Shrines & temples

Japanese shrines

OSM directory

Explore Shinto shrines mapped from OpenStreetMap — filter by prefecture, city, or denomination. For curated travel listings, see featured landmark shrines below.

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Denomination

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30,440 shrines

恵美須神社

Shiga

Ebi-no-Suse-san Shrine, located in the city of Aishimagun, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine is dedicated to Ebi no Suse-hime, a legendary woman who was said to have been born in 800 and died at the age of 17. According to myth, she was an exceptional beauty and a fierce warrior, and her spirit is believed to reside in the shrine.

塩竈神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture,塩竈神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of salt and fishing. The shrine's name, '塩竈', refers to the use of salt as an essential component in Japanese cooking and fishing practices. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a large torii gate and several smaller shrines, each honoring different aspects of salt production and fishing.

若一王子神社・熊野神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Gokayama, Shiga Prefecture, ifitai Wangshi-jinsha (若一王子神社・熊野神社) is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities Ifitai Wangshi and Kumonosato. The shrine complex features a unique architectural style blending traditional Japanese and Chinese elements, reflecting its historical significance as a route for travelers on the ancient Nakasendo highway. Despite being largely abandoned during World War II, the shrine has been restored and continues to attract visitors seeking a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

豊受大神宮・天照大神宮

Shiga

The Toyosaka Taiheitaisha and Toyosaka Taiheitaishu shrines are located in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. The Toyosaka Taiheitaishu shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami (also known as Toyosaka Taiheitaishu), who was enshrined in 1296 during the Kamakura period. The Toyosaka Taiheitaisha shrine is dedicated to the storm god Susanoo-no-kami, who was also enshrined in 1296. These shrines were built on the site of a former Buddhist temple and are notable for their unique architecture and beautiful gardens.

出雲大社

Shiga

Outta-Iwa-no-miya is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu in Outa, a village in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The shrine complex dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and features traditional Japanese architecture with a wooden torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner courtyard, adorned with beautiful plum blossoms during spring, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Biwa.

八幡神社

Gifu

千草川神社

千葉県 · 富津市

Located in Rich Earth Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, the shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name, Chikusakawa Jinja, translates to 'River God Shrine' or 'Chikusa River Shrine'. This deity is associated with fertility and abundance. The shrine is known for its large torii gate, which has 7 posts, a sacred number in Shintoism, symbolizing the seven virtues of Buddhism.

御嶽神社

Chiba

Located in the scenic town of Kamakura, Oku-shimo no Mina-san (上嶽神社) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi Ōkami, the god of the rice fields and agriculture. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian-period styles, with a vermilion torii gate and a tranquil courtyard surrounded by carefully pruned cedar trees. Visitors can experience the shrine's peaceful atmosphere while exploring its beautifully manicured gardens.

車川八幡神社

三重県 · 多気町

天日神社

Kyoto

Tenji-jinja Shrine, located in the heart of Kyoto, is dedicated to a kami believed to be responsible for the creation of the sun and the origin of life. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center of worship during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Its main hall, haiden, features a unique design influenced by Chinese temple styles, while the shrines' sacred tree, a 'somei-yoshino' cherry blossom tree, is revered for its fragrant flowers.

青梅聖天社

Kanagawa

巽神社

Kanagawa

匹見八幡宮

Shimane

Matcha-ya Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, industry, and fertility, Matcha-ya Shrine has been an important cultural and spiritual center in the region for centuries. The shrine's unique blend of traditional and modern elements reflects the blending of old and new in Japan's rich history.

胡子神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic Shimonoseki Peninsula of Shimane Prefecture, Ushi no Ko Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the 'Horse's Head' deity. The shrine's name translates to 'Horse's Head Shrine,' referencing its enshrined kami, believed to be inspired by a horse's head protruding from the sea during a ritual purification ceremony.

甘縄神明神社

Kanagawa

北辰神社

Chiba

The North Star Shrine, located in the heart of Chiba Prefecture, is dedicated to the worship of a local kami associated with the guiding star, Hoshigiri no Okami. This enshrined deity is believed to watch over travelers and sailors, offering protection on their journeys. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura period origins, featuring a traditional vermillion torii gate surrounded by a tranquil garden.

皇太神社

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Ryoan-ji Temple's peaceful garden is famous for its perfectly raked gravel design, creating a serene oasis amidst the city's bustle. While not strictly a Shinto shrine, it is often visited by locals and tourists alike seeking solace from the world. However, there is no 皇太神社 within Kyoto.

熊野神社

Chiba

Located in the scenic Chuzenji Lake area of Nagata, Tochigi Prefecture, but sometimes confused with a Shinto shrine in Chiba called 'Ko-ryuzu-san Tenmangu' which has Inari okami as its enshrined deity. The Ko-ryuzu-san Tenmangu shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. Its most distinctive feature is the beautiful vermilion torii gate that stands at the foot of the mountain where the god is said to reside.

香取神社

Ibaraki

Kasumigaseki Shrine, located in the town of Kasumiga-seki in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Mikoto-no-Mikage. The shrine is famous for its connection to the founding of Tokyo and has been an important place of worship for the emperor since ancient times. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese gardens and take part in various festivals throughout the year.

八幡神社

Saitama

The Eight-Horned Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Bishamon, revered as the god of wealth and prosperity. Founded in 1592, the shrine is famous for its distinctive shape resembling an eight-pointed star. The complex includes a large main hall, a smaller inner shrine, and several outlying structures. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it has played host to various ceremonies and events throughout history.

高千穂教會

Ibaraki

Kō-chūno Kiryū is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Omitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of the same name, Kōchū no kami, who is believed to reside in the nearby volcanic area. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings, including the honden and the torii gate, which are adorned with symbolic carvings. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the summer festival (natsu matsuri) and the autumn leaves festival (koyo matsuri).

白髭神社

Gifu

三嶋神社

Hyogo

Located in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, San'ei-ja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kusunoki, known as 'San'ei', who was famous for his bravery. The shrine's current main building dates back to 1614, but it is believed that the site has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years.