Find a shrine for your trip

Biei, Hokkaido

Biei Shrine

美瑛神社

Highlights

Heart-shaped inome details · The town shrine precinct

Estimated visit

20–35 min

Ordinary worship and looking at the main precinct details; excludes the station walk, countryside travel and queues.

Getting there

Biei tourism gives about 30 minutes on foot from JR Biei Station; Hokkaido tourism gives about 5 minutes by car. Allow for snow and ice in winter.

Hakodate, Hokkaido

Hakodate Hachimangu

函館八幡宮

Highlights

Connected wooden shrine buildings from 1915 · Broad curved roofs · The wooded setting at Mount Hakodate’s foot

Estimated visit

25–40 min

Ordinary worship and main precinct buildings; excludes the tram-stop walk, Hekketsuhi monument, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Hakodate’s official tourism guide gives about 8 minutes on foot from Yachigashira tram stop. The approach is uphill; walking estimates from other sources differ by route.

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido Jingu

北海道神宮

Highlights

Wooded approaches beside Maruyama Park · The main shrine precinct · Seasonal cherry and plum blossoms

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship and a short precinct walk; excludes travel from the station, Maruyama Park, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Hokkaido tourism gives about 15 minutes on foot from Maruyama Koen subway station. Allow additional time for the precinct walk and winter footing.

Hirosaki, Aomori

Iwakiyama Shrine

岩木山神社

Highlights

Cedar-lined lower-shrine approach · Torii framing the mountain-side setting · Historic buildings, subject to repair restrictions

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Accessible lower-shrine approach and ordinary worship during repairs; excludes summit climbing, bus travel, restricted buildings, prayers and queues.

Getting there

Hirosaki tourism directs visitors from Hirosaki Station bus stand 6 to Iwakiyama Jinja-mae on Konan Bus’s Iwaki routes via Takaoka. Check the current timetable and return service; no fixed journey time is confirmed here.

Morioka, Iwate

Morioka Hachimangu

盛岡八幡宮

Highlights

The vermilion worship hall · Paulownia-flower carvings · Paired wooden dove figures

Estimated visit

25–45 min

Ordinary worship and a short main-precinct visit; excludes bus travel, festival viewing, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Tohoku tourism gives about 15 minutes by bus from JR Morioka Station. Check the current bus route and stop before travel; the quoted time is not a door-to-door guarantee.

Shiogama, Miyagi

Shiogama Shrine

鹽竈神社

Highlights

Separate Bettsugu and left/right sanctuary arrangements · Historic shrine buildings · Wooded Ichimoriyama grounds

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship and a short Shiogama precinct walk; excludes the station approach, museum, Shiwahiko visit, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The local tourism association gives about 15 minutes on foot from JR Hon-Shiogama Station. The shrine stands on a hill; route and ascent affect walking time. Check the official access guide before choosing an approach.

Haguro, Tsuruoka, Yamagata

Dewa Sanzan Shrine — Sanjingosaiden

出羽三山神社 三神合祭殿

Highlights

The thatched Sanjingosaiden hall · The summit’s religious landscape · The nearby Kagami-ike pond

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Worship and a short summit-precinct walk; excludes the 2,446 steps, the lower five-storied pagoda, Gassan/Yudono visits, transport and prayers.

Getting there

For a summit visit, check buses from JR Tsuruoka Station to Haguro Sancho. Haguro Zuishinmon is the lower approach for the 2,446-step walk, not the summit stop. Check seasonal timetables and road conditions.

Yonezawa, Yamagata

Uesugi Shrine

上杉神社

Highlights

Shrine buildings within the former castle grounds · The moat and bridges · Kenshin-related history

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short moat-side walk; excludes the Keishoden treasury, other museums, transport and queues.

Getting there

From JR Yonezawa Station, use a bus to Uesugi Jinja-mae (Uesugi Joshi-en), or allow around 10 minutes by car according to the shrine. Check the return bus timetable.

Aizumisato, Fukushima

Isasumi Shrine

伊佐須美神社

Highlights

The romon gate · The shrine precinct · Seasonal iris displays

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short precinct walk; excludes the treasury, seasonal iris events, formal prayers, transport and queues.

Getting there

The official site provides an access map for the Miyabayashi precinct in Aizumisato. Check local trains or buses from Aizuwakamatsu and the final walking approach before setting out.

Kashima, Ibaraki

Kashima Jingu

鹿島神宮

Highlights

Important Cultural Property gate and shrine buildings · Wooded path to the inner sanctuary · Mitarashi pond

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

The official FAQ gives about 7 minutes on foot from Kashima-Jingu Station. Highway buses from Tokyo take roughly two hours, depending on traffic; confirm the current stop and timetable.

Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko Futarasan Shrine (Main Shrine)

日光二荒山神社（本社）

Highlights

Main worship hall and mountain-worship setting · Traditions of praying for good relationships · Optional Shinen sacred garden (separate admission)

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Main-shrine worship and a short look around the Sannai precinct. Excludes the Shinen garden, Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu, Rinnoji, bus travel, formal prayers and goshuin queues; allow additional time for these.

Getting there

From JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station, take the World Heritage Tour bus to Taiyuin/Futarasanjinja-mae, around 15 minutes, then walk a short distance. Alternatively, take a bus toward Chuzenji Onsen to Nishisando-iriguchi, around 9 minutes, and walk about 10 minutes. The city tourism guide advises checking current bus routes.

Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko Toshogu

日光東照宮

Highlights

Yomeimon’s carvings and decoration · The three monkeys on the sacred stable · The sleeping cat and the stepped Okumiya approach

Estimated visit

90–150 min

Paid shrine circuit including main architectural sights and, if open, the Okumiya approach. Excludes station transport, ticket queues, the museum, Rinnoji, Futarasan Shrine and formal prayers.

Getting there

Nikko City Tourism Association lists a World Heritage Tour bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station to Omotesando, taking about 13 minutes. Allow additional walking from the stop and time for the stepped precinct. Check current bus operations.

Chichibu, Saitama

Mitsumine Shrine

三峯神社

Highlights

Three-part torii and wolf guardian tradition · Decorated shrine buildings · Mountain setting above Chichibu

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

The official access guide gives roughly 80–90 minutes by bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station. Check the bus operator’s current timetable and your return journey. Drivers use the Chichibu municipal Mitsumine car park.

