and vermilion doors. Its significance dates back to the Edo period.

Nishiarai Temmangu Shrine

西新井天満宮

Ibaraki

Nishiarai Temmangu Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the god of learning and literature, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the Heian period (794-1185 CE) style. Visitors can walk through the serene grounds and admire the majestic torii gate. The shrine's peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for contemplation and study.

Nitta Koroku-jinja Shrine

新田胡録神社

Ibaraki

Nitta Koroku-jinja Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice, Hara-no-nakatsukuni-no-kami, and the god of fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for agriculture and trade in the region. Visitors can experience the traditional atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its serene gardens and admiring its elegant wooden structures.

North Soka Hikawa Shrine

北草加氷川神社

Ibaraki

Located in the rural town of Higashi-Morofushi, Ibaraki Prefecture, North Soka Hikawa Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the region's natural resources and fertility. The shrine's name reflects its proximity to the Soka River and the surrounding agricultural lands. While not as famous as some other shrines in Japan, it remains an important spiritual center for local residents and a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat from urban life.

Oarai Isosaki Jinja Shrine

大洗磯前神社

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, Oarai Isosaki Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deities) of the sea and fishermen. The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion torii gate and its association with the legendary princess Otohime, daughter of the sea god Ryujin. According to myth, Princess Otohime fell in love with a mortal man and was subsequently banished to the human world. The shrine's current name, Isosaki, is derived from this legend, with 'Isoshi' meaning 'princess' in Japanese.

Obara-jinja Shrine

小原神社

Ibaraki

Obara-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Sōka, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Ōhōmori-Ōno-mikoto, a minor kami associated with the local area. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. Obara-jinja Shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and walking paths.

Oda-Yasaka Shrine

小田八坂神社

Ibaraki

Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Oda-Yasaka Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the worship of multiple kami. The shrine's name 'Oda-Yasaka' is derived from its former location near the Oda River, which played a significant role in the region's history and agriculture. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Oda-Yasaka Shrine offers visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and explore Japan's unique Shinto traditions.

Ogi Mishima Shrine

扇三嶋神社

Ibaraki

Located in the scenic Omiya Park, Ogi Mishima Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the 8th century. The shrine enshrines the three-headed god Inari, often depicted as a fox spirit, and is revered for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine's unique torii gates, tranquil walking paths, and serene ponds.

Oguhachiman Shrine

尾久八幡神社

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Oguhachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Hachiman, revered as a patron of war and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins during the Heian period, with a traditional Japanese garden and a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by strolling through its serene gardens and paying their respects at the main hall.