JAPANESE SHRINE

Aichi Prefecture

Atsuta Shrine (Nagoya) is a particularly important Shinto Shrine with over 4,000 relics and National Treasures. Atsuta Shrine attracts over 9 million visitors a year

Chiba Prefecture

Katori Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Katori in Chiba Prefecture, which is not far from the urban area of Tokyo and about 15km from Narita Airport. Katori Shrine is the ichinomiya (highest ranking or head shrine) of the 400 Katori Shrines throughout Japan. Katori Shrine, said to have been established in 642BC, enshrines Futsunushi (swords and lightning). The Honden and Romon gate of Katori Shrine where both built in 1700 and are both designated Important Cultural Properties. Katori Shrine holds its Kachiya Festival on the 5th of May each year and on every 12th year it is a three day grand festival.

Fukuoka Prefecture

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine features some very beautiful Japanese gardens.

Kushida Shrine of Hakata (Fukuoka) is widely known as Okushida-san. Kushida Shrine of Hakata dates back to 757.

Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata (Fukuoka) is believed to be the first of the approximately 2000 Sumiyoshi Shrine throughout Japan.

Gifu Prefecture

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama is famous for its festival called Takayama Matsuri, which is held on the 9th and 10th of October every year and is one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan.

Hiroshima Prefecture

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Itsukushima Shrine was first constructed in the 6th century, but the current buildings date to the 12th century. Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its floating torii, Otorii, commonly referred to as Miyajima Torii, which appears to float on the water in bay in front of the shrine. Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the "Itsukushima Shinto Shrine" listing.

Kiyomori Shrine is built right down on the waters edge on a small island formed by the river on one side and the sea on the other. Kiyomori Shrine was built in 1954 to eulogize the achievement of the famous General Taira-no-kiyomori.

Senjokaku Shrine, also know as the The Hall of a Thousand Tatami Mats, is on the island of Miyajima. In 1587AD Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the warlord who unified Japan during this era, ordered the establishment of Senjokaku Shrine as a place where sutra-chanting would be held in honor of war casualties. While it is the biggest building in Miyajima, Senjokaku Shrine has never been finished with its construction halting on Hideyoshi Toyotomi's death, so it only has the floor space of 857 tatami mats.

Hokkaido Prefecture

Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto Shrine within Maruyama Park in Chuo (central) Sapporo. Hokkaido Shrine enshrines the soul of Emperor Meiji and a famous explorer of Hokkaido, Mamiya Rinzo. Hokkaido Shrine was constructed in 1871, but was initially given the name of Sapporo Shrine. In 1964 the soul of Emperor Meiji was enshrined and the building was renamed Hokkaido Shrine. In 1974 the building was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1978.

Hyogo Prefecture

Ikuta Shrine is the most popular shrine among Kobe People, where many people visit here for a New Year prayer. Ikuta Shrine is in Sannomiya.

Minatogawa Shrine was built in 1872 by the order of Meiji Emperor. Minatogawa Shrine Kobe enshrines Kusunoki Masashige who was a famous warlord in 14th century.

Ibaraki Prefecture

Tokiwa Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Mito Ibaraki Prefecture, next to Kairakuen. Tokiwa Jinja Shrine was established in 1868 to enshrine Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Tokugawa Nariaki.

Ishikawa Prefecture

Ishiura Shrine is believed to have been built in the 8th century, making it the oldest shrine in Kanazawa. Ishiura Shrine was relocated from Shimohonda-cho to its current site in 1880, where it is now surrounded by over 250 trees. In 1983 the Kanazawa City designated the shrine precint a Preserved Forest.

Kanazawa Shrine was established in 1794 by the order of Maeda Harunaga, a feudal lord of Kaga Clan. It worships Sugawara Michizane who was a scholar, poet and politician in the 9-10th century. Kanazawa Shrine is in Kanazawa .

Oyama Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine with distinctive main gate called the Shinmon (God Gate). This main gate was designed by Dutch and has a mix of Japanese, Chinese and European architectural elements and is designated as a National Important Cultural Asset. Oyama Shrine of Kanazawa also features a beautiful garden, with a round-the-pond style with an artificial island and bridge with images of old musical instruments. Oyama Jinja worships Maeda Toshiie.