Katori

Katori Jingu

香取神宮

Highlights

Main sanctuary and romon gate built in 1700 · Wooded approach · Kanameishi, a sacred stone linked with local legend

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Main precinct, ordinary worship and a short walk to Kanameishi. Excludes the treasure museum, local transport and queues.

Getting there

The official Chiba tourism guide gives about 30 minutes on foot from JR Katori Station, or about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Sawara Station. Check current bus services if using public transport from Sawara.

Taito, Tokyo

Asakusa Shrine

浅草神社

Highlights

Shrine buildings donated in 1649 · Sanja Festival heritage · Paired komainu associated with relationship prayers

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and shrine buildings; excludes Senso-ji, the Sanja Festival, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official guide gives a 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa or Tobu line, or 10 minutes from the Tsukuba Express station.

Minato, Tokyo

Atago Shrine (Tokyo)

愛宕神社（東京）

Highlights

Hilltop setting · Fire-protection tradition · Steps on the approach

Estimated visit

20–40 min

The approach and ordinary precinct visit, excluding formal prayers, queues and café time.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from Kamiyacho or Toranomon Hills Station, according to the official guide.

Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo

Fukutoku Shrine

福徳神社

Highlights

Red torii and shrine amid Nihonbashi’s buildings · Edo lottery and Mebuki Inari traditions

Estimated visit

10–25 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

About 1 minute from Mitsukoshimae Station exit A6. Shin-Nihombashi Station is another option. The official FAQ describes wheelchair/stroller facilities; check its separate access guide for your station route.

Chiyoda, Tokyo

Hie Shrine

日枝神社

Highlights

Sanno Inari torii approach · Hilltop precinct in Nagatacho · Treasure Hall with a separate visiting schedule

Estimated visit

20–40 min

A precinct visit, excluding the Treasure Hall, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official nearest-station list gives about 3 minutes from Akasaka exit 2 or Tameike-sanno exit 7. A separate route description gives about 5 minutes from Tameike-sanno exit 7, so allow extra walking time. These are station-to-shrine estimates, not the visit duration.

Koto, Tokyo

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

亀戸天神社

Highlights

Arched bridges across the Shinji-ike pond · Seasonal wisteria and plum blossoms · Tenjin worship associated with learning

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

About 15 minutes on foot from either JR Kameido Station north exit or Kinshicho Station north exit (JR/Metro Hanzomon Line).

Chiyoda, Tokyo

Kanda Myojin

神田明神

Highlights

Vermilion shrine buildings · Three kami with distinct prayer traditions · Kanda Matsuri heritage

Estimated visit

20–40 min

A precinct visit, excluding formal prayers, museums and queues.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from JR Ochanomizu's Hijiribashi exit, or 7 minutes from JR Akihabara's Electric Town exit. These official estimates are the station-to-shrine walk, not the time spent visiting.

Shibuya, Tokyo

Meiji Jingu

明治神宮

Highlights

Wooded approach · Shrine buildings · Poetry-based omikuji introduced by the shrine

Estimated visit

45–90 min

Main shrine and wooded approach; not the museum or Inner Garden.

Getting there

The south entrance serves Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) stations. Allow about 10 more minutes from the entrance to the main shrine buildings; this is not the station-to-shrine walking time.

Bunkyo, Tokyo

Nezu Shrine

根津神社

Highlights

Shrine buildings completed in 1706 · Otome Inari subsidiary shrine · Seasonal azaleas

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the precinct; excludes seasonal azalea-garden admission, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official guide gives a 5-minute walk from Nezu, Sendagi or Todaimae Station.

Minato, Tokyo

Shiba Daijingu

芝大神宮

Highlights

Ise-linked worship of Amaterasu and Toyouke · A compact stop near Daimon Station · History under the earlier name Shiba Shinmei-gu

Estimated visit

15–30 min

An ordinary visit and a short look around the precinct; excludes formal prayers, festival crowds and travel from the station.

Getting there

The official guide gives 1 minute on foot from Daimon Station exit A6, 5 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station north exit, or 5 minutes from Onarimon Station exit A2.

Chiyoda, Tokyo

Tokyo Daijingu

東京大神宮

Highlights

Prayers for relationships · Connection with Ise · Shinto wedding heritage

Estimated visit

20–40 min

A short shrine visit, excluding queues and formal prayer services.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from Iidabashi Station. The official routes use JR's west exit, Metro exit B2a (Yurakucho/Namboku lines), or exit A4 (Tozai/Oedo lines). This is the station-to-shrine walk, not total visit time.

Koto, Tokyo

Tomioka Hachimangu

富岡八幡宮

Highlights

The Yokozuna monument and sumo history · The statue of surveyor Ino Tadataka near the large torii · The traditions of the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and a short look around the main precinct and monuments where accessible; excludes station travel, neighbouring Fukagawa Fudo-do, museum visits, formal prayers, festival crowds and queues.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 3 minutes on foot from Monzen-nakacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, 6 minutes from the Toei Oedo Line station, or 15 minutes from JR Etchujima Station. Station approaches are separate from the precinct visit.

Taito, Tokyo

Ueno Toshogu

上野東照宮

Highlights

The gilded shrine exterior · Carvings on the Karamon and Sukibei · Stone and bronze lanterns

Estimated visit

25–50 min

Ordinary worship plus an optional paid walk around the shrine exterior; excludes the peony garden, museums, station walk and queues.

Getting there

The shrine gives 10 minutes on foot from JR Ueno Station’s Park Exit or Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, and 12 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station. It has no visitor car park.

Sumida, Tokyo

Ushijima Shrine

牛嶋神社

Highlights

Three-part Miwa torii · Stone nade-ushi ox associated with well-being prayers · Shrine architecture beside Sumida Park

Estimated visit

15–30 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

Sumida’s tourism association gives about 5 minutes on foot from Honjo-Azumabashi Station or 7 minutes from Tokyo Skytree Station. Allow separate time for the river crossing or tower visit.

