Best Shrines Spot List

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

Encounter a god of matchmaking in a busy district

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

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

Founded in 1895 for the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital city to the Heian-kyo, the shrine reproduces the Imperial Palace of the Heian-kyo. It enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei.

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 of Japan’s Kumano shrines—famous for matchmaking

Famous since the Edo period (1603–1868) for its god of business prosperity. Site of the largest Tori no Ichi open-air market in Japan.

The gateway to Mt. Fuji, this shrine lets you purify body and mind in an atmosphere both solemn and cooling (you might even get a chance to see Shinto ceremonies like festivals, benedictions, or weddings!)

A famous shrine that plays a central role in the Gion Festival

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

The Hakone Shrine with its vermillion-lacquered torii (Shinto shrine archway) and its Japanese cedars is a shrine with a holy presence that tells you about history

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

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 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 source of worship to Nachi Falls

Mitsumine Jinja, or Mitsumime Shrine, which is located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It enshrines various gods in the fullness of nature.

The centerpiece of the sacred Dewa Sanzan

A shrine where the god for safe sea travel is enshrined has been respected by people. Many important cultural properties of the ward are preserved in the shrine ground.

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.