Best Shrines around Kansai Spot List

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

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

Surrounded by the old-growth forest of Tadasu-no-Mori, the shrine has records that date back before Christ. It is also renowned as a spiritual place believed to bring good luck in romance.

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

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.

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.

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

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.

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

The inner sanctuary is the oldest example of Shinto architecture in Japan

The oldest shrine in Kyoto

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity

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

Renowned for its famous Somei spring water and bush clover flowers

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.

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

Having many children themselves, rabbits symbolize safe child-rearing here

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

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.

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