Japanese shrines

猿田彦神社

猿田彦神社

静岡県 · 掛川市

Located in Katsuragi, a town in Shizuoka Prefecture, Jushidan Hikamagatsumyōjinsha Shrine is one of the oldest and most historic shrines dedicated to the deity Hikamagusumyōjin, a Shinto kami associated with agriculture, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, featuring a traditional Japanese roofed hall with a tiled interior. The shrine is famous for its annual Matsuri festival in May, which honors the arrival of summer and the deity's blessings for the upcoming harvest season. Visitors can learn more about the history and mythology surrounding this ancient shrine by visiting the adjacent Katsuragi Museum of History.

山神

山神

静岡県 · 伊豆市

Located in the picturesque town of Izu, Shikinehakura Shrine honors the Shinto kami, Sōshin, who is revered as a guardian deity of the sea and fishermen. The shrine's unique architecture reflects its history dating back to the Edo period, with traditional wooden torii gates and a distinctive thatched roof. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this coastal shrine, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

八幡神社

八幡神社

静岡県 · 下田市

Located in the town of Odawara, Shonan region of Kanagawa Prefecture, originally in Yokosuka, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines. The shrine was originally dedicated to Minamoto no Yoritomo, a powerful samurai lord who founded the Kamakura shogunate, and is still associated with good luck and prosperity for travelers.

富塚神明宮

富塚神明宮

静岡県 · 浜松市

Located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Futtoushu Shrine is dedicated to the kami of fertility and abundance, known as the 'God of Rice'. This shrine has a long history dating back to the Edo period and features a traditional Japanese architecture style with a wooden torii gate. The shrine's name, Futtoushu, roughly translates to 'God of Riches' or 'Prosperity', reflecting its connection to agriculture and fertility.

小芝八幡宮

小芝八幡宮

静岡県 · 静岡市

Located in the heart of Shizuoka City, Small Shibuya Hachiman Shrine is a tranquil oasis dedicated to the revered deity Hachiman, patron god of war and messenger of the gods. Established during the Nara period (710-794 CE), this shrine has preserved its rich history and traditional architecture, reflecting the regional style characteristic of the Kamakura era. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene grounds, which feature a picturesque pond and beautifully maintained gardens.

高貴神社

高貴神社

静岡県 · 浜松市

Highly revered in the Mikawa region of Japan, Takakihonsha Shrine is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of rice and prosperity. With its distinctive curved roof resembling a pair of horns, the shrine's architecture reflects the historical significance of agriculture in Japanese society. As one of the oldest shrines in Hamamatsu, it has witnessed the passing of centuries and continues to play an essential role in local festivals and ceremonies.

智勝神社

智勝神社

静岡県 · 藤枝市

Nittaiji Shinsho-ji Temple is not the only Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, but rather a unique local site. The shrine's primary enshrined deity is Okuninushi Ōkami, a kami associated with wisdom and learning. Located in藤枝 city, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine's history dates back to the 9th century, during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest shrines in Shizuoka Prefecture.

大頭龍神社

大頭龍神社

静岡県 · 菊川市

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Ōjima Dragon Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryūjin. This shrine is situated at the foot of Mt. Kurodake and is famous for its well-preserved Heian-period architecture. The shrine's design features a unique roof with a curved shape reminiscent of a dragon's head, which gives it its name. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens, observe traditional Shinto rituals, and learn about the local legends surrounding Ryūjin.

沼津日枝神社

沼津日枝神社

静岡県 · 沼津市

Shrines at the mouth of rivers are said to have been the original shrines built in the Yayoi period, and the Nissa-ryu style was also used here. Nissa-ryu is characterized by a square base, an eaveless roof, and a distinctive large main hall that seems to float on top of the shrine grounds. This unique architecture reflects the connection between nature and the divine.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

静岡県 · 伊豆市

Located in伊豆市, 静岡県, 金刀比羅神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and sea, Hachiman Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major stop on the Hachiman-san pilgrimage route. Built in 1864 during the Meiji period, the shrine features a unique blend of traditional and modern designs.

金山神社

金山神社

静岡県 · 伊豆市

The Kinzan Shrine, located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a small but significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami of gold and wealth. The shrine's name reflects its historical connection to gold mining in the region. In the Edo period, Kinzan was a major gold-producing area, with many mines operating in the surrounding mountains. Today, visitors can still see evidence of this industry in the shrine's architecture and grounds.

