Best Shrines Spot List

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

The head shrine of all the Tenman-gu shrines in Japan, affectionally called ”Kitano no Tenjin-san.” The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.

The traditional god of learning

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

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

An historic shrine favored as a place of rest and relaxation by locals

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

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

The head Kumano shrine where various Kumano deities are worshiped

Hie-jinja Shrine has a history of more than 600 years. The Sanno Festival, one of the three biggest Japanese festivals, is held in June.

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

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

Renowned for its famous Somei spring water and bush clover flowers

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.

The thatched Haiden hall is magnificent

The oldest shrine in Kyoto

A guardian shinto shrine in northern Shinagawa-shuku. Best known for its portable shrines during the annual Shinagawa Shrine Festival in June.

Hanazono-jinja Shrine in Shinjuku, loved by many as an urban oasis.

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