Shrines in Japan

Discover 61 shrines in Japan.

Kamakura, Japan

Seimei Stone

Associated with Japanese folklore's most eminent sorcerer, this slab of rock is said to be both a blessing and a curse.

Embracing Kangiten of Torimi Shrine

A rare public effigy of “the Embracing Kangiten,” the erotic Japanese equivalent of Hindu god Ganesha.

Kamakura, Japan

Prince Morinaga's Dungeon

The alleged site of the months-long imprisonment of a Japanese prince.

Kamiiso no Torii

A lone torii arch stands on a coastal rock where a deity is said to have landed.

Kenashi Pond

Haunted by a giant white snake, this pond is said to bring the rain and pubic hair.

Kamakura, Japan

Ryuko-Myojin Shrine

Once upon a time in Kamakura, a five-headed dragon fell in love with an Indian water goddess.

Myoken-ji

A relatively young Buddhist temple on hilltop, dedicated to a statue relocated from Mount Atago.

Kamakura, Japan

Hansobo Shrine

A mountaintop shrine-temple guarded by a horde of half-demon priests.

Hikō Jinja—Shrine of Flight

Hikō Jinja—Shrine of Flight

Dedicated to humankind's achievements in aviation, this Shintō shrine is notable for its Greek-style architecture and collection of aircrafts.

Mahō Jinja (Magical Shrine)

Mahō Jinja (Magical Shrine)

This unusual "magical shrine" honors a legendary raccoon-dog god that stowed away to Japan from some far-off land.

Yokohama, Japan

Ganki Inari

A narrow, dead-end alley hides with a small fox shrine and the untold history of Yokohama's historic red-light district.

Namazu-San, the Lucky Catfish

Namazu-San, the Lucky Catfish

Thanks to wordplay, the earthquake-causing catfish monster has become a god of confidence at this shrine.

Takagi Shrine

Takagi Shrine

Rice balls symbolize fate and relationship at this adorable shrine, which was once dedicated to the Buddhist Devil.

Honeybee Drinking Fountain

Every summer, this shrine sets up a tiny drinking fountain reserved for thirsty apians.

Hōdō Inari Shrine

A lonely chimpanzee lures you into a narrow alley leading to this hidden shrine.

Takao Inari Shrine

A unique shrine dedicated to the deified skull of a 17th-century Tokyo courtesan.