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

Hanazono Shinto Shrine

4.0

602 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 5-17-3

This shrine located in a corner of the downtown Shinjuku district of Tokyo’s Shinjuku City has enshrined the sochinju (local Shinto deity) of Shinjuku since before the Edo Shogunate. Because it was constructed on a beautiful hanazono (“flower garden”) when it was moved in the late 1700s, it was called the Hanazono Inari Jinja, which is the origin of the current shrine name. On the premises are the Itoku Inari Jinja Shrine which is for prayers about prosperity in business, conception of children, and marriage, and the Geino Asama Jinja Shrine which enshrines the deity of performing arts, and the shrine is visited by many worshippers that are women or performers. Every year on the Tori-no-Hi (Bird Day) in November, a Tori-no-Ichi (Bird Day Fair) is held, and this is the shrine’s biggest event that draws a crowd of visitors.

Beautiful and peaceful shrine in the middle of Shinjuku Tokyo where it can get very hectic and busy. Great place to meditate and reflect.
Ise Jingu Naiku

Travel / Tourism

Mie Pref. Iseshi Ujitachichou 1

This is the other one of Ise Jingu’s shogu, officially called Kotaijingu. It is considered to have begun when the imperial princess Yamato-hime-no-miya determined that Amaterasu Omikami would be enshrined on the banks of the Isuzugawa River. Crossing over the Ujibashi Bridge and proceeding along the long gravel path that approaches the shrine over which Japanese cedar trees tower, one will arrive at the o-seiden (main building), which is enclosed by multiple layers of fencing. The vast grounds include a kagura hall, betsugu (an associated shrine), and free rest areas for worshippers, and the entire area is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. Visitors can take a bus from Isuzugawa Station or Ujiyamada Station and get off at the Naiku-mae stop.
Osaka Temmangu Shrine

4.0

377 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 2-1-8

Nicknamed “Tenman no Tenjin-san,” this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship, and accordingly bustles with hordes of students during entrance examination season. Together with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo, the Tenjin Festival, held each year in July, is one of Japan’s three largest festivals. Throngs of tourists press close to watch the boats fireworks as well as the boats traveling to and fro on the river carrying sacred objects.

Osaka Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in the Kita ward of Osaka. It is one of the most popular shrines in Osaka and the site of Japans biggest festivals, Tenjin Matsuri which features a lively...
Naminoue-gu Shrine

4.0

784 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Wakasa 1-25-11

This temple located on a cliff edge above the waves has a long history. Naha Port was a base for trade with China, Southeast Asia, Korea and ancient Japan long ago, and it is said that shipping leaving the port would pray for a safe voyage, and shipping entering the port would give thanks for their safety. Various events such as the Shinkosai, Okinawan sumo tournaments, Ryukyu dancing and Enbu Taikai tournaments are held during and around the annual festival on May 17.

We visited on New Years Day. Arrived about 9am and not too crowded, but lines were long when we left. We walked from our hotel near Asahibashi station - about 10-15 minutes. Could buy amulets and...
Takachiho-jinja Shrine

4.0

474 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai 1037

The head shrine of the 88 Shrines of Takachiho Village, it is believed to have been erected around 1900 years ago. The shrine’s principle deities are Takachiho-sumegami and Jisshya-daimyojin and the shrine is believed to answer prayers in particular connected with the agricultural industry, the exorcism of evil, and luck in marriage and love. The shrine’s main building and guardian iron lion-dogs are designated Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is famous for the Yokagura, a ritual involving music and dance dedicated to the gods conducted from mid-November to early February the following year. The Takachiho Kagura, however, a similar dance conducted by performers wearing masks depicting the gods of Japanese myth, is held in the shrine’s kagura hall every night throughout the year at 8 pm; visitors can view this performance by paying a small fee.

