Shrine Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine

4.0

2086 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Dazaifushi Saifu 4-7-1

The head shrine of 12,000 Shinto shrines across the country dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of scholarship. The shrine’s origin lies in the deification of when Michizane, who passed away in this area in 903, was later deified and the main shrine building dedicated to him was erected in 919. The shrine’s charms, said to bring success in academic affairs, and paper talismans themed after the famous Tobiume plum tree said to have flown to the shrine in yearning for Michizane, are popular purchases among visitors. The best time to see the 6,000 Chinese plum trees on the shrine’s grounds is from the end of January to the beginning of March. A five-minute walk from Dazaifu Station.

Major attraction when visiting Fukuoka. It is a big area with a bit of climbing up the hill, beyond the garden and the major shrine at the base where most of the crowds are.
Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

4.0

1763 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Atsuta-ku Jingu 1-1-1

This shrine located in Nagoya City’s Atsuta Ward has been known familiarly as “Atsuta Sama” since long ago. Reported to have been established in 113, it is revered as a Great Shrine ranking second only to Ise Jingu Shrine. The shrine is famous as a place that enshrines the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, one of the three sacred treasures that symbolize the Imperial throne. The approximately 190,000-square meter premises are thick with kusunoki (camphor trees) that have been living for more than one thousand years, and are scattered with numerous setsumatsu-sha (smaller shrines managed under the shrine). There are numerous events and festivals held at the shrine including Hatsu Ebisu on January 5, and it is constantly bustling with visitors for Shichi-Go-San (shrine visit by children aged 7, 5 and 3), omiya-mairi (the first shrine visits by babies) and even Hatsu Mode (the first shrine visit of New Year).

Shrine is conveniently located across from subway station. The grounds are spacious and wooded. Although their were lots of visitors, one did not feel crowded. A food area offered good, relatively...
Yasukuni Shrine

4.0

1631 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Kudankita 3-1-1

This shrine located in Kudankita of Chiyoda City mainly enshrines soldiers and civilians related to the military who died in service of the country. From patriots at the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration to soldiers that died in combat during the Pacific War, Yasukuni enshrines over 2,466,000 spirits without distinction as to social status, merits or gender. About 400 cherry trees have been planted on the premises, making it a famous spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Interesting place despite its controversial aspects it is beautiful and serene and presented a perspective that is interesting
Fushimi Inari Taisha

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Fushimi-ku Fukakusa Yabunouchi cho 68

This shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, is the head of all Inari Shrines in Japan, which total to around 30,000 shrines. The shrine is particularly famous for its vermillion lacquered Torii gate tunnels, as well as to parishioners visiting the god for business, harvest, and fortune. Many of the buildings on the grounds are also painted with brilliant vermillion lacquer including the front shrine, main shrine, and tower gate, which has been designated an Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The torii gate corridor, said to consist of several thousand to 10,000 torii gates, twists and turns making it quite the spectacle. Beyond that is the rear shrine as well as the entrance to Mt. Inari-san which is dotted with countless small burial mounds. It is one of the most famous spots in the Kansai region to visit for the annual New Year Shrine Visit and draws huge numbers of visitors every year.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine

4.5

1778 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Kasuganochou 160

This is a Shinto shrine located in Nara City. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the grand head shrine of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines nationwide. The origins to the shrine lie in the early days of the Nara period, when Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto from Kashima-jingu Shrine was enshrined at Mt. Mikasa. The main shrine of the Kasuga structure which is a National Treasure has four buildings lined up, and in addition to the majestic and splendid south Gate and middle gate, there are many things such as fine and industrial art objects which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The Bantoro Festival (Lantern Festival) event is held on the day of Setsubun (Bean throwing night) and on the 14th and 15th of August when around 3,000 stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are lit with fire, and many worshipers come to look at this magical sight.