Sugawara Shrine is in the Higashi Chaya Geisha district of Kanazawa.

Kagawa Prefecture

Konpira Shrine, also known as Kotohira-gu, is a Shinto Shrine half way up Mt Zozu, in the city of Kotohira Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Konpira Shrine is famous for the large number of steps on the way up to the shrine: 785 to the outer shrine and a total of 1,368 to the inner shrine. Konpira Shrine has several Important Cultural Properties including a Heian Period eleven faced Kannon Bosatsu statue and four artworks by Maruyama Okyo.

Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone Motomiya Shrine is part of the Hakone Shrine complex and is on the summit of Mt Komagatake.

Hakone Shrine is a very popular shrine in the Hakone region. Part of Hakone Shrine complex (Hakone Motomiya Shrine) is on the summit of Mt Komagatake and the other part is on the edge of Lake Ashi.

Tsurugaoka Shrine is the most significant shrine in Kamakura. Tsurugaoka Shrine is a shrine complex with many shrines on the one site.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is the most popular shrine in Kamakura and is famous for doubling the value of coins washing in its waters.

Kyoto Prefecture

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Kyoto) made famous in countless photographs and movies including Memoirs of a Geisha for the thousands of vermilion torii lining the paths to the shrine.

Hashihime Shrine, in Uji (Kyoto Prefecture) is closely related to Uji Bridge and "The Tales of Genji". Hashihime Shrine is dedicated to guardian angel of bridges Seoritsu-Hime and the god of navigation Sumiyoshi Myohin. There is a historic site within the shrine's garden which is mentioned in "The Tales of Genji". The current Hashihime Shrine building was built after the original was destroyed in a flood in 1870.

Heian Jingu is a Shinto Shrine in Kyoto. Heian Jingu is famous for having the largest torii in Japan and its beautiful Japanese garden which features a pond and stunning cherry blossom.

Hirano Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Kyoto which is famous for its gardens and trees. Hirano Shrine is a popular place to view cherry blossom in late March and early April. Hirano Shrine was established in 794AD by Emperor Kammu and has been the site of an annual cherry blossom festival since 985AD. Some of the buildings at Hirano Shrine date back to the 17th century.

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is one of the three government supported honoured shrines. Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Kyoto ) is a designated Important Cultural Property.

Jonangu Shrine is famous for its four gardens which represent four different styles from the four periods; Heian, Muromachi, Momoyama and Heisei. These Japanese gardens feature ponds, tea house, waterfall and a dry landscape style garden. Jonangu Shrine is in southern Kyoto.

Kamigamo Shrine part of a pair of shrines in Kyoto. The other part of the pair is Shimogamo Shrine. Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, the god of scholarship which gives it the popular name of Tenji-san. Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine, in Kyoto, is the head shrine for the Tenmangu Shrines in Japan. Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine is famous for its 2,000 plum blossom trees which attract large crowds in February.

Matsunoo-taisha Shrine was founded in 700AD making it one of the oldest shrines in the Kyoto region. Matsunoo-taisha Shrine is at the base of Mt Arashiyama where a natural spring brings water to the surface which is particularly important to the local sake and miso companies to the shrine to have their products blessed.

Nyakuoji Jinja Shrine is particularly popular in late autumn when the leaves of the surrounding trees have turned various shades of orange and red. Nyakuoji Jinja Shrine Kyoto is along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk.

Otoyo-jinja Shrine (Kyoto) is one of the shrines along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk. Otoyo-jinja Shrine is popular with Japanese who seek health, cure for illness, good fortune, long life and assistance with matchmaking.

Shimogamo Shrine is part of a pair of shrines in Kyoto. The other part of the pair isKamigamo Shrine. Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Toyokuni Shrine (also read as Hokoku Shrine) is the Shinto Shrine, in Kyoto, built to enshrine Toyotomi Hideyoshi after his death in 1599 and features the first tamaya (alter for ancestor worship). Toyokuni Shrine and specifically the alter were destroyed by the Tokugawa clan and the site closed in 1615 to stop any further worship of Hideyoshi. Toyokuni Shrine was restored in 1868. Toyokuni Shrine features the outstanding karamon gate, which is believed to have been moved from Fushimi Castle, and is a National Treasure. Toyokuni Shrine also possesses several Important Cultural Properties.

