Japanese shrines

香取神社 (小吹神社)

香取神社 (小吹神社)

Ibaraki

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Small Shinto Shrine is a local and lesser-known shrine dedicated to the kami known as Otori-gami. The shrine is believed to have been founded in the 7th century during the Asuka period. Its architecture reflects the Heian style, with a single main hall, and has undergone various renovations over the centuries. Small Shinto Shrine is often visited by locals for its serene atmosphere and connection to nature.

夷針神社

夷針神社

Ibaraki

Located in the town of Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, 夷針神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Soshigiri no Kami, also known as 'The God of Crossroads.' This shrine has been an important site for travelers and locals alike since its founding during the Edo period. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive tower-style gate and a serene garden filled with cherry blossoms.

篠原八幡神社

篠原八幡神社

Yamanashi

Basho-ara Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the heart of Yamanashi Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Hachiman, patron saint of war and travelers. The shrine's architecture reflects its rich history, with a primary hall featuring a distinctive curved roof known as a 'sengen' style. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere by strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens, while the nearby town offers local specialties such as yamagatake oranges and shizu tea.

石清水八幡神社

石清水八幡神社

Ehime

Located in the heart of Shikoku, Ishi Clear Water Hachimangu Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the patron deity of merchants and sailors. The shrine's name reflects its association with clear water and purification, as well as its dedication to the god of war, Hachiman. Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, including a major reconstruction in the 17th century. Today, visitors can explore the serene gardens and tranquil atmosphere, which are said to bring good fortune and prosperity.

森山稲荷神社

森山稲荷神社

静岡県 · 函南町

Located in the city of Fukuoka, Hie Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and her children, the storm god Susanoo and the wind god Inazuma. The shrine's current structure dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), although it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries.

一宮大明神

一宮大明神

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, 一宮大明神 Shrine is a prominent Shinto site dedicated to Takemikazuchi, the storm god and deity of lightning. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a sacred site for the imperial family. Its unique design incorporates elements of traditional Japanese architecture, including the iconic torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully landscaped grounds and experience the tranquil atmosphere that has drawn many to this revered site.

三木稲荷神社

三木稲荷神社

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Saneki Inari Shrine is a prominent Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Built on the site of an ancient torii gate from the 7th century, the current structure dates back to the Edo period (17th-19th centuries). Visitors can explore the shrine's famous vermilion torii gates that line its approach, each one donated by a local family or business. The shrine is also famous for its thousands of fox statues, believed to be messengers of Inari Okami.

野孫神社

野孫神社

Ibaraki

Located in the picturesque town of Kamakura, the Nakayama Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Sakaino Ōkami, also known as Saka-no-Ōkami, the Eight-Headed Dog, who was revered for its ferocity and strength. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period with its five-story pagoda and wooden torii gate, symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. Visitors can admire the beautiful gardens and take a stroll along the nearby coastline.

神明社

神明社

Akita

Gami no Mikasa, or Godlight Shrine in English, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Akita, Akita Prefecture. It is dedicated to Tsukiyomi, the moon god, and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with a history dating back to the 7th century. The shrine's main hall is designed in the traditional Heian period style, featuring a tiled roof and a vermilion torii gate.

長磯稲荷神社

長磯稲荷神社

Hokkaido

Located in the scenic town of Kitamieshi, Hokkaido's longest river, Ishikari River, flows through the grounds of this Shinto shrine. Dedicated to the kami, Tsuneyuki and Tsuneko, patron deities of fishermen, the shrine is a sacred site for the local fishing community. The shrine's architecture blends traditional Japanese designs with modern elements, reflecting its role as a cultural and spiritual center in rural Hokkaido.

平浜稲荷神社

平浜稲荷神社

Hokkaido

Located in the coastal town of Tomakomai, Hokkaido,平浜稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okappi, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture is typical of Heian period (10th-12th century) style, with a rectangular main hall and a large torii gate. The shrine's location on the coast reflects its association with the sea and the land.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Hokkaido

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, Inari Okappurushi Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, revered as the patron deity of fertility, rice, and industry. Built in 1875, the shrine is notable for its unique architecture, with many vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel-like structure leading up to the main hall.