This place is so peaceful, clam, shady and respectful. Japanese tradition architecture was show around this shrine.
Oyama-jinja Shrine

4.0

681 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Oyamamachi 11-1

You’ll find this shrine in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The founder of the Kaga Clan, Maeda Toshiie, and his lawful wife Matsu are enshrined here. It was constructed in 1873, before which time the spirits were enshrined together in Utasu Hachimangu (the present Utatsu Shrine) at the foot of the Mt. Utatsu. The three-level shrine gate was built in 1875 and combines Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles. It has been designated an Important Cultural Property. Vibrant glass fills the third level, giving it an otherworldly appearance when illuminated at night.

Within walkable distance from Omicho market. We walked from Omicho market via small backstreets, and entered Oyama Shrine via their side entrance. I like the pond in the shrine grounds... it gives...
Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Kamisha Honmiya

4.5

462 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Nakasu 1

Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Kamisha Honmiya, one of the oldest shrines in the country and the head shrine of over 10,000 Suwa shrines throughout Japan, has no main building, but only a “heihaiden” and a “katahaiden,” a unique style known as the Suwa style. Many precious buildings remain, and six of them are registered as Important Cultural Properties. In olden times, people worshiped at Suwa Myojin to pray to the guardian deities of wind, water, and the harvest, as well as brave men. Nowadays, it is believed to house the deity that guards life and livelihood. It’s about five minutes from the Suwa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.

Parts of the Suwa Taisha shrine complex date back to the 7th century and possibly earlier. The shrines honour the gods of agriculture, hunting, and fertility. There are many differing legends, myths...
Ueno Toshogu

4.0

529 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 9-88

This was established in 1627 to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it also enshrines Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Yoshinobu. The shrine is located within Ueno-onshi-koen Park and after undergoing major renovations in 1651, it escaped calamities such as wars and earthquakes that followed, and is an important spot to see authentic architecture from the Edo period. The heavily gilded and splendid main building is also known as the shrine of gold. There is a peony garden on the premises and the shrine’s “peony festival” that takes place in spring is well-known.

The shrine has been restored in the last 12 years, and what a wonderful job they have done. On approach to the shrine there are countless stone lanterns, and there are really good explanatory signs...
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa-jinja Shrine

4.5

447 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Saitamashi Omiya-ku Takahanachou 1-407

Founded over 2,400 years ago, Hikawa-jinja Shrine is famous for its “Hikawa Gagaku-kai,” which was organized in 1935. This society performs ancient court music known as gagaku at the shrine’s festivals. Although it is also held in the spring, the annual kangetsu (moon viewing) gagaku performance at the shrine’s music pavilion in the fall lets visitors enjoy a fantastic autumn evening with a performance that blends kagura and kangen dance.

境内の周囲は住宅地であるのに、境内は木々が生い茂っている自然豊かな神社です。武蔵国の中で最も格式の高い一宮の神社ですが、いわゆる高い格式に伴う排他的な雰囲気は無く、1時間もあれば全て周遊できる程度の境内の広さです。年末年始であれば初詣客で混雑しますが、それ以外の季節は特に神事を始めイベントでもない限り、休日でもそれほど混雑しておらず、ゆっくりと境内を散策することが出来ます。神社そのものは大宮駅...
Nanba Yasaka-jinja Shrine

4.0

280 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Motomachi 2-9-19

This historic shrine in Naniwa is a six-minute walk from Namba Station or a seven-minute walk from Daikokuchou Station. It was known as an old shrine even during the era of Emperor Go-Sanjou (who reigned 1068-1072). Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his wife Kushinadahime are enshrined here, protecting people from evil, helping businesses prosper, and aiding in happy marriages. Three large festivals happen every spring, summer and fall. The summer festival happens every 13th and 14th of July with various events being performed. Also, every third Sunday of January a Shinto rope pulling ceremony is held, which was designated as Osaka's first Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2001. There are also a variety of other shrines on the premises.

Compared to the other shrines this one is the most outstanding one! Definitely worth a visit. You can also collect a stamp here. The shrine is usually pretty busy with many tourists taking pictures.
Katori Jingu

4.5

324 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Katorishi Katori 1697-1

Katori Jingu shrine is located in the Katori district of Katori City. It is the Grand Head Shrine of all the Katori shrines in Japan, of which there are around 400. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of Futsunushi-no-okami, a deity who appears in the Japanese legend “Izumo no Kuniyuzuri.” The Main Hall and the Rou-mon (two-storied gate), which were built in 1700, have both been designated as national Important Cultural Properties.