Bunkyo, Tokyo

Yushima Tenmangu

湯島天満宮

Highlights

Tenjin prayer traditions for learning · Plum trees and ema prayer plaques · Cypress shrine building completed in 1995

Estimated visit

20–40 min

A precinct visit, excluding the Treasure Museum, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

From Yushima Station exit 3, the official guide offers a stair route and a route via Tenjin-shita intersection and the Kasuga-dori slope. The latter avoids stairs but still has an incline; allow extra time. Do not assume both routes take the same time.

Hakone, Kanagawa

Hakone Shrine

箱根神社

Highlights

The Heiwa no Torii beside Lake Ashi · Cedar-lined approach and shrine buildings · Kuzuryu Shrine’s Shingu beside the main shrine

Estimated visit

40–70 min

Main shrine worship, the wooded approach and a short lakeside-torii stop. Excludes bus travel, photo queues, the Treasure Hall, formal prayers, lake cruises, Kuzuryu Hongu and summit Mototsumiya.

Getting there

Take a bus toward Motohakone from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara and walk from Motohakone-ko; the shrine lists about 10 minutes from the port. The official guide warns that Hakone-jinja-iriguchi is skipped by some daytime services. Confirm your bus stop and current timetable; traffic can extend the journey.

Kamakura, Kanagawa

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

鶴岡八幡宮

Highlights

The main shrine above the stone staircase · The Maiden pavilion and broad approach · The Genpei ponds

Estimated visit

40–70 min

The main approach, ponds and ordinary worship at the main shrine. Excludes station travel, museums, seasonal gardens, formal prayers, queues and a wider Kamakura walk.

Getting there

The shrine’s official guide gives about 10 minutes on foot from the east exit of JR Kamakura Station or from Enoden Kamakura Station. Walking up through the precinct is additional.

Yahiko, Niigata

Yahiko Shrine

彌彦神社

Highlights

The wooded precinct and main shrine · The foot of Mount Yahiko

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship and the principal wooded precinct; excludes mountain climbing, ropeway, treasury visits, station walk and queues.

Getting there

The official access guide gives about 15 minutes on foot from JR Yahiko Station, around 1 km. The walk is additional to the precinct visit.

Hakui, Ishikawa

Keta Taisha

氣多大社

Highlights

Historic worship hall and shrine gate · Subsidiary shrines in the precinct · The edge of the protected sacred forest, viewed from permitted areas

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and the publicly accessible shrine precinct; excludes Hakui transport, forest entry, formal prayers, festivals and queues.

Getting there

Ishikawa tourism lists a Hokutetsu bus from Hakui Station to Ichinomiya, followed by about 5 minutes on foot. Check current services and your return bus. Long-distance rail examples on the shrine site include older routes; use current railway timetables.

Tsurugi area, Hakusan, Ishikawa

Shirayama Hime Shrine — Hongu

白山比咩神社 本宮

Highlights

Wooded main approach · Shrine buildings at the foot of Hakusan · Optional separate treasure museum

Estimated visit

40–60 min

The main approach, ordinary worship and a short Hongu precinct walk; excludes travel from Tsurugi, museum, summit ascent, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

From Kanazawa, travel via Nishi-Kanazawa/Shin-Nishi-Kanazawa to Tsurugi on the Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line. The shrine lists a further 30-minute walk or about 5 minutes by taxi from Tsurugi; check bus departures separately.

Tsuruga, Fukui

Kehi Jingu

氣比神宮

Highlights

Historic great torii · Traditions of longevity prayers · A precinct accessible from Tsuruga Station

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship from the great torii to the main buildings; excludes transport, city sightseeing, counter queues and formal prayers.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 15 minutes on foot from JR Tsuruga Station or roughly five minutes by bus to Kehi Jingu-mae. Check waiting times and services separately.

Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

新倉富士浅間神社

Highlights

Red torii and shrine precinct · Mount Fuji views when weather permits · Upper park's Chureito pagoda and viewing deck — extra climb

Estimated visit

15–30 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes transport, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and mountain hikes.

Getting there

Fujiyoshida's official tourism guide gives about 5 minutes on foot from Shimoyoshida Station to the shrine. The upper park viewpoint requires a further climb, including the 398-step Sakuya-hime staircase or a sloped route.

Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

北口本宮冨士浅間神社

Highlights

World Heritage component of the Fujisan cultural site · Cedar-lined path and large wooden torii · Important Cultural Property sanctuaries

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes transport, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and mountain hikes.

Getting there

From Fujisan Station, take a bus to Sengen-jinja-mae; the official tourism guide gives about 1 minute on foot from the stop. Check current bus services and the return journey.

Suwa, Nagano

Suwa Taisha — Kamisha Hongu

諏訪大社 上社本宮

Highlights

Onbashira pillars marking the shrine precinct · The covered Nunobashi approach · Historic halls and gates, subject to restoration restrictions

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk in accessible parts of Kamisha Hongu during restoration; excludes restricted areas, the other three sites, station travel, Treasure Hall, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Chino tourism lists about 45 minutes on foot from JR Chino Station. Check local transport or a taxi separately if that walk does not suit your itinerary; the shrine visit allowance excludes station travel.

Togakushi, Nagano

Togakushi Shrine — Chusha

戸隠神社 中社

Highlights

Old cedars around Chusha · The middle shrine precinct

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Chusha worship and a short look around its cedar trees; excludes the other four shrines, Okusha approach, exhibitions, transport and queues.

Getting there

Start from Nagano Station and check the current bus service for Togakushi Chusha. The official access guide distinguishes Chusha from the approximately 2 km walking approach to Okusha. Winter transport and parking differ.

Fujinomiya, Shizuoka

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

富士山本宮浅間大社

Highlights

World Heritage component of the Fujisan cultural site · Important Cultural Property main sanctuary · Wakutamaike spring pond, a Special Natural Monument

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes transport, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and mountain hikes.

Getting there

JNTO gives about 15 minutes on foot from Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line. Fujinomiya and Fujiyoshida are on different sides of Mount Fuji; add intercity transport when comparing their shrines.

Mishima, Shizuoka

Mishima Taisha

三嶋大社

Highlights

Carved wooden shrine halls · The sacred osmanthus tree · Precinct sites associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk around the main precinct; excludes station approaches, treasure museum, meals, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The shrine lists about 15 minutes on foot from JR Mishima Station, or 7 minutes from Mishima-Tamachi Station on the Izuhakone Railway. Allow additional time for the precinct walk.