The local bus can bring you right to the shrine. The bus is a lot like a trolly and there are two companies. One is 220 yen per ride the other is 100 yen per ride. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a walk...
Asakusa Shrine

4.5

1344 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Taitou-ku Asakusa 2-3-1

This shrine is located next to the main hall of Senso-ji. Since it primarily enshrines the three deities Hinokuma-hamanari-no-mikoto, Hinokuma-takenari-no-mikoto, and Hajin-matsuchi-no-mikoto, it is referred to as “Sanja Gongen Shrine” and “Sanja Sama.” The hall of worship, the hall of offerings and the inner sanctuary of the current shrine, completed in 1649, have all been designated by the Japanese government as Important Cultural Properties. The Sanja Matsuri held regularly every year on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May is famous for its dynamic mikoshi (portable shrine) and long procession of people.

The area around the shrine is filled with shops and food in a market like setting. It was fun to wander around. It was very crowded and hard to navigate. It was raining and everyone had an umbrella...
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

4.0

1615 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yukinoshita 2-1-31

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was called the guardian deity of the samurai of Kamakura. The story of the shrine began when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi transferred the division of the kami (deity) from Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto, where he prayed for good fortune in warfare, to Yuigahama and re-enshrined Hachiman kami as the clan deity of the Minamoto clan after the Oshu region was pacified. Later, when Minamoto no Yoritomo entered Kamakura under the banner of reviving the Minamoto clan, the shrine was moved to its current location, and was later reorganized into two shrines, the upper and lower shrines, befitting the Kamakura shogunate's sosha (headquarters). The shrine is still popular today as a shrine associated with the samurai Genji clan and Minamoto no Yoritomo, and is sometimes counted as one of the three major Hachiman shrines. Yabusame (traditional horseback archery) ritual is held every year in spring and fall, performed by the samurai archer dressed in traditional hunting costumes from the Kamakura period. It is spectacular.

Huge compound surrounded by a few gardens, long flight of stairs to the top but cant go into the temple itself so its just walking around on the outside. Theres also a Maruyama Inari Shrine...
Kushida-jinja Shrine

4.0

1639 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Kamikawabatamachi 1-41

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu (left shrine), Ohatanushi (central shrine), and Susanoo (right shrine); and the oldest patron shrine of Hakata. Famous for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held in July, the stunning yamakasa floats used in the festival are on permanent display on the shrine’s grounds. The waters of the Well of the Crane of the Miraculous Spring which well up from beneath the main shrine building are said to grant health and long life and are quite the attraction for tourists and locals alike.

This is an interesting one right between commercial and residential blocks. Small compound with enough things to see while taking a break from the walking.
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

4.5

1037 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Shimogamoizumigawachou 59

Formally titled the Kamomioya Shrine, this historic Shinto shrine is one of Kyoto’s oldest. The entire grounds of the shrine are registered as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage listing. Dedicated to the guardian deity of Kyoto as well as the guardian deity of woman’s duties, since ancient times the shrine has been seen as providing divine aid in receiving guidance, achieving victory, and starting new projects. The grounds are also dotted with women-oriented shrines and sites, such as the Aioi-sha, a shrine dedicated to luck in marriage, and Kawai Shrine, a guardian shrine for women.

We walked from Kawaramachi to Shimojima Jinja. It was busy because it was New Years Day so everyone was buying amulets and fortunes. At this shrine, you can pay your respects to your zodiac sign...
Hokkaido Shrine

4.0

1199 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyagaoka 474

Hokkaido Shrine is located about 15 minutes’ walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Line. It was erected to worship the three deities of reclamation: Okunitama no kami, the deity of reclamation and development, Onamuchi no kami, and Sukunabikona no kami. In 1955, the Meiji Emperor, who adopted Western culture and built the foundations of Japan, was newly enshrined. Hokkaido Shrine is also known as a famous place for cherry blossoms in the spring and is popular among the local people.

Nestled in the Maruyama park and not far from the city zoo, this shrine was beautiful in the spring when the sakura was blooming. It took about 30 minutes to visit the main hall, write the wish on a...
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)

4.5

869 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Sumiyoshi-ku Sumiyoshi 2-9-89

Known affectionately as “Sumiyossan,” the Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a Shinto Shrine located in the Sumiyoshi Ward of Osaka City, in Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, of which there are around 2,300 in total. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most popular shrines in the Kinki region for the Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine in the New Year), and it is thronged with worshippers every January. The founding of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”), which notes that the Empress Jingu ordered the construction of the shrine to worship Sumiyoshi no Ohkami. Sumiyoshi no Ohkami (which is actually three Shinto deities in one) is renowned as the god of the sea and the god of exorcism. The four halls that make up the Hon-den (main hall) of the Sumiyoshi Taisha are built in the architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri; all four have been designated as National Treasures.

