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

Akasaka Hikawajinja

4.0

155 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Minato-ku Akasaka 6-10-12

Small treasure in the heart of Akasaka. Well worth the small walk, especially in the early mornings. Highly recommended.
Yohashira-jinja Shrine

4.0

324 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Ote 3-3-20

This shrine located in the Ote district of Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City mainly enshrines four deities: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, and Amaterasu Omikami. It attracts fervent believers as the deity who connects wishes and makes all requests come true and is also popular as a “power spot” (a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy). Among the locals it is affectionately called Shinto-san. The Shinto Festival is a procession that is held every year from October 1st–3rd, and is a representative festival of Matsumoto bustling with yatai food stalls, exhibitions of butai-hoei floats and an offering of fireworks.

Yohashira is a lovely and peaceful spot and an active shrine. The grounds are small-ish but there are plantings and a few buildings. You can sit or wander. Local residents will come to make offerings...
Izusan-jinja Shrine

4.0

213 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Atamishi Izusan 708-1

A Shinto shrine located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture with a rich history. The location where famous shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako met and wed, the shrine is revered for providing aid in love and marriage. Visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of Atami and the blue ocean beyond from the shrine’s grounds. The main shrine is located up the mountain beyond the back of the inner sanctuary and can be reached by walking for approximately one hour along a mountain trail which passes by a worship space, Hakusan jinja Shrine, and Musubumyojin-honsha Shrine. Soto-jinja Shrine, dedicated to a hot spring god, is located at the bottom of an 800 step set of stairs leading away from the inner sanctuary. During the shrine’s festival held from April 14 to 15, many visitors come to watch a portable mikoshi shrine parade around the local area.

For those not up to the challenge of climbing 837 steps from the base at Hashiriyu, there is a bus from the station area, which takes only 10-12 minutes, and brings you to the Torii within 200-300...
Ise Jingu Geku

Travel / Tourism

Mie Pref. Iseshi Toyokawachou 279

This is one of Ise Jingu’s shogu and enshrines the deity Toyo’uke-no-Omikami, who provides companionship and sacred food to Amaterasu-Omikami. The official name is Toyo’ukedaijingu. Toyo’uke-no-Omikami is revered as the guardian deity of industry related to the necessities of life (food, clothing & shelter) as well as various other types of industry. In addition to the Shogu, the premises of which are covered in white gravel, is the Magatamaike Pond where there is a Kiyomori camphor tree related to Taira no Kiyomori and where Japanese iris and bloom, and the Mimaya where sacred horses were kept, as well as four betsugu (associated shrines). It is customary to worship here first before moving on to the Naiku. The closest train station is Iseshi Station.
Shizuoka Sengen-jinja Shrine

4.0

187 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Shizuokashi Aoi-ku Miyagasakichou 102-1

Shizuoka Sengen-jinja Shrine in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, is the collective name for three separate shrines, Kanbe-jinja Shrine, Sengen-jinja Shrine, and Otoshimioya-jinja Shrine. Main events are the February setsubun festival, a Shinto ritual which drives out evil spirits, which has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Shizuoka City, and the huge Hatsukaesai festival held in April. The shrine was known to be the local shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu and draws lots of tourists.

They have seven shrines together at the same place, and each shrines have their own powers. I thought it was so interesting. The location is also good, about twenty minute walk from Jr Shizuoka...
Tsubaki Grand Shrine

4.5

153 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Mie Pref. Suzukashi Yamamotochou 1871

A Shinto shrine; the inner sanctuary enshrines the shrine’s principal god, Sarutahiko Okami. Sarutahiko Okami is worshipped as a god of fortune who brings peace and happiness to all living creatures. He is also believed to provide such benefits as safe travels, luck in love, bountiful children and grandchildren, protection from evil, and better fortunes. A teahouse called the Suzumatsu-an can be found on the shrine grounds. The teahouse, together with a garden, was donated to the temple by Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic, in prayer for the further development and growth of the tea ceremony. The teahouse is open to the general public and is not dedicated to a specific tea ceremony school.