Nagoya, Aichi

Atsuta Jingu

熱田神宮

Highlights

Wooded approach to the main shrine · Shinmei-style shrine architecture · Nobunaga’s wall

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Main shrine worship and a short precinct walk; excludes station approaches, museums, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Nagoya tourism lists about 3 minutes from Meitetsu Jingu-mae Station to the east gate, or 7 minutes from Atsuta Jingu Nishi subway station (exit 2) to the west gate. These are gate approaches; allow additional time inside.

Ise, Mie

Ise Jingu — Geku (Outer Shrine)

伊勢神宮 外宮（豊受大神宮）

Highlights

The forest approach to the main sanctuary · Toyouke’s food-offering tradition · Magatama Pond; the Sengukan museum is a separate visit

Estimated visit

30–60 min

The main precinct following the official 30- or 60-minute model courses. Excludes station travel, Naiku, the Sengukan museum, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Ise City Tourism Association lists about 5 minutes on foot from Iseshi Station or 7–12 minutes from Ujiyamada Station. Naiku requires a separate journey; check the current bus route rather than treating both shrines as one walkable precinct.

Ise, Mie

Ise Jingu — Naiku (Inner Shrine)

伊勢神宮 内宮（皇大神宮）

Highlights

Uji Bridge and its wooden torii · The Isuzu River and wooded approach · Worship at the main sanctuary

Estimated visit

60–90 min

Uji Bridge, the main sanctuary and selected precinct sights, following the official 60- or 90-minute model courses. Excludes buses, Geku, meals, shopping, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Ise City Tourism Association lists buses to Naiku-mae taking about 20 minutes from Iseshi or Ujiyamada Station, or about 6 minutes from Isuzugawa Station. The walk from Uji Bridge into the shrine is additional. Check current buses and allow for road congestion.

Otsu, Shiga

Hiyoshi Taisha

日吉大社

Highlights

National Treasure east and west sanctuaries · Distinctive Sanno torii · Woodland and streams at Mount Hiei’s foot

Estimated visit

40–60 min

A lower-precinct circuit around the east and west sanctuaries, allowing some margin over the official usual 40-minute visit; excludes the uphill inner shrines, station transfers and counter queues.

Getting there

The official access guide gives about 10 minutes on foot from Keihan Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station or 20 minutes from JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station.

Takashima, Shiga

Shirahige Shrine

白鬚神社

Highlights

Lake Biwa torii seen from the precinct · Designated main sanctuary · Lake views from the Aiko Shirahigedai platform

Estimated visit

15–30 min

Ordinary worship and a view of the lake torii from the precinct platform; excludes transport, prayers and counter queues, and does not involve crossing the highway.

Getting there

Shiga’s official tourism guide gives about five minutes by car from Omi-Takashima Station. Plan station transfers separately; do not assume roadside walking or crossing the highway is safe.

Taga, Shiga

Taga Taisha

多賀大社

Highlights

Main worship area at Otaga-san · Views of Taiko Bridge · Longevity and relationship prayer traditions

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and exterior views of the buildings and Taiko Bridge; excludes the Okushoin garden, exhibitions, shrine-town walks, transport and formal prayers.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 10 minutes on foot from Taga Taisha-mae Station on the Ohmi Railway. Check connections and waiting times separately when travelling from Hikone.

Fushimi, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

伏見稲荷大社

Highlights

Torii-lined paths · Sacred Inariyama · Fox messengers, not the deity itself

Estimated visit

45–90 min

Lower precinct and an initial section of the torii paths; not a full mountain circuit.

Getting there

JR Inari Station is next to the shrine; the official guide lists a 5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. From Keihan Fushimi-inari Station, walk about 5 minutes east. These are arrival directions, not time spent walking the mountain paths.

Fushimi, Kyoto

Gokonomiya Shrine

御香宮神社

Highlights

Colourful carvings on the sanctuary buildings · The front gate associated with Fushimi Castle · The Gokosui water tradition

Estimated visit

25–45 min

Ordinary worship and the main gate and precinct; excludes the stone garden, formal prayers, festival events, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Official access: about 4 minutes from Kintetsu Momoyama-goryomae and 6 minutes from Keihan Fushimi-momoyama. The Gokonomiya-mae bus stop is beside the shrine.

Sakyo, Kyoto

Heian Jingu

平安神宮

Highlights

Palace-inspired vermilion buildings · Okazaki location · Separate paid Shin-en garden

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary precinct worship and architecture; excludes Shin-en garden, formal prayers and queues. Allow additional time for the garden.

Getting there

The official guide gives a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station, exit 1, or 15 minutes from Sanjo or Jingu-marutamachi Station.

Yawata, Kyoto

Iwashimizu Hachimangu

石清水八幡宮

Highlights

The National Treasure sanctuary complex · Hachiman worship on Mt. Otokoyama · The wooded summit approach

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main summit precinct; excludes cable travel, the climb from the station, formal prayers, special tours and queues.

Getting there

From Keihan Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station, use the cable railway to Hachimangu-sanjo and walk about 5 minutes. Kyoto Prefecture tourism also gives about 30 minutes up the main approach on foot; check current cable operations.

Kita, Kyoto

Kamigamo Shrine

上賀茂神社

Highlights

Kamo Wakeikazuchi worship tradition · Historic shrine buildings · Northern Kyoto setting

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary precinct worship and walking; excludes special worship, formal prayers, bus travel and queues.

Getting there

City bus 4 from Kyoto Station or Demachiyanagi stops at Kamigamo-jinja-mae, beside the shrine. The official guide gives a 25-minute walk from either Kitaoji or Kitayama Station.

Sakyo, Kyoto

Kawai Shrine

河合神社

Subsidiary shrine within Shimogamo Shrine（sessha）

Highlights

Hand-mirror-shaped ema associated with beauty prayers · The subsidiary-shrine precinct within Shimogamo

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Kawai Shrine worship and a short look at the mirror-ema tradition. Excludes travel from the station, ema preparation or offering queues, Shimogamo’s main shrine, extended forest walks and special paid visits.

