Japanese shrines

柏木神明社

柏木神明社

Akita

Berokami Hikoboshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the spirit of the moon and love. According to local legend, it was established as a memorial to a man who died trying to reach his beloved wife across the river, with his spirit now residing at the shrine. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

道地稲荷神社

道地稲荷神社

Akita

Dō-ji Inari-gū is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Inari Ōkami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall featuring a traditional vermilion torii gate. Visitors can pray for agricultural prosperity and good fortune by hanging orange-colored ribbons on the shrine's gates.

飯玉神社

飯玉神社

Gunma

Located in the city of Yasugi, Gunma Prefecture, 飯玉神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and unique torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's many shrines and halls, including the main shrine hall dedicated to Inari Okami.

浅間神社

浅間神社

Gunma

Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Asamatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the forest and fertility. The shrine is situated near the village of Asamatsu, which was once a major center for the production of sake. According to local legend, the shrine was built by a local samurai named Tsunemasa in 1627, with the intention of protecting his family's crops from harm. Today, visitors can still see many traditional features of the shrine, including its tiled roof and wooden torii gate.

波切不動明王堂

波切不動明王堂

Tokushima

波切不動明王堂 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tokushima, dedicated to the deity Notōmyō Ōgami, also known as the 'Deity of the Ocean's Edge'. The shrine is situated on a scenic coastal path and is said to have been built during the Heian period. It is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan for its stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

月讀神社

月讀神社

Ibaraki

The Tsukino-reada Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of rice and grain. The shrine's name, 'Tsukino-reada,' translates to 'Moon's Rice' in English, reflecting its connection to agriculture and the harvest season. The shrine is believed to have been founded during the Edo period and is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of traditional Japanese temple design with Shinto elements.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Ishikawa

Located in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture,諏訪神社 is one of Japan's most historic Shinto shrines, dating back to the 8th century. As a major pilgrimage site, it attracts devotees seeking blessings for good fortune and longevity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, featuring a unique blend of Heian and Kamakura styles.

東神社

東神社

Saitama

Located in the heart of Tokyo's western suburbs, Toshio Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the god of learning and culture, Sugawara no Michizane. With its stunning torii gate and serene gardens, the shrine is an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

大鳥神社

大鳥神社

Saitama

Located in the scenic town of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Daijōjinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the twin deities Daijōjin, who are revered as guardians of travelers and merchants. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the Edo period, with a wooden torii gate and a traditional Japanese garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine grounds, which are surrounded by cherry blossom trees and a tranquil pond.

賀茂神社

賀茂神社

Ibaraki

Matsushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the deities of the Matsushima region. As one of Japan's most beautiful shrines, it is famous for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. The shrine was originally built in 1601 as a Buddhist temple but later converted into a Shinto shrine in 1639. The shrine complex features several buildings, including the main hall, treasure house, and torii gate, all of which are adorned with traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, including the majestic Mount Iwaki.

碧水神社

碧水神社

Hokkaido

碧水神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic Kii Valley of Hokkaido, known for its serene lake views and spiritual significance. Dedicated to the sea god Amaterasu, this shrine has been an important site for local fishermen and travelers alike. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and connect with nature while seeking blessings from the kami.

村社　花籠神社

村社　花籠神社

Hokkaido

Located in Hokkaido, Village Village Blossom Shrine is a Shinto site dedicated to the goddess of flowers, Hidagatami-no-kami. As one of the oldest shrines on the island, it is steeped in history and natural beauty. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional designs found in rural Hokkaido, with a simple yet elegant main hall and beautifully manicured gardens.

冨持神社

冨持神社

Kyoto

Futoshinisha Shrine, located in the heart of Kyoto, is dedicated to the enshrined deity Fujin, the god of wind and storms. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-era origins, with a main hall constructed from local cypress wood and adorned with traditional red roof tiles. Visitors can explore the serene gardens and observe the vibrant cherry blossoms during springtime.

天神社

天神社

Shiga

Tenjinsha, a Shinto shrine in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the god of learning and culture, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a simple yet elegant design featuring a rectangular shrine building. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by attending one of the shrine's many festivals throughout the year, including the Tenjin Matsuri festival in September.

琴平社

琴平社

Ishikawa

Located in the Ishikawa Prefecture, Katsunuma Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of the region's founding, Sanada Yukinao, as well as the local kami of the natural environment and the patron deity of fishermen and travelers. The shrine is known for its historic significance and beautiful architecture, which reflects various historical periods from the Nara to Edo eras.

津島社

津島社

Ishikawa

Tsunishima Shrine, located in the town of Sonoguchi in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Inari, known as Tsunishimaa no kami. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including forests and rivers. According to local legend, Tsunishimaa no kami was instrumental in the founding of the town.

戸隠社

戸隠社

Ishikawa

Located in the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, 戶隠社 (Otsuya Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari, known as the patron deity of rice and industry. The shrine's name, which means 'hidden house,' refers to its remote location surrounded by dense forest.

三石神社 縁結び石

三石神社 縁結び石

Niigata

Located in the heart of Niigata,縁結び石神社 is a charming Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Three Stones. According to local legend, the shrine's name is derived from the three large stones that form its main entrance, which are said to have been shaped by the kami themselves. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this serene shrine, surrounded by beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

山王宮

山王宮

Kanagawa

神社

神社

Kochi

中里天満宮

中里天満宮

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, middle of a river valley, Middle River Shrine is dedicated to Fujin Ryujin and Otohime. This shrine has been an important center for local worship for over 700 years, with its architecture reflecting a mix of Heian and Edo styles. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of Mt. Atagokogen and the scenic Kinugawa River. Visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, seasonal festivals, and scenic hiking trails nearby.

若一王子神社

若一王子神社

Gifu

天神社

天神社

Gifu

白山社

白山社

Gifu