Shrine Spots in Kanagawa Area

  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
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    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...

  • Samukawa-jinja Shrine
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    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
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    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...

  • Enoshima Shrine
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    4.0
    343 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2-3-8
    Located on Enoshima Island, Enoshima Shrine actually comprises three individual shrines dedicated to different aspects of the goddess Benten: the Okutsuno-miya dedicated to Takiri-bime-no-mikoto, the Nakatsuno-miya dedicated to Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto, and the Hetsuno-miya dedicated to Tagitsu-hime-no-mikoto. A statue of Benten with eight arms (which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture), and a statue of Benten with a Biwa lute, are on public display in the Hoan-den hall.

    Be prepared for a trek - this series of three shrines are located progressively higher and higher on the Enoshima Island hill. The seemingly endless climbing of stairs is worth it though! The shrines...

  • Hakone-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Motohakone 80-1
    Since ancient times, this shrine has been patronized by generations of military commanders who came to pray for the earnest realization of their wishes during battle. This shrine is said to be one of the best power spots in the Kanto region where one can “conquer a state when Hakone has your back”. The deity of love, Kuzuryu’s newly constructed shrine is also next to Hakone Shrine. Get off the Izu Hakone bus at “Moto-Hakone” or otherwise get off the Hakone Tosan bus at “Moto-Hakone Port” and the temple is a 10- minute walk away.

    In the site of Hakone Shrine, this small museum is located. The museum exhibits not so many items, but their treasures are quite interesting with historical value. Ancient documents, swords, paints...

  • Sasuke Inari Shrine
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    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...

  • Iseyama Kotai-jingu Shrine
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    4.0
    125 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Nishi-ku Miyazakichou 64
    This shrine in Nishi Ward, Yokohama City is also known as the Ise of Kanto. Many worshipers pay their respects here, especially for the first shrine visit of the New Year. In addition to the Shichigosan children's festival and wedding ceremonies, they hold about 30 events a year, including an end-of-winter Setsubun festival on February 3. They also burn used amulets and ritual items in a sacred Otakiage fire and purify used hinaningyo dolls and other items.

    i was in Yokohama,i didnt plan to go to this shrine in my trip, because it was rain the whole day,i find this shrine close to my hotel,then go for a walk it is bigger than i think,and have some...

  • Kamakura-gu Shrine
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    4.0
    111 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 154
    A Shinto shrine located in the Nikaido neighborhood of Kamakura. The shrine is also called Otonomiya (Great Tower) Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Prince Moriyoshi, son of Emperor Go-Daigo, who toppled the Kamakura shogunate and brought about the Kenmu Restoration. The shrine was founded in 1869 by Emperor Meiji. Protective lion mask charms are sold at the front shrine. These charms are derived from Prince Moriyoshi, who hid a lion mask charm inside his helmet when he went to battle to ensure his safety. There is also a dungeon behind the main shrine building where Prince Moriyoshi is believed to have been imprisoned for nine months. A 30-minute walk from the East Exit of Kamakura Station. There is also a bus bound for Kamakura-gu (Otonomiya) Shrine which leaves from the station.

    Kamakuragu is not the most famous and popular shrines for new year visit to pray in Kamakura; but it is good. Not too crowded; but they have all elements as a Kamakura shrine. It is sufficiently...

  • Hotoku Ninomiya Jinja
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    4.0
    122 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Odawara-shi Jonai 8-10 Odawara Joshi-koen Nai

    Very wonderful place and a peaceful setting , after visiting the castle we came here to enjoy the whole ambiance of this shrine after eating lunch

  • Egara Tenjin Shrine
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    4.0
    94 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 74
    Located in Nikaido, Kamakura City, Egara Tenjin Shrine enshrines the deity of learning Sugawara-no-Michizane, and along with Dazaifu-tenmangu Shrine and Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, it is counted as one of Japan’s three largest Tenjin shrines. The plum tree in front of the main building is known to be the earliest blooming plum tree in Kamakura, and one can see its red flowers in January when it is the season for Japanese students to take entrance exams. There is also the Kappa Fudezuka (Kappa brush monument) built as a memorial to the favorite paintbrush of manga artist Kon Shimizu, and behind that is the Efudezuka monument upon which 154 cartoonists including Ryuichi Yokoyama have added different pictures of kappa created in homage of Shimizu.