Ujigami jinja Shrine was originally built as a guardian shrine for the nearby Byodoin Temple. Ujigami jinja Shrine, in Uji, Kyoto, is believed to be the oldest shrine building in Japan, dating back to the 14th century. Ujigami jinja Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in the historic Gion district of Kyoto. Yasaka Shrine was established in 656AD and is famous for Gion Matsuri festival which takes there.

Mie Prefecture

Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto Shrine complex in Ise Mie Prefecture, which is considered to be Shinto's most important sites. The Ise Grand Shrine complex includes 123 shrines focused around two primary shrines; Naiku (The Inner Shrine Kotai Jingu) and Geku (The Outer Shrine or Toyouke Daijingu). Naiku is south of central Ise City in Uji-tachi and is dedicated to the worship of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu-omikami. Geku is 6km from Naiku and is dedicated to the worship of deity of agriculture and industry, Toyouke no omikami.

Miyagi Prefecture

Osaki Hachiman-gu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Aoba-ku Sendai. Date Masamune ordered the construction of the main shrine building (shaden), which was completed in 1607 and in 1952 it was designated a National Treasure. The shaden at Osaki Hachiman-gu Shrine is the oldest remaining example in Japan. The design features the main sanctuary (honden) and the worship hall (haiden) connected via passage way and all under the one roof.

Nagasaki Prefecture

Sanno Shrine in Nagasaki is famous for its one legged torii, which was created when the other leg was blown off during the nuclear blast. Sanno Shrine is only 900m from the atomic bombs hypocenter.

Nara Prefecture

Himurojinja Shrine is opposite Nara Park and is dedicated to the God of ice. During its Ice Dedication Festival, in May each year, a pole of ice which is packed with carp and breams is presented to the God.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan and is within Nara Park, Nara. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is the first branch of Usa Hachimangu Shrine (Usa-shi, Oita-ken), which was established in 749AD in order to protect Todaiji Temple. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine was separated from Todaiji Temple in Meiji Period due to the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1180. The current buildings were built in 1250. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine contains many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Rice Planting Festival is held in February every year. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is on the eastern side of Nara Park.

Wakamiya Shrine is a Subordinate shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and a complex of 12 small shrines. Wakamiya Shrine was established in 1135. The Main Hall, Oratory, Kaguraden (music hall) and Ablution Pavilion are designated as National Treasures. Wakamiya Shrine is famous for its On Matsuri (Festival of Japanese traditional music and dance) held in December every year. Wakamiya Shrine is in the south eastern section of Nara Park.

Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Okinawa Prefecture

Naminoue Shrine is a shinto shrine in Naha Okinawa. Naminoue Shrine was founded in 1890 on a site that had been sacred in the Ryukyan religion. Naminoue Shrine is set on top of bluff looking over the ocean and Naminoue Beach.

Seifa-utaki Shrine is the most sacred site in Okinawa and a World Heritage Site. Seifa-utaki Shrine consists of some striking natural rock formations including an arch formed between two massive rocks, caves and rock outcrops high above the sea. There were several buildings on the site, but these have been destroyed, now only rock path ways remain. Seifa-utaki Shrine was only used by the Ryukuan Royal families during their rein. Seifa-utaki Shrine is on the south eastern side of Okinawa Island.

Osaka Prefecture

Hokoku Shrine (Hokoku Jinja) is a Shinto Shrine in Osaka Castle Park. Hokoku Shrine is one of several Toyokuni shrines built in honor of shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Horikoshi Shrine was built by Shoutokutaishi when he built Shitennoji Temple around A.D 590. Horikoshi Shrine is found in Tennoji Osaka.

Ishikiri Shrine, in Eastern Osaka, was established in 658, (normally called Ishikiri Shrine) is well known to Osaka people as 'Ishikiri-san' or 'denbo no kamisan (god of curing lumps)'.

Katsuragi Shrine is near the top of Osaka's highest mountain, Mt Kongo. Katsuragi Shrine was established in 665AD by En-no-gyoja, who also established the nearby Temporinji Temple.

