Best Shrines Spot List

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.

Atago Shrine is a scenically situated shrine perched 26 meters above sea level atop Mount Atago.

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

The head shrine of Oshu, boasting 1,200 years of history

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

The head Kumano shrine where various Kumano deities are worshiped

For those who want to succeed like Hideyoshi did

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

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

Here resides the god who watches over Kyoto's kitchens

A shrine for a popular matchmaking deity and associated with the puppet play “Sonezaki Shinju”

Yushima-tenjin enshrines Amenotajikarao-no-mikoto, the god of better fortune and sports, and Michizane Sugawara, the god of learning and study. A number of famed scholars and writers visit this shrine.

A sacred place connected to Hideyoshi

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

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

Famous as a spiritual site believed to bring good luck in marriage

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

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 centerpiece of the sacred Dewa Sanzan

A shrine built to represent the nation's wish for peace. Yushukan displays relics and wills, and it is worth visiting.