久しぶりの参拝です＾＾（前回の口コミが２０１８年だったので、５年ぶりか）家族が建設会社に勤めている関係で、建築の神様でもあるため、半年に一度、会社の幹部で御祈祷を受けているようです。そのためか、近年はあまり会社関係のトラブルがないように感じます。（会社のトップの意向で、ここ１０年ほどは、毎年参拝に行っているようです）今回は夫婦で訪れ、日ごろの御礼参りに伺いました。別宮（椿岸神社）は、夫婦神...
Karasumori-jinja Shrine

4.0

206 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Minato-ku Shimbashi 2-15-5

A Shinto shrine located a two-minute walk from Shimbashi Station in 2 Chome Shimbashi, Minato City, Tokyo. The shrine was originally built as an Inari shrine by Fujiwara no Hidesato in the Heian period (794-1185) after he was instructed to do so by a white fox who appeared in a dream to him. The shrine is dedicated to Uganomitama no Mikoto; Ninigi no Mikoto; and Amenouzume no Mikoto, the goddess of performing arts. The shrine is said to answer prayers for those seeking victory, aid in the improvement of artistic abilities, grant prosperity in business, and promote peace and wellbeing in the home.

This is a small shrine near Shimbashi Station. Its funny to see a shrine nesting among tons of izakayas and bars. If youre in the area check it out.
Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine

4.0

243 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nakagyo-ku Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Shinkyogoku communication Nishikikoji

A Shinto shrine located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City dedicated to the Tenman-Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane). The shrine is located on the eastern edge of Nishiki Market, considered the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” and attracts worshipers seeking to be blessed by the god of wisdom, scholarship, and business acumen, as well as good luck, warding from evil, and prevention of disaster. There is a mikuji (fortune slip) vending machine called Karakuri mikuji in front of the shrine office – insert a coin and select the type of fortune you would like to receive and the lion-dog statue in the machine will dance to kagura music until your slip is issued. The shrine’s ground span some 660 square meters and contain a spring called the Nishiki no Mizu whose waters remain a cool 18 degrees Celsius even in the middle of summer; many visitors come here just to taste these famous Kyoto waters.

This small shrine in the shopping district of Kyoto is hard to miss if youre on the shopping trail. It is a very nicely maintained small shrine just of Shinkyogoku.
Miho-jinja Shrine

4.5

223 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Mihonosekichoumihonoseki 608

An ancient Shinto shrine located in mentioned in the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki,” a book documenting local customs and culture. The shrine is the head shrine of all shrines dedicated to Kotoshironushi (Ebisu). The main shrine building, a designated National Treasure, is built in the Miho-zukuri (hiyoku taisha-zukuri) style and consists of two halls joined together. The one on the left facing the building is dedicated to Kotoshironushi, while the one on the right is dedicated to his mother, Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers a variety of benefits, including not only prosperity in business but also large harvests, maritime safety, and luck in public performance. The shrine’s Aofushigaki Shinji ritual, held on April 7, and Morotebune Shinji ritual, held on December 3, are connected with the “kuni-yuzuri,” a legend relating the transfer of the rulership of Japan to the gods of Heaven, and during these times great numbers of people from around the country come to witness the events.

Authentic Japanese style shrine with interesting Japanese wooden architecture work. Ambience similar sacred. Very good Japnese snacks around the shrine. And very nice peer view too.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

4.0

176 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hyogo Pref. Koubeshi Chuou-ku Kitanochou 3-12

This is a shrine located in Kobe City. Sugawara Michizane known as the god of learning is enshrined here. The temple is positioned on a hill in Kitano, where the cultures of foreign countries remain; it was named “Tenku (roof of Heaven) shrine” as it commands a view of Kobe Kitano Ijinkan. In 1180 on the occasion of Taira no Kiyomori transferring the capital to Kobe, this temple was created on the transfer and enshrining of the capital’s guardian deity to Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The main shrine, front shrine and “Torii” (Shinto shrine archway) have all been designated as Important Traditional Buildings.

