Best Shrines around Kansai Spot List

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

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

Formerly Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, this shrine is located on the grounds where Kumano’s three deities descended

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.

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

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

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity

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

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.

The traditional god of learning

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 source of worship to Nachi Falls

A shrine affiliated with boars and protection for the lower body

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

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 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.

Dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami

This ancient temple contains the history of the Southern Dynasty

Here resides the god who watches over Kyoto's kitchens

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