Japanese shrines

Juo Do

Juo Do

Akita

Juo Do Shrine in Akita Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity of longevity, health, and agriculture, Yatagarasu, as well as the god of good fortune and prosperity, Ebisu. The shrine's main hall features a unique roof style characteristic of the Akita region. Visitors can explore the shrine's surrounding gardens, which include traditional Japanese landscaping elements such as moss-covered rocks and carefully pruned bonsai trees.

松緑神道大和山 新屋支部

松緑神道大和山 新屋支部

Akita

Located in the scenic Akita Prefecture, Matsuo no Okami Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto site dedicated to Matsuo-Okami, the local kami believed to reside in the nearby Matsumoto River and surrounding Mount Matsuo. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, with the new branch office established as a branch of the main Matsuo no Okami Shrine at Matsumoto. Visitors can experience the serene natural surroundings and explore the rustic architecture characteristic of rural Akita.

栗田稲荷神社

栗田稲荷神社

Akita

Located in the scenic city of Yurihara, Akita Prefecture, 栗田稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as an important center for agriculture and local governance in the region. Founded in 1630 during the Edo period, the shrine has undergone various renovations while maintaining its traditional style. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature beautifully maintained gardens and historic buildings.

栗田神社

栗田神社

Akita

Located in the heart of Akita Prefecture, 栗田神社 is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-Kami, the god of harvest and prosperity. Dating back to the 16th century, the shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall adorned with intricate wooden carvings and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine by strolling through its beautiful grounds.

岩戸神社

岩戸神社

Akita

Rocky Valley Shrine, located in the scenic valley of the Agi River in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural setting with traditional thatched roof buildings and a natural stone foundation. The shrine complex also features several smaller shrines honoring other deities such as the forest spirit Kamui and the god of the mountain Takamagahara.

薬師神社

薬師神社

Akita

Located in Akita Prefecture,藥師神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of medicine and healing, Ukemochi. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a medical center during the Edo period. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings and gardens, and learn about its connection to traditional Japanese medicine.

正一位稲荷神社

正一位稲荷神社

Akita

Located in the city of Azuma, Akita Prefecture, Jitodenmae Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Akita

Ise Grand Shrine's sister shrine in Akita, Inari Okappura Jinja, is dedicated to Inari Okappura, a Shinto kami who presides over rice and agriculture. Located near the Agatsuma River, the shrine is famous for its numerous fox statues and its role as a stopping point during fox hunt events.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Akita

Located in the heart of Akita, eight-horned god shrine, known as Hachiman-gami is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance with influences from the Heian period, while its grounds feature several traditional Japanese gardens and a large pond. As one of the oldest shrines in Akita, it attracts visitors seeking spiritual renewal and connection with nature.

白山神社

白山神社

Akita

The White Mountain Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility, rice, and agriculture. The shrine's name reflects its association with the nearby Mount Iwai, which is believed to be the mythical home of the god of the mountain, Hakuji-kanemori-hiko. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in the annual Autumn Leaves Festival, where visitors can admire the vibrant fall foliage and participate in folk dances.

薬師神社

薬師神社

Akita

藥師神社 is a Shinto shrine in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of healing and medicine. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a center for medical treatment and spiritual guidance during the Edo period. Located near the Sanriku coast, the shrine is believed to have been influenced by the region's rich maritime trade and cultural exchange.

大野八幡神社

大野八幡神社

Akita

大野八幡神社, located in the Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and prosperity, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and also enshrines the local deities, including Inari Okami and Hachiman Tsukiyomi. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a rectangular main hall and a prominent torii gate. Its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and good fortune.

ねむの木神社

ねむの木神社

Akita

Nemu no Okamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the forest spirit known as Nemu no Okami, believed to watch over the surrounding forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a distinctive gable roof and intricately carved wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil grounds, which feature a beautiful pond and walking paths lined with ancient trees.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Akita

Located in Akita Prefecture, the Inari Okappi Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Inari Ōkami. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates strung between the mountainside and the shrine building, which symbolize the abundance of rice fields in the region.

竹駒稲荷神社

竹駒稲荷神社

Akita

Located in the city of Akita, 竹駒稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its vermilion torii gate and beautiful gardens. Visitors can pray for good fortune and prosperity, particularly for students and farmers. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Heian period style, with a distinctive rectangular hall (honden) and several smaller shrines.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Akita

Inukami no Okami, the god of rice and fertility, is enshrined at Akita's Inakadate Jinsha (not to be confused with稲荷神社), however a smaller, local kami, , is primarily worshipped here.稲荷神社, also known as Inashigahara Jinsha, in Akita Prefecture, is one of the oldest and most historic Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine was first built during the Jomon period (approximately 14,000 to 300 BCE) and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters, with its current structure dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine complex includes a large torii gate and several smaller buildings, including the Haiden main hall and the Haiden's adjacent Chomei-den, which houses a statue of Inukami no Okami.

花館神社

花館神社

Akita

Located in Akita Prefecture, the Hana-gusuku Shrine is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of the Akan people's ancestral village, Gushi. The shrine is situated near the ruins of an old castle and features traditional Japanese architecture, with a distinctive thatched roof and torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful grounds, which include several scenic walking paths and a pond. The shrine is also known for its beautiful spring flowers and autumn foliage.

三本杉神社

三本杉神社

Akita

Sanbonyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita, dedicated to the kami of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name, Sanbonyama, roughly translates to 'three pine trees shrine.' According to local legend, the shrine was founded in 1889 by a farmer who discovered three pine trees on his land, which he believed were an omen of good fortune.

神明社

神明社

Akita

Located in the heart of Akita, Shinmei-ya is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of prosperity and good fortune. The shrine's main hall, Haiden, features a unique hirano (stepped) roof design typical of northern Japanese architecture. Visitors can honor the shrine's enshrined deities, including Shinto's patron deity of industry and commerce, and pray for success in business and personal endeavors.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Akita

Indra Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, it has played a significant role in Japanese history and culture. The shrine's architectural style reflects the Heian period, with its distinctive curved roofs and ornate wooden decorations. Visitors can explore the main hall, which houses a large stone statue of Amaterasu, as well as various shrines dedicated to other kami.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Akita

Ishibashi Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the city and features a distinctive curved roof, characteristic of Akita-style temple architecture. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in the annual Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival and receiving amulets made from wooden amulet boxes called 'fuki-ji'.

枳北大明神

枳北大明神

Akita

Located in Akita Prefecture, 枳北大明神 Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Ōkami no Mochi-machi Okami, who is revered as a powerful protector of the forest and its inhabitants. The shrine's name reflects its location near the Akita River, which was believed to be inhabited by the kami. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens and admire the traditional vermilion torii gate.

金刀比羅神社

金刀比羅神社

Akita

Located in the city of Yoneshima, Akita Prefecture, Kinshachi-ro Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Kinshachi, the god of swords and samurai. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a main hall, shrines for various kami, and a beautiful garden. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and learn about its history and cultural significance.

伊豆山神社

伊豆山神社

Akita

Izu-yama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of the mountain Izu-yama. The shrine is believed to be established in the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Its unique architectural style reflects the influence of the Nara period's (710-794 CE) temple architecture, with a distinctive golden torii gate. Visitors can experience the shrine's rich cultural heritage by participating in the annual Spring Festival, which honors the founding deity and features traditional dances and rituals.