Getting there

Kyoto’s official tourism guide lists about 7 minutes on foot from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, or about 4 minutes from the Shinaoibashi city-bus stop. This is the Kawai Shrine visit, not the longer walk to Shimogamo’s main sanctuary.

Sakyo, Kyoto

Kifune Shrine

貴船神社

Highlights

Lantern-lined main-shrine stairs · Yui no Yashiro and its relationship tradition · The forest setting around the rear shrine

Estimated visit

60–90 min

Ordinary worship at the main, Yui and rear shrines, including walking between them; excludes travel to Kibune, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

From Eizan Railway Kibuneguchi Station, Kyoto tourism gives about 30 minutes on foot, or a bus to Kibune followed by about 5 minutes walking. Check current bus operations before travelling.

Kamigyo, Kyoto

Kitano Tenmangu

北野天満宮

Highlights

National Treasure shrine buildings · Seasonal plum and maple gardens · Learning and exam prayers

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Shrine buildings and grounds; seasonal gardens and museum visits need additional time.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station; city buses stop at Kitano Tenmangu-mae.

Ukyo, Kyoto

Kurumazaki Shrine

車折神社

Highlights

The subsidiary Geino Shrine · Red dedication plaques bearing performers’ names · A shrine beside the Randen railway

Estimated visit

25–45 min

Ordinary worship, Geino Shrine and the main dedication plaques; excludes formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Randen Kurumazaki-jinja Station and Kurumazaki-jinja-mae bus stop are about 1 minute away, according to Kyoto tourism.

Nishikyo, Kyoto

Matsunoo Taisha

松尾大社

Highlights

Brewing traditions associated with sake and other fermented products · Shofuen gardens by Mirei Shigemori, with separate admission · A shrine stop near Hankyu Matsunoo-taisha Station

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes paid gardens, statue hall, mountain paths, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Kyoto City tourism gives about 3 minutes on foot from Hankyu Matsunoo-taisha Station or the Matsunoo Taisha-mae bus stop.

Ukyo, Kyoto

Nonomiya Shrine

野宮神社

Highlights

Black torii made from unpeeled kunugi oak · Saiō and The Tale of Genji traditions · Nonomiya Daikokuten and the Kameishi prayer stone

Estimated visit

15–30 min

An ordinary visit inside the small precinct; excludes bamboo-area walking, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Kyoto’s official school-trip guide gives about 10 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama or Randen Arashiyama, and 3 minutes from the Nonomiya bus stop.

Sakyo, Kyoto

Shimogamo Shrine

下鴨神社

Highlights

Tadasu no Mori forest approach · Romon gate and the shrine precinct · Aioi-sha’s relationship-prayer tradition

Estimated visit

45–90 min

The forest approach and main shrine precinct, excluding a separate visit to Kawai Shrine, special paid visits, formal prayers and queues. When visiting both shrines, do not count shared approach walking twice.

Getting there

The official guide gives a walk of about 12 minutes from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station. City buses stop at Shimogamo-jinja-mae or Tadasu-no-mori-mae; check current routes before travel.

Higashiyama, Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine

八坂神社

Highlights

Gion Festival heritage · Main building dedicated to Susanoo and associated kami · Okuninushi-sha’s relationship-prayer tradition

Estimated visit

30–60 min

A precinct visit including a few subsidiary shrines, excluding formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from Keihan Gion-shijo Station or 8 minutes from Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, according to the official guide.

Sakyo, Kyoto

Yoshida Shrine

吉田神社

Highlights

The four main sanctuaries · Daigengu’s distinctive exterior · Subsidiary shrines linked to food and sweets

Estimated visit

35–60 min

Ordinary worship and selected nearby subsidiary precincts; excludes internal special openings, a full Yoshidayama walk, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Official access gives about 20 minutes on foot from Keihan Demachiyanagi or about 5 minutes from the Kyodai Seimon-mae city-bus stop.

Naniwa, Osaka

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

今宮戎神社

Highlights

Ebisu worship associated with Osaka commerce · The main sanctuary · A station-side shrine stop

Estimated visit

20–35 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes Toka Ebisu, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

The shrine is immediately east of Nankai Imamiyaebisu Station. Its official guide gives about 8 minutes from Daikokucho exit 3 or Ebisucho exit 5.

Naniwa, Osaka

Namba Yasaka Shrine

難波八阪神社

Highlights

The 12-metre-high lion stage · A short precinct visit near Namba · Susanoo worship in Motomachi

Estimated visit

15–30 min

Ordinary worship and a look at the lion stage; excludes formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Osaka tourism gives about 6 minutes on foot from Namba stations. Different railway exits lead to different routes; check the map for the Motomachi address.

Kita, Osaka

Osaka Tenmangu

大阪天満宮

Highlights

The main sanctuary rebuilt in 1843 · Tenjin learning traditions · An approach beside Tenjinbashisuji

Estimated visit

25–45 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes festivals, shopping, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

From Minamimorimachi exit 4 or JR Osaka Tenmangu exit 7, walk south along Tenjinbashisuji and turn left at the second crossing. Osaka tourism gives about 5 minutes from either station.

Sumiyoshi, Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha

住吉大社

Highlights

Four main sanctuaries in the Sumiyoshi-zukuri style · The arched Sorihashi bridge · A shrine approach served by both trains and trams

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and a look at the four main sanctuaries and main precinct; excludes extended subsidiary-shrine routes, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

Official access: about 3 minutes east from Nankai Sumiyoshi-taisha Station, 5 minutes west from Nankai Sumiyoshi-higashi, or immediately by Hankai’s Sumiyoshi-toriimae tram stop.

Chuo, Kobe

Ikuta Shrine

生田神社

Highlights

Vermilion gate and main worship area · Ikuta woodland behind the shrine · Relationship-prayer traditions

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk in Ikuta woodland; excludes transport, counter queues and formal prayers.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 10 minutes on foot north from JR Sannomiya or the private-railway Sannomiya stations, and about 20 minutes south from Shin-Kobe.

Chuo, Kobe

Minatogawa Shrine

湊川神社

Highlights

Main worship hall rebuilt in 1952 · Main gate and paved central approach · Places associated with Kusunoki Masashige

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes the treasure museum, formal prayers, transport and queues.

