Shimogamo Shrine
Dating to the 6th century, this Kyoto shrine dedicated to Tamayori-hime and her father was worshipped as protection against misfortune and a guardian of the capital.
KyotoDating to the 6th century, this Kyoto shrine dedicated to Tamayori-hime and her father was worshipped as protection against misfortune and a guardian of the capital.
KyotoHie Shrine was established in 1335 near Toyama Castle and hosts the Sanno Festival in June, which attracts 200,000 visitors to the approach streets lined with food stalls.
ToyamaOne of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to the thunder deity and honored since 794 when Kyoto became the imperial capital.
KyotoFamed for its mossy gardens, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site, with origins as a Buddhist temple built in 717.
Katsuyama · FukuiThis 1,300-year-old shrine hosts a Snake Festival on May 5 with seven giant snakes exceeding 15 meters in length, a designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Oyama · TochigiA shrine devoted to the protection of sailors and sea transport, requiring a climb of 785 steps to the main shrine on Mount Zōzu.
Kotohira · KagawaA Shinto shrine in Fukuoka dating to the 8th century, renowned for hosting the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in July with decorated floats.
FukuokaA Shinto shrine in Matsuyama with roots in a visit by Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu to Dogo Onsen, enshrining multiple emperors as cultural treasures.
Matsuyama · EhimeOne of Japan's three most famous Inari shrines, dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, known for vermilion torii gates and statues.
Kashima · SagaYamaguchi shrine dedicated to Mōri Motonari, the Sengoku-period warlord who unified the Chūgoku region and established the powerful Mōri clan.
YamaguchiShinto shrine in Shizuoka City dedicated to Mount Fuji's guardian deity, revered as one of the region's most important sanctuaries.
ShizuokaRural Tono shrine associated with love and connection, where visitors tie wishes on red cloth strips using only their non-dominant hand.
Tono · IwateShinto shrine enshrining two deities of abundance and protection, with a documented history spanning more than 1,500 years.
Moka · TochigiOkutsuhime Shrine on remote Hegurajima island was founded by traditional female divers and preserves centuries of maritime worship traditions.
Wajima · IshikawaTakebe Shrine in Otsu enshrines Yamato Takeru and Onamuchi and served as the principal shrine of the ancient Ōmi Province.
Otsu · ShigaHie Shrine in Tokyo's Nagatachō district dates to the Kamakura period and served as guardian deity of Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace.
TokyoSasayama Shrine, dedicated to the god of martial arts and war, sits within Kurume Castle in Fukuoka with a main hall in traditional Edo period style.
FukuokaTaga Taisha enshrines Izanami and Izanagi and appears in Japan's oldest chronicles from 712 AD; its gardens are designated a nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty.
Taga · Shiga