Katori Jingu Shrine is amazing! I found out about this place through Katoris official English Facebook page, Little Edo Sawara. They talk about the history of the shrine and have amazing pictures...
Samukawa-jinja Shrine

4.0

267 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kouzagunsamukawamachi Miyayama 3916

This shrine in Miyayama, Samukawa Town, Koza County, Kanagawa Prefecture has a roughly 1,600 history. Called Sagaminokuni Ichinomiya, its guardian deity is the only in the nation to protect from calamity whatever direction it comes from. As such, historical figures like Minamoto no Yoritomo, Takeda Shingen, and members of the Tokugawa clan worshiped there. Many visitors come for a variety of annual festivals, including the Musayumi Festival on the 8th of the New Year, the Kokufu Festival on May 5, and the Hamaorikoshiki Festival on July 15.

I didn’t find this shrine worth going out of your way to see. I was finished in 10 minutes. Try Mishima or Hakone for a less right-wing oriented experience. To see the garden at the back, it seems...
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine

4.0

438 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sasuke 2-25-16

Popularly known as “Zeniarai Benzaiten,” the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is located in the Sasuke district of Kamakura City. According to legend, the shrine was founded when, in the evening of the Day of the Snake in the Month of the Snake in 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo was told in a dream that “If you pray to the Shinto deities and to the Buddha at this spring, peace will come to the land.” Subsequently, after the local ruler Hojo Tokiyori washed coins in the spring while praying for the prosperity of his clan, the belief spread that washing coins in the spring inside the cave would cause that money to increase. This practice is believed to be particularly effective if performed on the day of the temple festival dedicated to the goddess Benten, so the Shrine is usually thronged with worshippers on that day. The spring at the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is classed as one of the “Five Famous Springs of Kamakura.”

We actually found the place accidentally on our way back to the Kamakura station. It is really nice and something special made in a cave and with the water flowing from the stone down. The nicest...
Futarasan Jinja Shrine

4.0

584 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2307

This shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains and highest peaks of the Nikko mountain range. Besides the main shrine is Chugushi at the shore of Lake Chuzenji, a rear shrine that stands at the summit of Mt. Nantai, and associated shrines Hongu Jinja and Takio Jinja Shrine. The establishment of Futarasan Jinja Shrine is said to have begun in 762 when Shodo Shonin built a small shrine as a Hongu Jinja shrine. Now the shrine is popular for its associations with good luck and the god of marriage. 11 buildings of the shaden (main shrine area) including the honden (main shrine) with its “yatsumune” style of construction and haiden (hall of worship) with its gabled, hipped roof have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The lantern called “Bake-doro” in the shrine gardens is one highlight worth seeing.

世界遺産『日光の社寺』を構成する神社の一つ。山岳信仰の聖地の一つでもあり、日光三山を構成する『男体山』『女峰山』『太郎山』を御神体としている。一方で輪王寺には、これらの山を仏として見立てた仏像が三仏堂に安置されていることからも分かるように、日光の社寺と日光三山の関係性は切っても切れないことが分かる。二荒山神社の由来は諸説あり定かではない。一説には『男体山』と『女峰山』の二つの神が由来となっており...
Izumo Oyashiro(Izumo Taisha)

3.5

4 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 195

This is a shrine in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, enshrining the great Okuninushi, known as a god of marriage. It is also known by its official name Izumo Oyashiro. There are several legends about the foundation of the shrine including one that says it was built as a condition for Okuninushi transferring over the land of Japan. The main shrine is designated as a national treasure, and features Japan’s oldest shrine architectural style. It is rebuilt about every 60 years. The kagura hall is famous for the largest shimenawa (sacred rope) in Japan. The magnificent row of pine trees called “Pine Baba” is designated as one of Japan’s top 100 pine spots.