We visited this famous shrine by taking a local train from Osaka. The entrance to the shrine features a steeply curved bridge that spans a rushing creek. Inside there are interesting buildings to...
Kifune-jinja Shrine

4.5

710 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramakibunechou 180

This shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is the head shrine for the Kifune-Shrines in Japan which number almost 500 shrines. Long been known for the god of rain it has also gained faith from the chefs, cooking industry, and water industries of Japan. Therefore, unlike the regional name of Kibune, the name of the shrine is read as Kifune. The middle shrine located between the main shrine and the rear shrine enshrines the goddess Iwanaga-hime, a goddess of marriage and matchmaking, and is therefore popular amongst young couples.

I hiked to Kifune across the mountain from Kurama, walking a beautiful and well-kept forest path. Many shinto shrines on the way, placed into power spots. The shrine is in a narrow valley, and...
Kirishima Shrine

4.0

976 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Kirishimataguchi 2608-5

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ninigi, a god who is part of the myth of the founding of Japan. The current main shrine building was erected in 1715, although the shrine is believed to have been founded around the sixth century on Setoo Hill between Mt. Takachihonomine and Mt. Hinotokomine. Buildings such as the main shrine and worship hall are designated Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is also famous for having been visited by Sakamoto Ryoma on his honeymoon. The grounds are renowned spot for viewing the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. A 10-minute bus ride from Kirishima-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.

The first historical reference to Kirishima shrine is in the year 540. It had a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.xa0There are many nice hot spring inns nearby, and it is a recommended sightseeing...
Hie Jinja Shrine

4.0

671 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Nagatachou 2-10-5

This shrine located in the Nagatacho district of Tokyo’s Chiyoda City is considered to have begun when Ota Dokan constructed the Edo Castle in 1478 and transferred the guardian deity of Kawagoe Hie Jinja Shrine. After that, it became the tutelary shrine of Edo Castle and the deity was revered as the guardian of the Imperial Palace. Since the current shaden (main building) has been reconstructed, there are 123 works of art on the ceiling of the haiden (worship hall) to commemorate the 50th anniversary since reconstruction. The Sanno torii gate built in the direction of Akasaka is also famous for its unusual shape. Every year in June the Sanno Festival is held which is one of the big three Edo festivals, and the approximately 300-meter long festival procession is quite a sight.

It was different to other temples and shrines (different colours), it´s beautiful and the torii gates path is also beautiful and great for pictures. Loved the monkey statues and it has an authentic...
Kamo-wake ikazuchi Jinja (Kamigamo-jinja Shrine)

4.5

615 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kamigamomotoyama 339

This shrine in Kita Ward, Kyoto City, enshrines the patron god of the Kamo clan. It is said the shrine was founded in 678 when the god Kamowakeikazuchi no Okami descended to the foot of Mt. Kamosan during the reign of Emperor Jimmu. The god is said to protect against misfortune, grant good fortune, victory in battle, and protect the power industry. The main hall and temporary shrine are both National Treasures and were last rebuilt in 1863 while the 34 worship halls rebuilt in 1628 are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. On May 15th they hold the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto's three largest festivals, and many people come to watch the procession which is put on in Heian-period costumes.

lovely buildings and gardens to walk around, history of these places is amazing. Very tranquil and so clean.
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

4.5

652 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan 1

One of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Unlike the other two, however, the origin of this shrine lies in a primeval faith which sees the Nachi Falls deep in the mountains as sacred. At the affiliated Hiro-jinja Shrine, the falls themselves are worshipped, and since ancient times this shrine has been visited by numerous faithful and other visitors asking for a long life. Visitors can drink the water at the falls’ basin from a platform directly in front of the falls; the water is said to give longevity. The shrine’s grounds contain six vermillion lacquered buildings such as the main nave, hall of worship, and treasure house, as well as numerous other points of note such as the Stone of the Yatagarasu (a mythical three-legged crow), and a massive 850-year-old tree planted by the noble Taira no Shigemori.

