Japanese shrines

大伴神社

大伴神社

長野県 · 佐久市

Located in the city of Saku, Nagano Prefecture, Daikannonsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of abundance and prosperity. Founded during the Edo period (1603-1867), the shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design with its wooden torii gate and tiled roof. The shrine is known for its beautiful garden and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

元船山神社

元船山神社

長野県 · 千曲市

Located in Chūru City, Nagano Prefecture, Mōsenzan-jinsha Shrine is dedicated to the god of ships and the sea, as well as the patron deity of the city's water supply. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Old Boat Mountain Shrine.' Its origins date back to the 17th century, and its primary enshrined kami is Ōkuninushi-no-kami, a Shinto god associated with the sea, agriculture, and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese designs, featuring a vermilion torii gate and wooden buildings adorned with tiled roofs.

三笠成田山神社

三笠成田山神社

長野県 · 軽井沢町

In the scenic town of Katsunuma, Nagano Prefecture, lies the Shokotsu Inari Shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto kami of rice and industry. The shrine's name 'Shokotsu' translates to 'Frosty Mountain,' referencing its elevation and winter wonderland beauty.

白髭神社

白髭神社

長野県 · 高森町

Shirokuma Shrine in High Mountains, Nagano Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami of snow and cold weather. The shrine's architecture features a unique style reminiscent of a Buddhist temple, reflecting the region's cultural influences. Located in the town of Kamikata, Shirokuma Shrine offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and serves as an important pilgrimage site for locals seeking blessings from the snow-goddess, often invoked during harsh winter months.

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.

尹良社

尹良社

長野県 · 下條村

Eiryo Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is a small but significant Shinto site dedicated to the deity Inari Okami. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and its current structure is believed to have been built during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE). The shrine is notable for its traditional architecture, which reflects the local Nagano style.

奥位神社

奥位神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Located in the scenic city of Ishida, Nagano Prefecture,奥位神社 (Ou-ji Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ou-gi no Okami, who was said to have descended upon Mount Ontake from the heavens. The shrine's architecture reflects its Kamakura period origins, with a wooden torii gate and traditional Japanese-style buildings. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine grounds, which are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Achi Jinja Maemiya

阿智神社前宮

長野県 · 阿智村

Located in the mountain village of Achi, Aruchi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Aruchime no kami, the god of longevity and fertility. The shrine complex is situated in a scenic area surrounded by pine trees and features a distinctive architecture with a combination of traditional and modern elements.

Achi Jinja Okumiya

阿智神社奥宮

長野県 · 阿智村

Achi Jinja Okumiya, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is a remote Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Araki no Okami and Komichi no Kami, often referred to as a sub-shrine of the more prominent Achi Shrine. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Jomon period (14,000-300 BCE). The shrine's architecture is typical of the Japanese mountainous regions, featuring a simple yet elegant design that blends into its natural surroundings.

Afuchi Shrine

安布知神社

長野県 · 阿智村

Afuchi Shrine, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami and his association with water. The shrine's name, Afuchi, roughly translates to 'lower mouth,' referring to a natural spring nearby. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and statues, as well as participate in traditional festivals and rituals. The shrine is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage and stunning mountain views.

Hojo Jinja

北條神社

長野県 · 阿南町

Hojo Jinja Shrine in Amano Town, Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Hojo clan, who played a significant role in Japanese history as daimyos during the Edo period. The shrine is located near the site of the old Hojo castle and is believed to have been founded during the Muromachi period. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's gardens, which feature traditional Japanese landscaping and a serene atmosphere.

Hongaku Shrine

本学神社

長野県 · 高森町

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Hongaku Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Kamui, a powerful spirit believed to reside in the mountains. The shrine's name, 'Hongaku,' translates to 'Great Sage' or 'Great Spirit.' Founded during the Edo period, the shrine has undergone significant renovations and expansions over the years, with its current structure dating back to the Meiji era.

