Best Shrines Spot List

This is an auspicious shrine because of the kanji characters that are used for writing its name Hodosan can also be read as ”climbing a mountain of treasures.” The deities who protect people from fire, thefts, and other disasters are enshrined there.

An old shrine that has continued to protect the northeast entry to Kyoto

This is a popular shrine for enmusubi-mairi, praying for a good marriage match. Weathered, miniature Shinto shrines on the shrine grounds invite your profound interest.

Dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami

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.

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.

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

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

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

The shrine to the north of the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose spirit is worshipped as a deity of marriage. A pair of guardian stones in the grounds known as ”Koi uranai-no-Ishi” dates back to the Jomon period.

This lushly green shrine faces Midosuji boulevard and is more than 1600 years old

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 significant cultural property with the feel of Edo/Tokyo. Richly decorated with gold foils, the magnificent main building also known as the ”shrine of gold” is astounding.

Famous for its deity of scholarship

Renowned for its famous Somei spring water and bush clover flowers

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

A well-known shrine for its Chichibu Night Festival. Chichibu shrine enshrines several gods and has a history of over 2,100 years.

Enshrines Japan's top Shinto deity