It is a shrine for those seeking academic success. Students sitting for examinations will come here to seek blessings. However, only a small space is designated for hanging the blessings...
Kehi-jingu Shrine

4.0

190 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukui Pref. Tsurugashi Akebonochou 11-68

Location of the scenic spots from “Narrow Road to the Interior”, Kehi-jingu Shrine is a shrine of Echizen serving the Hokuriku Road and is located in Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture. The primary god worshipped there is Izasawake-no-mikoto, who oversees food, and has long been worshipped as a god for protecting all of life (food, shelter, clothing), particularly in seafaring, and fishing. There are many sites to see, such as the large torii gate (Important Cultural Property), the “old man” Noh masks, Sarutahiko masks (both Cultural Properties) and the eucalyptus trees (Natural Monuments for Tsuruga City). Approximately 10 minutes via Tsuruga Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.

Kehi Shrine, which is the first shrine of Echizen (actual Fukui prefecture), is the main tourist attraction in Tsuruga. If you go to Tsuruga, you shouldn’t miss this shrine. The precinct is vast and...
Asuka-dera Temple

4.5

198 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Takaichigunasukamura Asuka 682

Japan’s first fully-fledged Buddhist temple, the Asuka-dera was completed in 596 by through the efforts of the samurai Soga no Umako, who promoted Buddhism in the nation. The temple’s principle object of worship, a bronze seated figure of Gautama Buddha popularly known as the “Asuka Great Buddha,” is Japan’s oldest Buddhist image and a designated Important Cultural Property. The Hana-eshiki Ceremony, which celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha, is also famous for having first been conducted in Japan here. The temple was once quite large, with a central tower, three-sided main temple building, and encircling galleries, but most of the temple buildings were lost in fire due in the Kamakura period due to lightning strikes. The current main temple building was reconstructed in the Edo period.

No need for me to emphasize “the oldest Budda statue” part of this temple. Some tips on driving there if you use Google map: This temple is in a small village and near quite large rice fields. While...
Shirayama Hime-jinja Shrine

4.5

138 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Hakusanshi Sannomiyamachi D 105-1

Shirayama Hime-jinja Shrine is located in Sannomiya Town, Hakusan City. It is the head shrine of Hakusan Shrine worshiping the sacred Mt. Hakusan as the objects enshrined and its establishment is said to date back to 91 BC. The homotsukan (treasure house) stores valuable Important Cultural Properties including a short sword named Yoshimitsu which is a National Treasure and can be seen for a fee.

This shrine was first built 1,300 years ago. Among many big tall trees, there were some zelkova (keyaki) that we were told were over 1,000 years old. It’s a very nice shrine, to be sure, and there...
Kamikura-jinja Shrine

4.5

212 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Kamikura 1-13-8

A Shinto shrine located in 1 Chome Kamikura, Shingu City. Situated on sacred ground where the god Kumano Omikami first descended to Earth. The Kodobiki Boulder, considered a sacred natural object and deity, is also located on the shrine grounds at the top of over 5000 natural stone steps. The Oto Matsuri, held each year on February 6, is an unusual festival in which white robed men carrying torches lit with a sacred flame run down a series of stone steps. The festival is designated an Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

The rock stairs were steep and somewhat challenging. Still, the walk was definitely worth it! The stairs were very steep for about 150-200m (~70m elevation gain), then started levelling off. A great...
Tanzan Jinja

4.5

166 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Tounomine 319

This Shinto shrine’s origin dates back to when statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari’s son, Fujiwara no Joe, had his father’s ashes moved here and built a 13-tier pagoda in 678. Prior to the official separation of Buddhism and Shintoism in the country, the shrine was a Buddhist temple called the Tonomine Temple. The pagoda, rebuilt in 1532 and a designated Important Cultural Property, is the only extant 13-tier pagoda in the world. Beyond the shrine stands a mountain said to be the location where Emperor Tenjin and Fujiwara no Kamatari discussed the Taika Reform. The mountain thus came to be called “Tanzan,” or the Mountain of Discussion, hence the shrine’s name. In the spring, a 600-year old usuzumi cherry tree and designated Natural Monument comes in to bloom, and the shrine is thus known as a beautiful site for cherry blossom viewing. In addition, in autumn, visitors can enjoy the shrine’s fall foliage when it is colored by over 3,000 maple trees.