Kashima Jinja

鹿島神社

長野県 · 伊那市

Kashima Jinja, located in the city of Imanishi in the Nagano prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Okami and the storm god Susanoo no Mikoto. The shrine's name 'Kashima' refers to its location on Kashima Island, a small island that was once connected to the mainland by land. According to legend, the shrine was originally built to honor the kami of the island, but it later came to be associated with the imperial family. Today, visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture and participate in festivals and rituals to purify their minds and bodies.

Koarashi Inari Shrine

小嵐稲荷神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Koarashi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iida, Nagano Prefecture, and is known as one of Japan's oldest shrines dedicated to the goddess Inari. The shrine is famous for its beautifully designed torii gate and its role as a stopping point for pilgrims traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and altars, and take part in traditional festivals held throughout the year.

Koyasu Jinja

子安神社

長野県 · 高森町

Koyasu Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in High Forest Town, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of rice fields and agriculture, the shrine is known for its unique architecture and historical significance. Founded during the Edo period, Koyasu Jinja has been an important center for the local community. The shrine's name "Koyasu" is derived from the Japanese word for rice paddies.

Misaka Shrine

神坂神社

長野県 · 阿智村

Located in the town of Achi in the Nagano prefecture, Misaka Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the local kami of the area. The shrine is nestled at the foot of Mount Achi and is famous for its autumn foliage. Visitors can experience the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere of the shrine during their visit.

Nanakuri Shrine

七久里神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Nanakuri Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune, the shrine's tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and spiritual rejuvenation.

Omi Jinja

麻績神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Located in the city of Iida, Nagano Prefecture, Omi Jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity known as Mikageyūjin, also referred to as Mikage no Kami. The shrine is situated on the banks of the Oi River and is famous for its stunning cherry blossom trees. Historically, Omi Jinja has been an important site since the Muromachi period, and its architecture reflects this heritage with elements from the Sengoku period.

Omiya Suwa Jinja

大宮諏訪神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Omiya Suwa Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iida, Nagano Prefecture, which was originally built at an earlier location in Omiya Village, Saitama Prefecture. The current main hall was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fires in 1923 and 1957. The shrine enshrines Suwa no Kami, a kami associated with water and fertility. The shrine is famous for its large number of statues of Tamashii, dolls used to pray for the good health of travelers. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere of the shrine.

Oyamada Shrine

大山田神社

長野県 · 下條村

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Oyamada Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Sakagami-Okami. The shrine's name "Oyamada" is derived from the surname of its founder, who was said to have been a servant of the local lord. As one of the oldest shrines in the region, Oyamada Shrine boasts a rich history dating back to the 7th century. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture and experience the tranquility of rural Nagano.

Sakura Shrine

佐倉神社

長野県 · 飯田市

Sakura Shrine, located in the city of Fujita, Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami (deities) that are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with records indicating its establishment during this time. Over the years, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new torii gate in 2011.

Sakurayama Fudōson

桜山不動尊

長野県 · 松川町

Sakurayama Fudōson Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Fudo Myo, a Buddhist deity known as the 'Unmoving Buddha,' and is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine's name, Sakurayama, translates to 'Cherry Mountain,' reflecting its location amidst the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in the surrounding area. The shrine complex features traditional Japanese architecture, including a vermilion torii gate and a large temple hall dedicated to Fudo Myo.

Shimoguri Jugosha Daimyojin

下栗の拾五社大明神

長野県 · 飯田市

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Shimoguri Jugosha Daimyojin Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to the deity Daimyojin, a powerful kami revered as the patron of agriculture and prosperity. The shrine's name, "Shimoguri," refers to its location on the eastern slope of Mount Shimoguri, while "Jugosha" signifies its status as a major shrine with 100 pillars. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of the shrine's grounds, adorned with vibrant autumn foliage and majestic cedar trees.

Suwa Daimyojin

諏訪大明神

長野県 · 喬木村

Suwa Daimyojin Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Joyakum, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the same name. The shrine is believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. It is said that the shrine's primary deity, Suwa Daimyojin, is a powerful and benevolent kami who protects his believers from harm.