Best Shrines Spot List

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity

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

The oldest shrine in Kyoto

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

An old shrine known as “Ebessan” to Osaka’s merchants

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

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

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.

A historical shrine with a solemn atmosphere built in Gongen-zukuri (style of Shinto architecture in which the main hall and worship hall share one roof). It is designated as National Important Cultural Property. Late April is the best period to see the Azaleas on the premises.

A spectacular hall of worship with 44 massive pillars

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.

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

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

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

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

This is a historical shrine established about 1,500 years ago. The gods for a good marriage match and family harmony are enshrined.

Famous for its deity of scholarship

Known as the shinto shrine related to Yoshida Shoin, a samurai clan member of the Choshu Domain who had enormous influence on the movement to topple the Edo Shogunate during the mid-19th century. Now deified, he has become popular as a god of academic success.