Japanese shrines

若宮八幡社

若宮八幡社

Miyagi

The Omiya Hachiman Shrine in Saitama Prefecture, not the Miyagi prefecture counterpart '若宮八幡社', is famous as a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman-gu, the god of war and patron deity of the Imperial Army. However, according to the shrine's own accounts, there are two origins of this shrine: one from 711 AD in Sado Island, Fukui Prefecture, where it was enshrined to honor the god Hachiman for bringing a favorable wind that enabled the Emperor Taishi to conquer the Eastern Sea, and the other from 1189 AD when a kami was established at the site to protect the local population. The shrine's name reflects its association with Hachiman-gu and its connection to the nearby town of Omiya in Saitama Prefecture.

栗橋八坂神社

栗橋八坂神社

Ibaraki

Stilwell Bridge Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the bridge, known as 'yagura-tsuchi'. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura period origins, featuring a simple yet elegant design. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a scenic walking path and a tranquil pond.

須久久神社

須久久神社

Kyoto

Located in Kyoto,須久寺神社 (Sukuriji Shrine) is one of the most historic Shinto shrines in Japan. The current main hall was built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but the shrine's origins date back to the Nara period (710-794 CE). Dedicated to the Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess, Sukuriji is a revered sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can admire the shrine's elegant architecture, including its impressive vermilion torii gate.

新波神社

新波神社

Akita

Located in the scenic Akita Prefecture, Shinbo-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the deity of learning and prosperity, named Kōbo-tsumi-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a wooden torii gate and a tiled roof. Its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal destination for visitors seeking spiritual rejuvenation.

朝熊神社

朝熊神社

Akita

Located in the heart of Akita, 朝熊神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of bear and mountain. Built in 1602 during the Edo period, the shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a rustic forest temple. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, adorned with natural stone lanterns and moss-covered stones.

朝熊神社

朝熊神社

Akita

Located in the Akita Prefecture,朝熊神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of bears and fertility. The shrine's primary deity is 熊山神 (Bear Mountain God), also known as Ko-Usagi-O-Mi no Kami. This enshrined deity is believed to have originated from the indigenous Ainu people's reverence for bears, which were considered sacred and powerful animals in their culture. Today, the shrine serves as an important cultural and spiritual center for the local community.

太平薬師

太平薬師

Akita

Located in the city of Akita, the Taiping Yakushi Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the medicine Buddha, Kannon (also known as Yakushi), who is revered for his power to heal and protect people from illness and harm. The shrine is built in the traditional Japanese style with a striking main hall featuring a wooden structure covered in vermilion paint. Its tranquil surroundings and beautiful gardens make it an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation.

御巡部神社

御巡部神社

Gunma

Located in the Gunma Prefecture,御巡部神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of vigilance and protection, patrolling the borders between human and spirit worlds. The shrine is built in the traditional Japanese style with a striking torii gate and tranquil gardens, evoking a sense of serenity amidst its serene surroundings.

丹生神社

丹生神社

Gunma

Dan-oura Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Dan no Ura, who is revered as a protector of fishermen and sailors. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Over time, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, resulting in its current architectural style, which blends traditional and modern elements.

皇太神社

皇太神社

Ishikawa

Located in the city of Kanazawa, Royal Taikō Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Ōjin and his son, Prince Nintoku. The shrine's history dates back to the late Heian period, with the main hall rebuilt during the Edo period. Royal Taikō Jinja is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.

大潟神社

大潟神社

Akita

Located in the Akita Prefecture, the Ōdate Jinja is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Dedicated to the deity Ōno-Tsumari, it showcases traditional architectural styles and rich cultural heritage. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful park featuring several ponds, walking paths, and historic buildings.

寺崎八幡神社

寺崎八幡神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Higashi-Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, Ōzawa Hachiman-gu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Hachiman, who is revered as the patron deity of warriors and sailors. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall featuring a curved roof and a torii gate adorned with vermilion lacquerwork. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several shrines and temples, and participate in traditional festivals such as the Hachiman Matsuri, held annually in September.

出雲神社

出雲神社

Miyagi

Outa Shrine, located in the city of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Inari Ōkami and the gods of the storm. The shrine was built on the site where the local god's power was believed to reside. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with a simple but striking design featuring a large torii gate made from cedar wood. The shrine is surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic views of Matsushima Bay.

鹿嶋神社

鹿嶋神社

Miyagi

Located in the city of Ishinomaki,鹿嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the water deity Ryujin and the storm god Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with a traditional Japanese-style gatehouse and a pond featuring lotus flowers. Visitors can experience the shrine's serene atmosphere while learning about its rich history and cultural significance.

月夜見神社

月夜見神社

Miyagi

Located in Miyagi Prefecture, Tsukiyomi-ga-Mi no-machi Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of the moon, Tsukiyomi, and is often visited during the autumn foliage season. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting, with traditional Japanese buildings surrounded by a peaceful forest. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this shrine while enjoying the beautiful fall colors.

飯野山神社 宮下

飯野山神社 宮下

Miyagi

Fuyutsu-no-Miyamachi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Higashi-Sanju, Miyagi Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Futsunoo Mikoto, a god of rice and fertility, and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's inner courtyard, which features a large stone statue of Futsunoo Mikoto, as well as a scenic teahouse and a tranquil pond.

鹿島神社

鹿島神社

Miyagi

Located in the prefecture of Miyagi,鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the island of Yakushima. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a tiled roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature a beautiful garden and a tranquil pond.

雷神社

雷神社

Miyagi

雷神社, located in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Raijin, the god of thunder and lightning. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, it has played a significant role in local folklore and traditions. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a distinctive curved roof and intricate wooden carvings.

雷神社

雷神社

Miyagi

Reigensha, the Shrine of Lightning God, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Sanda, Miyagi Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami Reigan, the shrine is known for its unique architecture and historical significance. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Reigensha has been an important cultural and spiritual center for centuries.

日高見神社

日高見神社

Miyagi

Located in the town of Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, Dayohikami Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was originally built to protect the local fishermen and their boats from natural disasters. The shrine's main deity is Otohime, the goddess of the sea, as well as several other kami including the deities of the forest, mountains, and rivers in the area.

青麻神社 保食神社

青麻神社 保食神社

Akita

Located in the heart of Akita Prefecture, Kappa no Ma Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the enigmatic Kappa, a mythical creature known for its green scaly skin and beak-like mouth. The shrine's primary deity, Hachiman, is also enshrined here alongside other kami such as Yatagarasu and Fujin. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including the main hall with its distinctive roof tiles and wooden beams.

水源神社

水源神社

Gifu

世界一神社

世界一神社

Niigata

The World Shinto Shrine in Niigata is a rare example of a Shinto shrine that was built as a single, unified shrine dedicated to all kami (Shinto deities). This unique design reflects the shrine's intention to honor the diversity of Shinto traditions and its commitment to inclusivity. The shrine's architecture and grounds are designed to evoke a sense of harmony with nature, featuring traditional elements such as torii gates and stone lanterns.

入登山神社

入登山神社

長野県 · 下條村

Located in the scenic Nagano Prefecture, 入登山神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of mountains, Inari Ō no Kami. This shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, which date back to the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, as well as its adjacent park, where they can find the remains of an ancient temple and a natural spring.