白髭神社

白髭神社

静岡県 · 静岡市

The Shirokaji Shrine, located in Shizuoka City, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, white beard god, refers to its primary enshrined deity, Hotei, known for his long white beard and role as a bringer of good fortune and prosperity. In Japanese culture, Hotei is often depicted with a bag slung over his shoulder, which contains the 'poisonous things' (shikisai) that he uses to protect people from evil spirits.

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.

Atami Imamiya Shrine

熱海今宮神社

静岡県 · 熱海市

Atami Imamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Atami, a coastal town in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, the shrine is believed to have been established during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a fishing village, with traditional tiled roofs and wooden beams. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Suruga Bay while exploring the shrine's grounds.

Atoyama Shrine

後山神社

静岡県 · 伊豆の国市

Atoyama Shrine, located in Izu no Kuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami of the forest and fertility. The shrine's name, meaning 'forest mountain god,' reflects its historical connection to the region's lush forests. As a sacred space, Atoyama Shrine has played a significant role in the local community's spiritual practices for centuries.

Bishamonten Shrine

毘沙門天

静岡県 · 伊豆市

Bishamonten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the Buddhist deity Bishamonten. The shrine's architecture and design are influenced by Japanese Buddhism, reflecting its unique history as a fusion of both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and admire its striking architecture, which features a mix of traditional Japanese and Buddhist elements.

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

富士山本宮浅間大社

静岡県 · 富士宮市

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, located in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, is one of the most prominent Shinto shrines dedicated to Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic mountain. The shrine was originally enshrined at the site where a sacred tree stood in front of Mt. Fuji during the 5th century AD. In 1869, the shrine's location was moved to its current site in Fujiyoshida due to the original site being demolished for urban development. Today, the shrine is renowned for its striking architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic significance as a symbol of the Mt. Fuji region.

Hachi-man Shrine

八幡神社

静岡県 · 東伊豆町

Located in the scenic town of East Izu, Hachiman Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the god of war and justice. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it attracts visitors from across the nation with its stunning architecture and rich history. Dedicated to the protection of farmers, fishermen, and merchants, this shrine embodies the values of hard work and perseverance.

Inashimo Shrine

伊那下神社

静岡県 · 松崎町

Inashimo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsuzaki Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of Inashimori, the shrine is situated on the banks of the Hikawa River and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period, with records of a shrine existing as early as 794 AD.

Irou Shrine

石室神社

静岡県 · 南伊豆町

Irou Shrine, located in the mountains of Izu Peninsula, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and the sea. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's historical ties to the samurai class, with a main hall built in the traditional Kamakura style. Visitors can experience the tranquility of nature at the shrine's adjacent forest and coastline.

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

静岡県 · 伊豆市

Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima in Mie Prefecture, is famous for its stunning torii gate that appears to be floating during high tide. However, Itsukushima Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, known as Itsu-Kushima, shares a similar name and historical significance with the more famous temple. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the shrine enshrines several kami, including Itsu-Katsumi, Itsu-Nekoi, and Itsu-Hoshi-hime, and is believed to be founded in the 17th century. As a Shinto shrine located on the island of Shodoshima in Izu Peninsula, it plays an important role in the local community and is often visited by pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Kinomiya Shrine

來宮神社

静岡県 · 熱海市

Kinomiya Shrine, located in Hotaka, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine that dates back to the Edo period. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture, which reflects the local Heian-style design. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take part in various festivals throughout the year, such as the Kinomiya Shrine Festival, which honors the shrine's primary deity, Fujin.

Kumomi Sengen Shrine

雲見浅間神社

静岡県 · 松崎町

Located in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture, Kumomi Sengen Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron of travelers. The shrine is situated near the village of Matsuzaki, from which it derives its name. With its serene natural surroundings, Kumomi Sengen Shrine offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace.

Mishima-Taisya

三嶋大社

静岡県 · 三島市

Mishima-Taisya Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity of Yamato no Okami, a revered kami associated with navigation and protection. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, featuring a five-story pagoda and several buildings dating back to the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including a beautiful garden and a tranquil pond. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Miso Matsuri, which celebrates the deity's role in maritime trade.