    日本国内のあちこちの神社で《筆塚》を見たことありましたが こちらの《絵筆塚》は 154枚の漫画キャラクターが描かれ チョットヒックリするような大きさです。一方《かっぱ筆塚》は 一般的な《筆塚》のイメーシなので 逆に見落とすかも知れません。 機会あれば 一度 10月に開催される《絵筆塚祭》を再訪したいものです。

  • Hetsumiya
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2-3-8
    Located on the grounds of Enoshima-jinja Shrine on the island of Enoshima, this palatial shrine was founded in 1206 by Minamoto no Sanetomo. Dedicated to Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto, the current Shinto-style hall was rebuilt after repairs were conducted in 1675 and 1976. Because the shrine is located on the lowest area of Enoshima, which has many hills and valleys, it is also the Lower Shrine.

    They way to the shrine, between the two archways, is a road flanked by tacky souvenir shops and food stalls. If you are more interested in the spiritual, then put your head down and press on.

  • Kuzuryu-jinja Hongu Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Motohakone In the forest of Hakone Kurotaku dragon
    A Shinto shrine located on the east bank of Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo County, Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to a dragon god believed to provide luck with money, business prosperity, and aid in love and marriage. The crimson lacquered inner sanctuary, surrounded by greenery near the lakeshore, exudes a solemn air, and in recent years it has become a popular destination as a mystical “power spot.” A small red torii gate stands in the lake nearby, and during the shrine festival held each month on the 13th, visitors can pay a small fee to ride a motorboat out and back to an adjoining jetty from Motohakone Port. There is also a walking trail which can be used to reach the jetty from Hakone-en in around 30 minutes.
  • Kanayama Shrine
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    4.0
    45 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Kawasaki-ku Daishiekimae 2-13-16
    This Shinto shrine is about a one-minute walk from Kawasaki-Daishi Station. One of the sanctuaries on the grounds of Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, it's known locally as Kanamara-sama. It honors the deities Kanayama-hiko and Kanayama-bime, who legend says cared for the goddess Izanami-no-Mikoto whose lower body was badly burned when she gave birth to a fire deity. As such, worshiping here is believed to ease childbirth and help heal afflictions of the lower body. Shrine festivals include the Suicho-no-Matsuri which recreates a historic drinking contest, the Fuigo Festival to pray for prosperity among blacksmiths and hardware merchants, and the annual Kanamara Festival, where patrons carry portable shrines in the shape of giant phalluses.

    This is not the first fertility shrine Ive visited in Japan. I like to seek out odd attractions and this one came up. I visited it while on my way to another temple. Its worth a quick 5 minutes...

  • Kainan Shrine
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    4.0
    40 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Miurashi Misaki 4-12-11
    This shrine is located in Misaki 4-chome , Miura City. In addition to enshrining Fujiwara-no-Sukemitsu, the ancestral founder of Miura, it venerates Senryu Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Miura. Every year on January 15th, they hold the sacred Chakkirako dance, registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    三崎のフィッシャリーナウォーフ「うらり」でのお買い物や食事の前後にオススメです。 三崎口駅へのバス通りと平行する参道に入るともう正面に見えていて、歩いて3分ほどの近さです。近づくとより社殿の朱が際立って見えます。立派な御神木も見事です。 御朱印は何種類かが正面右手の社務所で頂けますが、通常版だけは書き置きではなく持ち込んだ御朱印帳に直接記してくださいました。

  • Kano-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    45 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Yokosukashi Higashiuraga 2-21-25
    This shrine is located in Higashiuraga, Yokosuka City. This is the western shrine of the pair of twin Kano-jinja shrines that sandwich the Uraga harbor. Thought to be sites with spiritual energy, based on the name Kano, meaning 'possible'. Fortune in finding a partner is found by placing a bead from the west Kano shrine in an amulet case from the east Kano shrine. The two shrines are easily accessible using the Uraga no Watashi passenger ferry, which traverses the harbor.