Getting there

About 3 minutes on foot from JR Kobe Station; the east exit of Kosoku Kobe Station leads close to the shrine. Okurayama subway station is about 5 minutes away.

Nishinomiya

Nishinomiya Shrine

西宮神社

Highlights

Red Gate (omote daimon) · Long earthen wall (oneribei) · Vermilion shrine buildings and Ebisu traditions

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship, the Red Gate and a short precinct walk; excludes exhibitions, transport and festival queues.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from the Ebisu exit of Hanshin Nishinomiya Station, or 10 minutes from JR Sakura Shukugawa Station. JR Nishinomiya is a different station.

Nara City

Himuro Shrine (Nara)

氷室神社

Highlights

A shrine tradition connected to stored ice · The precinct facing the Nara National Museum · Ice fortune slips, subject to current availability

Estimated visit

15–30 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes performances, formal prayers, queues and station travel.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 15 minutes east on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station. Buses stop at Himurojinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan-mae, beside the museum.

Kashihara, Nara

Kashihara Jingu

橿原神宮

Highlights

The spacious outer worship area · The setting below Mt. Unebi · The shrine approach from Kashiharajingu-mae

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Ordinary worship and the main open precinct; excludes inner formal worship, museum, extended forest walks, queues and station travel.

Getting there

About 10 minutes on foot from the central exit of Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, according to the official guide.

Nara City, Nara

Kasuga Taisha

春日大社

Highlights

Vermilion shrine buildings · Stone lanterns along the approach and hanging lanterns by the buildings · A choice between ordinary worship and paid special worship

Estimated visit

45–90 min

The main approach and ordinary main-shrine worship; excludes paid special worship, museum, garden, other temples, queues and travel from the station.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 25 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara. From JR or Kintetsu Nara, take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden; a different loop-bus stop, Kasuga Taisha Omotesando, requires a further 10-minute walk.

Miwa, Sakurai, Nara

Omiwa Shrine

大神神社

Highlights

Worship directed towards Mount Miwa · Important Cultural Property worship hall · Wooded approach and sake-brewing traditions

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes transport, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and mountain hikes.

Getting there

Nara Prefecture's travel guide gives about 5 minutes on foot from JR Miwa Station. The shrine announced the end of regular Sakurai–shrine bus services in March 2026; plan by rail and walking, checking any special-event buses separately.

Tenkawa, Nara

Tenkawa Daibenzaitensha

天河大辨財天社

Highlights

Benzaiten and performing-arts traditions · The distinctive Isuzu ritual bell · Shrine and village landscape

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes travel to the shrine, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and any mountain hike.

Getting there

From Shimoichiguchi Station, the shrine describes about one hour by bus towards Nakaiozumi to Tenkawa Daibenzaitensha, or a bus to Tenkawa Kawai followed by about 30 minutes on foot. Services are infrequent; check the return timetable.

Shingu

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

熊野速玉大社

Highlights

Vermilion shrine buildings · Sacred nagi tree · Shinpo-kan treasure museum, with additional visit time

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and a main-precinct walk. Excludes the treasure museum, Kamikura Shrine, travel and queues.

Getting there

About 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from JR Shingu Station, according to the shrine's official access guide.

Hongu, Tanabe

Kumano Hongu Taisha

熊野本宮大社

Highlights

Cypress-bark-roofed wooden sanctuaries · 158-step approach through trees · Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow of Kumano tradition

Estimated visit

30–60 min

The present main shrine and stair approach only. Add time for Oyunohara, exhibitions or any Kumano Kodo walk; transport and queues are excluded.

Getting there

Take a bus from JR Shingu or Kii-Tanabe Station to Hongu Taisha-mae, then walk to the shrine approach. The prefectural guide gives about 6 minutes from the stop. Check the current timetable and return service; this is not a short transfer from the railway.

Nachikatsuura, Wakayama

Kumano Nachi Taisha

熊野那智大社

Highlights

Vermilion halls in a mountain setting · Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow associated with guidance · The large camphor tree in the precinct

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Walking from Nachisan bus stop to the main shrine, worship and the return walk. Excludes the bus ride, Daimonzaka pilgrimage walk, formal prayers, paid facilities, Seigantoji and Nachi Falls.

Getting there

From JR Kii-Katsuura Station, take a Kumano Gobo Nankai bus to Nachisan, about 30 minutes according to the official guide, then walk uphill to the shrine. The usual approach has stone steps. The official FAQ describes a parking-and-lift route for wheelchair users at the main shrine; confirm arrangements before travel.

Izumo, Shimane

Hinomisaki Shrine

日御碕神社

Highlights

Vermilion designated shrine buildings · Two sanctuary areas for Amaterasu and Susanoo · Traditions tied to Izumo’s coast

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship at the lower and upper sanctuaries and exterior views of the buildings; excludes the lighthouse, coast walks, transport, counter queues and formal prayers.

Getting there

Shimane’s tourism guide lists about 60 minutes by Hinomisaki-bound bus from JR Izumoshi Station. Part of the access road uses temporary alternating traffic. Check current bus times and road conditions before visiting.

Izumo, Shimane

Izumo Taisha

出雲大社

Highlights

The wooden worship hall and main sanctuary enclosure · Kaguraden’s large sacred straw rope · The wooded approach

Estimated visit

60–90 min

Ordinary worship, the main precinct and Kaguraden; excludes travel, museums, shopping on Shinmon-dori, meals, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official access page gives approximately 25 minutes by Ichibata bus from JR Izumoshi Station. The approach and precinct walk require additional time.

Matsue, Shimane

Yaegaki Shrine

八重垣神社

Highlights

The main shrine precinct · Kagami-ike pond in Sakusame Forest · Traditional relationship-prayer culture

Estimated visit

35–60 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk to Kagami-ike; excludes treasury visits, extended divination waiting, transport and queues.

Getting there

The shrine gives about 20 minutes by bus from JR Matsue Station’s stop 5, or about 15 minutes by car. Check the current Yaegaki Jinja service and return timetable.