Kishiki Shrine, in Southern Osaka, is famous for Kishiwada Danjiri Festival 'The Fighting Festival' held in mid September, which involves up to 1,000 people pulling Danjiri (floats) up the steep slopes of the path to Kishiwada Castle at great speed. Kishiki Shrine was established in 1361.

Kureha Shrine, in Ikeda Osaka, was originally built in 77 then rebuilt in 1969. It enshrines Emperor Nintoku and Kurehatorinohime, who brought weaving skills from China.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine hosts Osaka's biggest festival Tenjin Matsuri, which is one of the greatest boat festivals in the world. This has made Osaka Tenmangu Shrine the most famous of the Tenjin shrines in Japan. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was established in 949AD under order of Emperor Murakami to enshrine the Sugawara no Michizane. The current buildings of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine date back to 1845, with the previous buildings being destroyed by fire.

Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is the most famous shrine in Osaka, and the headquarter of some 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is in Tennoji Osaka.

Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin) is a tranquil oasis among the noise of busy Umeda in central Osaka. Tsuyunoten Shrine was established in the 6th century.

Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Ikeda Osaka. Yasaka Shrine was established in 978AD and rebuilt in 1610. Yasaka Shrine is a designated Important Cultural Property.

Shiga Prefecture

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Otsu (Shiga Prefecture) near Kyoto. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine was established around the 8th century, however the original building were destroyed by Oda Nobunga in 1571 at the time he was destroying nearby Enryakuji Temple. The current buildings were built in the years following their destruction.

Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine is famous for its festival which is held annually around the 13-16th of April. The festival features brightly decorated floats and kabuki theater performed by boys under 12 years old. Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine is in the city of Nagahama in Shiga Prefecture (close to Kyoto).

Tenson Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in the city of Otsu, near Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture (close to Kyoto). Tenson Shrine was established in 782AD and later purified by Emperor Heizei in 806AD is most famous for its part in the Otsu Festival which is annually held around October 10th.

Tuskubusuma Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on Chikubushima Island in Lake Biwa Shiga Prefecture, near Kyoto. The Honden (Main Hall) was a special guesthouse in Fushimi Castle to invite the Emperor and was transferred to here in the 16th century. You can see the Azuchi-Momoyama Culture in this building and it is designated as a National Treasure.

Shimane Prefecture

Izumo Taisha Shrine, also known as Izumo Oyashiro, is considered to be one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan. Izumo Taisha Shrine is in Izumo of Shimane Prefecture, which is close to Matsue. Izumo Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the god Okuninushi which famous as the Shinto deity of marriage. In 1952 the main hall, Izumo Taisha, and its attached buildings were designated National Treasures of Japan. Izumo Taisha Shrine complex includes several other buildings that are designated Important Cultural Properties. The current Izumo Taisha (main hall) was built in 1744, which replaced the one built around 1200AD, which was smaller than the original Izumo Taisha. There is no known date of construction of the original main hall, but records from 950AD record its height as 48m.

Tochigi Prefecture

Futarasan Shrine is one of the most significant Shinto Shrines in Japan and dates back to 766AD. Futarasan Shrine in Nikko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" listing.

Toshogu Shrine is famous for the sculptures of the Three Wise Monkeys who 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' and its rare highly decorative gate. Toshogu Shrine, in Nikko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" listing.

Tokyo Prefecture

Asakusa jinja Shrine is a Shinto Shrine next to Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa District of Taito Ward of Tokyo. Asakusa jinja Shrine is dedicated to the three men who established Sensoji Temple. Asakusa jinja Shrine organises the largest festival in Tokyo, Sanja Matsuri, which attracts around 2 million spectators. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of May.

Chingodo Shrine is a Shinto Shrine next to Dempoin Temple's pond, in the Asakusa District of Taito Ward of Tokyo. Chingodo Shrine is dedicated to tanuki, the raccoon dog figure which is depicted in many traditional Japanese stories and myths.

Ebara Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Shinagawa Ward of Tokyo, that is said to have been established by the God of Water in 709AD. In 1062, Minamoto Yoritomo visited Ebara Shrine and prayed for a victory against Abe Clan. Since then Ebara Shrine has been the head shrine to protect Shinagawa. The object of enshrinement at Ebara Shrine is Ebisu (god of fishing).