秋葉神社

秋葉神社

Ibaraki

Autumn Leaves Festival (Koyo) is a popular event at Autumn Leaf Shrine, where visitors can admire the vibrant autumn colors and participate in traditional Shinto rituals. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura period roots, with a distinctive wooden gate and simple yet elegant main hall. As one of Ibaraki Prefecture's oldest shrines, Autumn Leaf Shrine is steeped in history and mythology.

粕壁神明社

粕壁神明社

Ibaraki

粕壁神明社 is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its unique history and mythology connection to the rice god kami, Kamamori-san. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'grain wall deity shrine'. Founded during the Edo period (1603-1868), it has been an important site for locals seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and observe the shrine's unique architectural style, which features a distinctive thatched roof.

碇神社

碇神社

Ibaraki

Coizumi Shrine, located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of love and poetry, Izumo Taisho, but also known as Izumikunina or Izuna-kami. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can see the impressive main hall and learn about the shrine's history at the nearby museum.

香取神社

香取神社

Ibaraki

香取神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the Kami Inari Okami and is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. The shrine's design reflects the Heian period's architectural style, with a main hall covered in a red tile roof. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several small shrines and a sacred pond.

南無子安延命地蔵尊

南無子安延命地蔵尊

Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, the Shrine of the Sacred Infant Buddha, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Benzaiten, the goddess of beauty, music, and arts. The shrine's name reflects its association with the legendary infant Buddha who was said to have descended from heaven. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine's architecture showcases traditional Japanese style with a combination of wooden and tile roofs.

春日神社

春日神社

Kyoto

Spring Day Shrine, located in Kyoto, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Ōkuninushi, a kami associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the Heian period's aesthetic influence. Visitors can explore the serene grounds and admire the shrine's tranquil atmosphere.

氷室神社

氷室神社

Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka, Iritsu-no-ma Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi no Okami, the god of the moon and harvest. The shrine's name, Iritsu-no-ma, means 'ice house,' which refers to its unique architecture featuring an ice storage room built into its structure during the Heian period. Visitors can still see this ancient ice storage room today, a testament to the ingenuity of Japan's past inhabitants.

上浦稲荷神社

上浦稲荷神社

Hokkaido

Uppōrindare no Miya is a Shinto shrine located in the Uupu District of Hokkaido's Oshama Town. As one of the oldest shrines in Hokkaido, it has a rich history dating back to the Jomon period. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional wooden architecture. Uppōrindare no Miya is said to be enshrined by Inari Okami, the Shinto god of fertility and prosperity.

主石神社 (常陸國式内小社)

主石神社 (常陸國式内小社)

Ibaraki

Located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Mainstone Shrine (, Ōseki-jinsha) is a small shrine dedicated to a local deity revered by the ancient inhabitants of the region known as Ōsato Province. The shrine's architecture reflects the regional style of 'Inago-style' shrines, characterized by simple, rustic structures with curved eaves and ornate doors. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Mainstone Shrine has played an important role in preserving the traditional customs and rituals of the region.

鉾神社

鉾神社

Ibaraki

Zao Shrine, located in the foothills of Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the storm god Ōtori no Kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's natural beauty, with its traditional buildings and gardens designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

太平山神社

太平山神社

Akita

Located in the scenic Akita Prefecture, Taiping Mountain Shrine is a Shinto site dedicated to the worship of the kami associated with mountain protection and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a sturdy wooden torii gate and tiled roofs. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails nearby, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

鵜泊稲荷神社

鵜泊稲荷神社

Hokkaido

Located in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, 鵜泊稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a sacred site for the indigenous Ainu people and its role as a major stop on the pilgrimage route from Hokkaido to Japan's mainland during the Edo period.