Kita Ward, Okayama

Kibitsu Shrine

吉備津神社

Highlights

National Treasure halls with a distinctive twin roof · The long covered corridor · The precinct’s Momotaro-related traditions

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main covered corridor; excludes travel, formal prayers, the Narukama ritual, hiking and queues.

Getting there

About 10 minutes on foot from JR Kibitsu Station. Allow additional time for the steps and covered corridor.

Kita Ward, Okayama

Kibitsuhiko Shrine

吉備津彦神社

Highlights

The stone torii and pond-side approach · The main sanctuary dating to 1697 · Shrine halls arranged in a line

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes station travel, formal prayers, walks to Kibitsu Shrine, climbing Kibi no Nakayama and queues.

Getting there

The official access page gives about 3 minutes on foot from JR Bizen-Ichinomiya Station to the front torii. The nearest station is not Kibitsu Station.

Miyajima, Hiroshima

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Highlights

Great torii on the waterfront · Covered corridors · Views shaped by the tides

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Shrine corridors and nearby torii views; excludes the ferry and other island attractions.

Getting there

From Miyajimaguchi pier, the official guide gives a ferry crossing of about 10 minutes to Miyajima pier. Continue on foot to the shrine. Allow separate time for reaching the pier, waiting, and the island walk; the crossing time is not the full journey.

Hofu, Yamaguchi

Hofu Tenmangu

防府天満宮

Highlights

The shrine halls above the approach · Plum trees linked to Tenjin worship · The hill-side precinct

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short precinct walk; excludes travel, museum and tea visits, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hofu Station. Follow the current on-site directions for the approach during construction.

Nagato, Yamaguchi

Motonosumi Shrine

元乃隅神社

Highlights

Coastal torii views; passage currently suspended · White-fox foundation tradition · Check weekend closures and repairs before travelling

Estimated visit

15–30 min

A short visit to permitted viewpoints on an open day; excludes the closed torii passage, coast walks, transport and parking queues.

Getting there

The prefectural guide lists taxi journeys of about 20 minutes from Nagato-Furuichi or Hitomaru stations, or 40 minutes from Nagatoshi Station. This is not a promise of ordinary bus access. Check visit suspensions first.

Naruto, Tokushima

Oasahiko Shrine

大麻比古神社

Highlights

The sacred camphor tree · Wooded precinct and main worship hall · Optional longer walk to the historic German Bridge

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk around the camphor-tree precinct; excludes station travel, the longer walk to the German Bridge, Mount Oasa, the German House museum, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Tokushima tourism lists about 20 minutes on foot from JR Bando Station on the Kotoku Line, or from the Naruto Nishi highway-bus stop. Check your return service separately; do not confuse this area with central Naruto or the whirlpool viewing sites.

Kotohira, Kagawa

Kotohira-gu

金刀比羅宮

Highlights

The 785-step approach to the main shrine · Historic buildings along the ascent · Views across the Sanuki Plain

Estimated visit

100–150 min

From step 1 to the main shrine at step 785, ordinary worship and return downhill; excludes station travel, the inner shrine at step 1,368, museums, meals, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Kagawa tourism lists about 20 minutes from JR Kotohira Station or 15 minutes from Kotoden Kotohira Station to the foot of the steps. The shrine then advises about one hour uphill from step 1 to the main shrine at step 785.

Dogo, Matsuyama, Ehime

Isaniwa Shrine

伊佐爾波神社

Highlights

Vermilion Hachiman-style buildings · The main 135-step approach · Views towards Dogo from the approach

Estimated visit

25–45 min

The stone-step ascent and descent, ordinary worship and a short walk by the shrine buildings; excludes the station-to-stair approach, onsen, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official guide lists about 5 minutes uphill from Dogo Onsen tram station. The main approach has 135 stone steps according to Ehime tourism. Walking pace and pauses on the stairs affect the journey.

Saijo, Ehime

Ishizuchi Shrine — Kuchinomiya Honsha

石鎚神社 口之宮 本社

Highlights

The lower honsha precinct · The stepped hillside approach

Estimated visit

35–60 min

Ordinary worship at the lower honsha and its stepped precinct; excludes summit climbing, ropeway travel, other Ishizuchi shrines and prayers.

Getting there

Official guidance gives about 10 minutes by car from JR Iyo-Saijo Station or 15 minutes from Iyo-Saijo IC. The approach branches from Route 11 at a red torii; allow time for the shrine’s steps.

Omishima, Imabari, Ehime

Oyamazumi Shrine

大山祇神社

Highlights

The sacred camphor tree in the precinct · Historic main and worship halls · Optional armour and sword displays in the paid Treasure Hall

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk around the camphor tree and main precinct; excludes island transport, treasure and maritime museums, mountain trails, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official guide lists buses from JR Imabari Station to Oyamazumi Jinja-mae taking about 65 minutes. From the Honshu side, transfer at Omishima bus stop to a Miyaura-bound local bus, about 12 minutes. Check current departures and the return journey; this is an island destination.

Ikku-Shinane, Kochi

Tosa Shrine

土佐神社

Highlights

Long approach through large trees · Historic wooden shrine halls · Precinct rocks connected with shrine traditions

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short main-precinct walk; excludes station approaches, Zenrakuji Temple, outlying sacred-rock walks, ceremonies and queues.

Getting there

The official guide lists about 19 minutes on foot from JR Tosa-Ikku Station, 4 minutes from Ikku-Higashimon bus stop, or 5 minutes from Ikku-Jinja-mae. It is not in central Kochi’s downtown walking area.

Dazaifu, Fukuoka

Dazaifu Tenmangu

太宰府天満宮

Highlights

The bridges and trees around Shinji Pond · The precinct’s large camphor trees · The main sanctuary worship area

Estimated visit

45–75 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct; excludes travel, museums, shopping, meals, the hill-side Tenkai Inari visit, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

About 5 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. Travel from Fukuoka and walks to museums are separate from the precinct visit.

Higashi, Fukuoka

Hakozaki-gu

筥崎宮

Highlights

First stone torii · Romon gate and its historical plaque · Main sanctuary and worship hall, Important Cultural Properties

Estimated visit

20–40 min

First torii, romon gate and ordinary worship; excludes paid gardens, beach walks, transport and festival queues.