Hanazono Shrine is a Shinto Shrine which is tightly surrounded by modern buildings in Shinjuku. Hanazono Shrine dates back to the middle of the 17th century.

Hie Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in the Nagatacho District of the Chiyoda Ward of central Tokyo. Hie Shrine is believed to have been established in 1478 by Ota Dokan. Hie Shrine was moved to within the grounds of Edo Castle by Tokugawa Ieyasu, however in 1604 his son Tokugawa Hidetada relocated it outside of the castle, so that the people of Edo could worship there. In 1657 the shaden was destroyed in the Great Fire of Meireki and in 1659 it was rebuilt on its current site by Tokugawa Ietsuna. The current structures date to 1958, when they were rebuilt following their destruction in the firebombing of 1945. Hie Shrine possesses a sword which is a National Treasure, plus 13 further swords and one naginata which are Important Cultural Assests.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a famous Shinto Shrine in the Koto Ward of Tokyo. Kameido Tenjin Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a deity of scholarship. Kameido Tenjin Shrine, established in 1662, is famous for it arched or "drum bridge" and its purple wisteria. Kameido Tenjin Shrine holds the "Fuji Matsuri" or Wisteria Festival in April each year.

Kanda Shrine, formally known as Kanda Myojin Shrine, is a Shinto Shrine that was established in 730AD. Kanda Shrine today is located in Chiyoda Ward of central Tokyo, however it was initially established not far away in the village of Shibasaki in what today is Otemachi District. Kanda Shrine was then moved to what was Kanda Ward in 1603 and then Akihabara in 1616. Kanda Shrine was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and was rebuilt in 1934 using concrete, which is basically the structure of today. Kanda Shrine became famous in the Edo Period when the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu regularly visited. Kanda Shrine hosts the Kanda Festival, which is one of the largest in Tokyo.

Katori Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Koto Ward of Tokyo, that was established in 665AD by Fujiwara Kamatari. There are around 400 Katori Shrines in Japan, mainly in Kanto, with the head Katori Shrine being in Chiba Prefecture. Katori Shrine holds the Katsuya Festival on 5th of May every year.

Kifune Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Ota Ward of Tokyo, that is said to have been established around 1266. The object of enshrinement at Kifune Shrine is Izanagi-no-ohkami (a male god who created Japan).

Koishikawa Shrine was separated from Ise Shrine on 7 March 1966. Koishikawa Shrine is in the central Tokyo ward of Bunkyo and it blends with tall buildings surrounding it. Koishikawa Shrine considers itself a Tokyo branch of Ise Shrine.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the most popular shines in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu Shrine is in the middle of large evergreen forest of 120,000 trees which is surprising given it is in Harajuku. Meiji Jingu Shrine was built to enshrine Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

Musashi Mitake Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on the top of a mountain in the city of Ome in Tokyo Prefecture. Musashi Mitake Shrine was established in 91BC by Emperor Sujin. In 736 Priest Gyoki presented the Zao-Gongen statue to the temple. In 1234 Musashi Mitake Shrine was restored and since then it has continued to expand its collection of tresures including the National Tresures: Akaito Odoshi Yoroi (Armour) � offered by Hatakeyama Shigetada in 1191 and Enmon Raden Kagamikura (Suit of harness) � made in 13th century, plus the Important Cultural Assests: Murasaki Susogono Yoroi (Armour) made in 13th century, Tokin Chofukurin Tachi (Sword) offered by Tokugawa Ieyasu (Shogun) in 1605 and Kuro Urushi Tachi (Sword) made in 1324.

Nagasaki Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Toshima Ward of Tokyo. The object of enshrinement at Nagasaki Shrine is Kushinada-hime (female god).

Nezu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Bunkyo Tokyo. According to legend Nezu Shrine was established over 1,900 years ago in Sendagi by Yamato Takeruno Mikoto. In 1705, the 5th shogun Tsunayoshi relocated it from Sendagi to its current site. Nezu Shrine has several parts which are designated Important Cultural Properties: Honden (main sanctuary), Romon (two story gate) and the lattice windowed wall (Sukibei). Nezu Shrine is also famous for the Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) which held within the grounds of the shrine during April and early May.

