Best Shrines around Kansai Spot List

A shrine to the south of the imperial palace for gods who offer directional protection

This ancient temple contains the history of the Southern Dynasty

The head Kumano shrine where various Kumano deities are worshiped

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity

Encounter a god of matchmaking in a busy district

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

The shrine to the north of the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose spirit is worshipped as a deity of marriage. A pair of guardian stones in the grounds known as ”Koi uranai-no-Ishi” dates back to the Jomon period.

Famous for its deity of scholarship

Famous for its strange festival, the Kurama Fire Festival

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

Pray for good health and matchmaking at this shrine built for subduing an epidemic

Kudo-no-kami, the god of the kitchen, is enshrined here

The traditional god of learning

A shrine famous for its ”Wedded Rocks”

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

The source of worship to Nachi Falls

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.

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 of Japan’s Kumano shrines—famous for matchmaking

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, founded during the mythical age. It is famous for its Aoi Festival (Kamo Festival) and is registered as a World Heritage Site.