One of the most pictorial spots in Japan. Beautiful view. It is far to get here, but it is worth it. When the waterfall flows full capacity, it is very impressive.
Ikuta Shrine

4.0

831 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Shimoyamatedori 1-2-1

This is a shrine located in Kobe City. The shrine has a history of more than 1,800 years dating back to the time of Empress Jingu, and its founding is also noted in the “Nihon Shoki” (second oldest book of classical Japanese history). It is famous as a shrine which brings love to a happy conclusion, and is also famous for marriage and prayers for easy childbirth; the shrine is fondly known by the pet name of “Ikuta San”. The vermilion-lacquered columns of the tower gate and the main shrine are impressive, so the shrine is also popular as a ceremonial hall for Shinto weddings. Many worshipers visit throughout the year and flock to the temple for the first shrine visit of the New year.

If visiting Kobe for a day or more, dont miss the Ikuta Shrine. There were not many shrines in Kobe compared to other cities. Ikuta Shrine is beautiful with the vibrant red and white colors. The...
Meiji Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Shibuya-ku

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and its grounds consist of an inner and outer garden as well as the Meiji Kinenkan, which can be used as a venue for weddings and other ceremonies. A lush forest occupies the inner garden area; beloved as a rare green space in the heart of Tokyo, highlights include the magnificent Honden front shrine; wooden torii gate which is the largest in Japan; the Gyoen garden, which requires a small fee to enter but which is beautiful year-round; and the Kiyomasa Well (located in the Gyoen garden), from which samurai lord Kato Kiyomasa personally drew water. The outer garden is a Japanese-style garden which preserves how the area looked when it was still largely wilderness; highlights include a broadleaf tree-enshrouded walking path; South Pond on which bloom lotuses; and some 1,500 Japanese iris plants spanning 150 varieties which Emperor Meiji had planted for Empress Shoken - the best time to see the irises is from late May through mid-June. The outer garden spans Shinjuku Ward and Minato Ward and its facilities include the free Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, as well as tennis courts, a baseball stadium, and a variety of other sports facilities. In Fall 2019 as part of events commemorating the shrine's 100th anniversary, the Meiji Jingu Museum was opened to display treasures connected to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken which were formerly kept in the Meiji Jingu Homotsuden (Treasure Museum).
Mitsumine-jinja Shrine

4.5

437 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Chichibushi Mitsumine 298-1

Mitsumine-jinja Shrine (literally meaning “three peaks shrine”), so called by that name because of the three peaks of Mt. Kumotori, Mt. Shiraiwa and Mt. Myohogatake which can be seen overlooking the eastern side of the shrine are beautifully positioned in a line. The god worshipped at the shrine is in fact Gokenzoku, the wolf and so the shrine is affectionately known as the Oinusama, meaning “honorable wolf deity”. There is also Mitsumineyama Museum in the shrine’s precincts with exhibits and treasures relating to mountain worship and temple retreat on display.

秩父の山々、木々等の自然の息吹を感じることが出来る神社。日本に今も息づく『山岳信仰』を直に感じることが出来る。三峰山周辺は、現在は絶滅したとされている『ニホンオオカミ』の生息地の一つとして知られており、そのため狼が、神社の眷属として神社の各所で見ることが出来る。境内のほぼ全ての領域が杉の木で覆われており、まさに森の中を散策しているような感覚を覚えるが、少なくとも本殿のある領域は参道は整備されてい...
Kashima-jingu Shrine

4.5

355 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ibaraki Pref. Kashimashi Kyuchu 2306-1

Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this old shrine is said to have been constructed in 600BC, during the inaugural year of Emperor Jinmu. It is the oldest in the Kanto region and the head shrine of the approximately 600 Kashima Shrines across the country. The grounds feature a main hall, one of Japan’s Top 3 Tower Gates, pebbles, and a treasure hall with a straight sword designated as a National Treasure. The “Great Imperial Ofuna Festival” held once every 12 years is famous.

The shrine is considered as one of the three most important shrines in the Kanto area and is said to have been founded in the 6th century B.C.in the era of the legendary emperor Jimmu. The forest is...