Best Shrines around Kansai Spot List

The head shrine of all the Inari-jinja shrines across Japan. Its approximately 1,000 photogenic torii gates (an archway to a Shinto shrine) attract many visitors.

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

The homeland of a goddess at Ise Grand Shrine, located in the old Tango Province

The main shrine hall is a national treasure with droves of people lining up for the New Year’s shrine visit at “Sumiyossan”

Famous for its deity of scholarship

Known for its relation to the Fujiwara clan, this shrine boasts spectacular views of autumn foliage

The source of worship to Nachi Falls

The traditional god of learning

The mystical, large torii (gateway) that appears as if it’s floating on the lake’s surface is a must-see

The head shrine of all Gion satellite shrines throughout Japan. Local residents call the shrine ”Gion-san.”

Here resides the god who watches over Kyoto's kitchens

The head of Japan’s Kumano shrines—famous for matchmaking

Famous for its cherry blossoms and being one of Kyoto’s three Kumano Shrines

Where the guardian buck and doe are enshrined

This lushly green shrine faces Midosuji boulevard and is more than 1600 years old

A guardian deity of water with miraculous virtue worshipped since ancient times. The shrine has been worshipped for better luck marriage by countless people through the ages, including nobles.

The head shrine of all the Tenman-gu shrines in Japan, affectionally called ”Kitano no Tenjin-san.” The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.

The head shrine of all the Kasuga-jinja shrines all over Japan, it is located on Mt. Mikasa, which has been treated as a sacred area since ancient times. In 2018, the shrine commemorated its 1,250th anniversary.

The head Kumano shrine where various Kumano deities are worshiped

A shrine to visit for breaking bad habits or starting good ones