Oji Inari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the deity Inari, who is the patron of fertility, rice, agriculture and foxes. The Oji District in Kita Ward Tokyo, had been a major rice growing area for more than a thousand years. Oji Inari Shrine, which features a beautiful painted ceiling, dates back to Heian Period. The beautiful wooden shrine has a hand painted ceiling. The garden of Oji Inari Shrine once featured three waterfalls which are part of the famous Seven Falls of Oji as depicted by Hiroshige, however only a tiny artificial waterfall serves as a reminder.

Okunitama Shrine is a Shinto Shrine Fuchu City Tokyo. Okunitama Shrine, which is said to have been established in 111AD by Emperor Keiko, is considered to be one of the five major shrines in Tokyo. Okunitama Shrine complex includes seven sub shrines including: Matsuo, Tatsumi, Toshoguu, Sumiyoshi, Owashi, Miyanome and Inari, plus a sumo ring, a memorial for the Japanese-Russo War and gorgeous cherry blossom tree. Okunitama Shrine hosts one of the three oldest festivals in Kanto, the Kurayami matsuri or Darkness Festival between 30 April and 6th of May each year.

Shinagawa Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Shinagawa Ward of Tokyo, that was established by Minamoto Yoritomo in 1187. The object of enshrinement at Shinagawa Shrine is Daikokuten (god of food).

Togo Shrine is a Shinto Shrine built in 1940 to enshine Admiral Togo Heihachiro. Togo Shrine is in in Harajuku.

Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is the largest Hachiman (dedicated to the god of war who is also the protector of the Japanese people) Shinto Shrine in Tokyo. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine was established in 1627, however all the buildings were burnt down during fire bombing in 1945. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is also the origin of the sport of sumo, which was started in 1684. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is in the Fukagawa District of the Koto Ward.

Toshogu Shrine was built in 1617 is considered to be valuable for its historical architecture, Grand Oishi Torii Gate and bronze garden lanterns. Toshogu Shrine is open every day of the year. Toshogu Shrine is situated within Ueno Park Tokyo.

Yasukuni Shrine is a controversial shrine to Japan's war dead, housing the souls of some 2.5 million people killed in Japan's wars — including convicted war criminals executed by the Allies.  The Yasukuni Shrine is in Chiyoda ward Tokyo.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, also known as Yushima Tenjin Shrine, is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the god of wisdom, Michizane Sugawara. Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is in Bunkyo Ward Tokyo. The grounds of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine feature a Japanese plum tree garden where a plum tree festival is held annually from February to March. The closest station to Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is Yushima.

Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Shingu on coast line of Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is part of the three Kumano Shrines which are connected by the pilgrimage route "Kumano Sankeimichi". Kumano Hayatama Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Tanabe on coast line of Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hongu Taisha enshrines Kumano Gongen. Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is part of the three Kumano Shrines which are connected by the pilgrimage route "Kumano Sankeimichi". Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is a Shinto Shrine along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Nachikatuura Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is part of the three Kumano Shrines. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Niukanshofu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine first established in 816 and in Ito District of Wakayama Prefecture. Niukanshofu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Niutsuhime Shrine is a Shinto Shrine also known as Nibutsuhime Shrine, in Ito District of Wakayama Prefecture. Niutsuhime Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Yamagata Prefecture

Sukawa Onsen Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the God of Onsen. Sukawa Onsen Shrine, founded in 873AD, is in the famous onsen (hot spring) and ski resort town of Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture.

Yamanashi Prefecture

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine is Mt Fuji oldest shrine. Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine is near Kawaguchiko.

Fuji Sengen Shrine, formerly known as Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja, is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Mt Fuji, and historically the starting point for pilgrims climbing Mt Fuji. The main structure of Fuji Sengen Shrine was originally built in 788 and underwent reconstruction in the 17th century. The Fuji Sengen Shrine complex includes additional buildings: a shrine dedicated to Takeda Shingen (1521-1573), and a red torii gate at the entrance, which is taken down and rebuilt every "Fuji Year" (60 years).

Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine was bulit in 865 to enshrine the Konohana Sakuyahime goddess. Today the shrine is famous for the Chingono mai (the children dance) during the Magomi matsuri festival (April 25th). Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine is near Kawaguchiko.