出雲大社にお越しされた天皇の勅使をお迎えする施設で、昭和8年に竣工した歴史ある建物です。正面に張り出した唐破風が堂々として風格があります。
Omiwa Shrine

4.5

337 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Miwa 1422

Omiwa Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the site has been sacred ground for some of the earliest religious practices. The Miwa Torii (shrine gate), the gate marking the transition from the profane to the sacred, and the worship hall have been designated as important cultural assets of the country. Although we know from records that the worship hall was founded in the Kamakura period, the shrine as we know it now was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth Tokugawa shogun. The enshrined deity is revered as a guardian deity of human life in the sense of building a nation. People are welcome to join the festivals held here throughout the year. Omiwa Shrine is approximately five minutes on foot from JR Miwa Station.

Omiwa Shrine is the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. Its wide precinct is filled with a majestic atmosphere. There is a hall of reverence, but there is no tangible body of god. Mt. Miwa, behind this...
Seimei-jinja Shrine

4.0

334 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku Horikawa Tsushin Ichijo Le Rui Mihacho 806

This is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a diviner active in the mid Heian period, built in 1007 by Emperor Ichijo in order to appease the diviner’s spirit. The shrine helps ward off evil and danger, and many visitors come to escape misfortune. The shrine has a distinct Onmyodo mystical atmosphere, from the pentagrams depicted on the tori gate, paper lanterns and votive pictures to the diviner stone statues.

Seimei Shrine is dedicated to Abeno Seimei, a famous diviner of Heian Time. He was also a specialist of astronomy. The place now the shrine is located used to be his residence. Now this shrine is...
Kibitsu-jinja Shrine

4.5

382 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Kibitsu 931

A Shinto shrine primarily dedicated to Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto, a prince who subjugated rebels and brought peace and order to this area as one of the four mighty Shido Shogun. Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto is also known as the model for the legend of Momotaro, one of Japan’s most popular folktales. The shrine is one of the largest in the old San’yodo area. The front shrine and main shrine, built in the hiyoku irimoya-zukuri style, are designated National Treasures, and were rebuilt in 1425 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Must-see highlights include the shrine’s roughly 400 meter long covered gallery, and the various flowers which grow on the grounds year round. The shrine is famous for the Narukama Shinji, a ritual in which the whistling of a steaming iron pot is used for fortune telling purposes. The nearest station is Kibitsu Station.

A hidden gem located in the middle of nowhere but definitely worth the visit. The shrine sits atop a hill that offers a great scenery. The temple complex includes a long corridor. The shrine can be...
Takeda-jinja Shrine

4.0

444 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Kofuchumachi 2611

Takeda Shingen, a pre-eminent daimyo from the Sengoku (warring states) period, is enshrined here as a deity. It is said that for those praying at this shrine, not only luck in competitive games can be attained, but you can also be rewarded with a stronger mind to better oneself. In addition, through its efforts to attain prosperity in agriculture, commerce, and industry, the enshrined deity draws many worshipers as the god of industry and economy. The sanctuary within the grounds of the shrine houses a host of treasures such as a Kamakura period sword, Yoshioka-ichimonji, designated a national important cultural property. The Tsutsujigasaki-yakata Ruins, a national historic monument of Japan, is the place where three generations of the Takeda family, Nobutora, Shingen, and Katsuyori, actually lived. Festivals are held throughout the year and attract many, many people.

This shrine is dedicated to Shingen Takeda who was a famous Samurai in the Sengoku period. He was so strong in wars that this shrine is known as giving luck to a battle. The precinct has wide space...
Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2301

A shrine located in Sannai, Nikko City. It was founded in 1617 as a shrine dedicated to the Tosho Daigongen (Tokugawa Ieyasu). There are many buildings including eight National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties in the shrine grounds as well as the beautifully adorned and richly colored carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys—Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru (see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil)—and the Nemuri-neko (sleepy cat) attributed to Hidari Jingoro. Nikko Toshogu is also registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.