Shrines in Japan

Discover 46 shrines in Japan.

Matsumoto, Japan

Yohashira-jinja Shrine

This traditional Japanese shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities.

Matsumoto, Japan

Nawate Dori

This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.

Eye-Eating Demon of Inari Kio

Only recently added to the shrine, this googly-eyed snail demon of unknown origin is said to have eye-healing powers.

Yakuso-Jinshi - Hippocratic Shrine

An ancient Greek physician is honored as a god at this hole-in-the-wall shrine.

Oinusama

Rubbing salt on this small stone dog is said to make wishes come true.

Denden-gu

A small shrine dedicated to a god of lightning and electronics.

Horoku Inari Shrine

Losing lottery tickets are deposited at this shrine in hopes of better luck.

Tsuribune Shrine

At the "fishing boat shrine," an offering is said to help ward off fevers.

Yonezawa, Japan

The Fountain of Ideas

Ward off bad luck and fill your bottle with "the most watery water" at this little roadside shrine in Yonezawa.

Rokugeishin

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

Hatsukaichi, Japan

Kiezu-no-hi (The Eternal Flame)

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

Omirokusama Shrine

Plagued with warts? Leave a frog at this small shrine in the city of Tosa, and you may be cured.

'Imaginary Elephants'

These sculptures were created by a 17th-century artist who had never seen an elephant.

Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine

A shrine dedicated to the sacred white snakes of Iwakuni, whose albinism has been passed down for generations.

Senju Shrine Bomb Shelter

One of the few surviving World War II-era air-raid shelters in Tokyo.

Momotaro Shrine

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.