I cannot understand why the Tanzan Jinja and pagoda are not covered by the Nara coach tours. We first saw the 13 storey pagoda mentioned in a JR magazine, but the Nara tourist office had no...
Kasama Inari Jinja

4.0

141 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ibaraki Pref. Kasamashi Kasama 1

Located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this shrine has long been the object of adoration for the god of rich harvest and mercantile success. Considered to be one of Japan’s Top Three Inari Shrines, it hosts 3.5 million visitors every year, and is one of the prefecture’s best spots for New Year’s worship. A number of religious ceremonies like yabusame and bugaku are performed during the “Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival” held in autumn.

I was here with a cruise ship shore excursion April 28. This wa a restful place to be after the crowds and noise of other venues during Golden Week, the time of the Emperor abdication/ coronation...
Tsukiji Namiyoke Jinja shrine

4.0

193 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chuou-ku Tsukiji 6-20-37

According to legend, long ago when the Tsukiji area was all ocean, efforts were being made to reclaim the land, but it was extremely difficult. Then, a sacred object shining with light was spotted floating on the ocean, and it was known that it was inhabited by the spirit of Inari Okami, the fox god. This Shinto shrine was built to house that sacred object, and after it was completed the construction work proceeded apace and the land was reclaimed from the sea. Today, it is said the shrine still provides protection from disasters and dangerous waves. The current main shrine building was the last to be constructed in eastern Japan in the pre-war period.

just steps away from the fish market is an island of peace. A nice little shrine. Local feel and is very quiet despite being so close to the market.
Hodosan-jinja Shrine

4.0

175 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Chichibugunnagatoromachi Nagatoro 1828

Hodosan-jinja Shrine with its soothing atmosphere is blessed by the gracefully shaped Mt. Hodo and the beauty of its four seasons. The shrine buildings include the Honden (main sanctuary), Heiden (hall of offerings), and Haiden (hall of worship), constructed in the Gongen-zukuri style. There are many wooden carvings, including the “Nijushiko,” on the transoms. The kami enshrined here with beautiful statues are virtuous ones offering protection against fire and theft.

. I visited here in order to see sakura flowers(Cherry blossoms).I visited here on April 16th 2019.Usually, people can see the flowers in the early April.There is a tourist information center beside...
Sasuke Inari Shrine

4.0

156 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sasuke 2-22-12

According to legend, prior to the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo, an Inari spirit (in the form of a white fox) appeared to Yoritomo in a dream and told him the best time to launch an attack on his enemies the Heike clan. Following this advice, Yoritomo succeeded in crushing the Heike and became the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. In gratitude, Yoritomo had the Sasuke Inari Shrine built. Due to the influence of this legend, worshipping at the Sasuke Inari Shrine is believed to be helpful for one’s work and future career prospects.

What stands out the most are the impressive red Tori gates leading up the the main temple. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the Fox (Inari) deity. The Inari deity is very much honored and...
Tamaki-jinja Shrine

4.5

115 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Yoshinoguntotsukawamura Tamaigawa 1

Tamaki-jinja Shrine is a miraculous shrine near the top of the 1,076 meter Mt. Tamaki at the southern end of the Omine Mountains. Legend says that the shrine was built in 37 B.C. in the era of Emperor Sujin in order to guard against fire at the imperial castle and to ward off evil spirits. The shrine is on the World Heritage Omine Okugake-michi (paths) and has prospered as a spiritual retreat for Buddhist Shugendo followers from Kumano and Omine for a very long time. In the grounds of the shrine are gigantic cedar trees including some cedar trees said to be 3,000 years old, and in 2004 the temple was designated a World Heritage Site under the name Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Its really a beautiful shrine to feel nature, culture and history. Dont forget to hike up to Tamaishisha. If sky is clear, you can see the ocean from the shrine and the top of Mt. Tamaki.