    浦賀駅から徒歩20分ほど。 1181年に石清水八幡宮を勧請して創建。祭神は応神天皇。現社殿は1929年再建の木造銅板葺でその脇にある神輿蔵には立派な神輿が納められている。また拝殿左側の石段を220-230段ほど上ったところ(明神山山頂)には奥の院が鎮座している。

  • Gosho Jinja
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    3.5
    61 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Ashigarashimo-gun Yugawara Machi Miyashita 359-1

    湯河原屈指のパワースポットと聞き、 宿泊先からの通り沿いにあったので訪問 午前中だったので駐車できたものの、出る頃には、変な止め方している人も 止め方には注意を払わないと出れなくなりそう。 境内に七福神それぞれのお賽銭があるので、小銭は多めに 一柱、道路を渡った反対側にもおわしますので、道路の横断にはご注意を

  • Shirahata-jinja Shrine
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    3.5
    46 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Fujisawa 2-4-7
    A Shinto shrine located in Fujisawa, Kanagawa dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune is said to have been of surpassing abilities, and accordingly this shrine is believed to answer prayers related to martial arts, the performing arts, and scholarship. The Ushiwaka Festival is held at the shrine on May 5. Carp streamers are hung up in prayer for the healthy growth of children, and the shrine grounds bustle with children on the day of the festival.

    道路が交差している角に、鳥居が見えてきました。”白旗神社”の石碑が立っています。 周りは交通渋滞が起こりそうなにぎやかなところにあります。 この神社は”源義経”が祀られているそうです。 境内にはその義経と弁慶の銅像が建てられていました。その横には、”伝源義経首洗井戸”がありました。 奥州平泉で自害下義経の首が、この地に流れ着き、洗い清められ葬られたと伝えられたそうです。 本当! 本殿は石段...

  • Yasaka Shrine
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    3.5
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2-3-8

    江の島には多くの神社があり口コミ書くのも調べないといけません。上手く書けないので資料抜粋します「江島神社の境内社。腰越の小動神社に祀られていた社が大波で壊され、御窟の前の海中に沈んでいた御神体を漁師が拾い、ここへ祀ったといわれています。」滞在時間10分くらい。

  • Kibune-jinja Shrine
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    3.5
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Ashigarashimo-gun Manazurumachi Manazuru 1117
    Legend says about 1,200 years ago, a mysterious light appeared every night offshore of the Mitsuishi Rocks off Cape Manazuru, and a revelation was given in a dream to build the shrine. The deity was enshrined as the guardian of the village. The Kifune Matsuri, a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is held on July 27th and 28th.

    I highly recommend this hike as part of a trip to Kyoto. Its not too hard to get there (it took us an hour from our lodging in Kyoto to get to Kibune). I LOVE Kyoto but it is also a busy place. I...

  • Morooka Kumano Shrine
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    4.5
    19 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Morokachou 1137
    This shrine is located in Morookacho Town, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, and was founded in 724 by the sacred hermit, Zenju. Many of the worshippers come requesting victory, since the shrine crest is the same “Yatagarasu” found on Japan’s national soccer team uniform. “Soccer charms” are sold here as well. Additionally, there is a local museum which displays artifacts from the Jomon period unearthed from the mountain behind the shrine precinct.

    古い歴史のある神社で、熊野山の中腹に鎮座する、和歌山県熊野三社(本宮・那智・速玉)の祭神を祀っている。 「関東随一大霊験所」として知られ、関東地方における熊野信仰の根拠地として、横浜北部の総鎮守の宮となっている。 社紋が「八咫烏」(やたがらす)で、サッカー日本代表のエンブレムと同じことから、「サッカー神社」とも言われている。 この日もサッカー日本代表の必勝絵馬が飾られていました。 鳥居をくぐり、急...

Kanagawa Areas

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Kanagawa prefecture acts as an extension of the Tokyo metropolis that spills over into coastal towns, most notably Yokohama city, heavily populated and known for its Chinatown and seaside attractions. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyo’s most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town.

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