Best Shrines Spot List

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

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.

Boasts an amazing stage modeled after a lion mask

The centerpiece of the sacred Dewa Sanzan

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

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

This is a shrine founded on the vast premises surrounded by the mountains of Nikko. It is familiar to people as the god of luck and marital matchmaking.

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

Here resides the god who watches over Kyoto's kitchens

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

Where the guardian buck and doe are enshrined

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

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

Dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami

Famous for its cherry blossoms and being one of Kyoto’s three Kumano Shrines

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.

Famous for its deity of scholarship

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, founded during the mythical age. It is famous for its Aoi Festival (Kamo Festival) and is registered as a World Heritage Site.

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

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