Getting there

Use Hakozaki-Miyamae Station on the Fukuoka subway Hakozaki Line, then walk to the approach. From the airport or Hakata, check the connection at Nakasu-Kawabata.

Hakata, Fukuoka

Kushida Shrine

櫛田神社

Highlights

Decorative Yamakasa float, except during replacement · Gate's zodiac direction disc and shrine carvings · Sacred ginkgo and Hakata-bei wall

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and the main precinct walk; excludes transport, formal prayers, exhibitions, queues and mountain hikes.

Getting there

About 2 minutes on foot from Kushida Jinja-mae Station on Fukuoka's Nanakuma subway line, according to the city's tourism guide.

Fukutsu

Miyajidake Shrine

宮地嶽神社

Highlights

Large shimenawa sacred rope · View down the approach toward the sea · Seasonal sunset alignment called the Path of Light

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship and the front-step viewpoint; excludes the eight inner shrines, museum-village grounds, transport and sunset queues.

Getting there

From JR Fukuma Station, take a bus to Miyajidake Jinja-mae or a taxi (about 5 minutes by the official guide). The shrine gives about 25 minutes on foot, roughly 2 km. Check current bus times and allow for the front steps.

Munakata

Munakata Taisha — Hetsu-gu

宗像大社（辺津宮）

Highlights

Important Cultural Property main sanctuary and worship hall · Takamiya Saijo, a wooded ritual site · Shinpo-kan museum's Okinoshima finds, with separate admission

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship, the main precinct and Takamiya Saijo. Excludes the museum, travel, Oshima and Okinoshima.

Getting there

From JR Togo Station, take a Nishitetsu bus serving Munakata Taisha to Munakata Taisha-mae, then walk to the shrine. Munakata City's guide gives about 10 minutes for the bus journey. Check the current return timetable.

Kashima, Saga

Yutoku Inari Shrine

祐徳稲荷神社

Highlights

The colourful elevated main hall · The lower precinct and gate · Myobusha near the main worship area

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship at the main precinct and Myobusha; excludes the closed Oku-no-in approach, transport, museum, garden, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

The official access page gives about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Hizen-Kashima Station. Precinct walking time is separate.

Nagasaki, Nagasaki

Suwa Shrine (Nagasaki)

諏訪神社（長崎）

Highlights

The stepped approach and shrine buildings · Local Nagasaki shrine traditions

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and the main stepped precinct; excludes festival performances, prayers, transport and queues.

Getting there

Take a tram to Suwa Jinja stop, then use the underpass to reach the shrine approach as directed by the official site. Nagasaki tourism gives about 5 minutes on foot from the stop; the approach includes steps.

Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto

Aoi Aso Shrine

青井阿蘇神社

Highlights

Thatched gate and carved details · Five National Treasure buildings · Hitoyoshi-Kuma shrine culture

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and exterior views of the main buildings; excludes the National Treasure memorial museum, transport, counter queues and formal prayers.

Getting there

About five minutes on foot from the Hitoyoshi Station area. This describes its location, not confirmation of normal rail service. Check transport operators’ current services when planning how to reach Hitoyoshi.

Aso, Kumamoto

Aso Shrine

阿蘇神社

Highlights

Restored romon gate · Designated historic shrine buildings · A visit combined with the surrounding shrine town

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and exterior views of the gate and main buildings; excludes transport, prayers, counter queues, shrine-town sightseeing and the mountaintop site.

Getting there

About 15 minutes on foot from Miyaji Station on the JR Hohi Main Line. Aso Jinja-mae is the nearby bus stop; check current services separately.

Usa, Oita

Usa Jingu

宇佐神宮

Highlights

The three Hachiman-zukuri main sanctuaries · The wooded upper approach · The lower shrine worship area

Estimated visit

60–90 min

Ordinary worship at the upper and lower precincts; excludes station transport, museums, formal prayers, Mount Omoto hiking and queues.

Getting there

Oita tourism lists approximately 9 minutes by bus from JR Usa Station to Usa Hachiman. Allow extra walking time within the precinct and to the upper sanctuary.

Aoshima, Miyazaki City

Aoshima Shrine

青島神社

Highlights

Vermilion buildings and torii on the island · The subtropical trees around the precinct · Coastal rock formations seen from the approach

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Bridge crossing, ordinary worship and the main island precinct; excludes travel from the station, a full coastal circuit, museum visits, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

About 10 minutes on foot from JR Aoshima Station. Reach the island across the pedestrian bridge; ordinary visitors cannot drive across to the shrine.

Miyazaki City, Miyazaki

Miyazaki Jingu

宮﨑神宮

Highlights

Wooden halls designed by Ito Chuta · The tree-lined approach · Traditions connected with Emperor Jimmu

Estimated visit

30–50 min

Ordinary worship and a short walk through the main wooded precinct; excludes travel, nearby museums, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Miyazaki tourism lists about 10 minutes on foot from JR Miyazaki-Jingu Station. The nearby museums are separate stops.

Nichinan

Udo Jingu

鵜戸神宮

Highlights

Vermilion sanctuary inside a cave · Views over the Nichinan coast · Undama clay-ball tradition, with a separate charge

Estimated visit

30–60 min

Ordinary worship at the cave sanctuary and the main coastal approach. Excludes transport, queues, additional mountain paths and Namikiri Shrine.

Getting there

The prefectural guide lists a Miyazaki Kotsu bus towards Obi from Miyazaki Station, about 90 minutes to Udo Jingu, followed by about 10 minutes on foot. Check present services and the return journey before relying on the bus.

Kirishima, Kagoshima

Kirishima Jingu

霧島神宮

Highlights

National Treasure halls dating to 1715 · Decorated vermilion shrine architecture · The wooded precinct and approach

Estimated visit

40–60 min

Ordinary worship and the main wooded precinct; excludes station transport, special interior tours, mountain hikes, formal prayers and queues.

Getting there

Kagoshima tourism lists about 15 minutes by bus from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station. The station is not beside the shrine; allow additional time from the bus stop through the approach.

Naha, Okinawa

Naminoue Shrine

波上宮

Highlights

Shrine buildings above the coast · Ryukyu and Kumano worship traditions · A shrine visit within Naha

Estimated visit

20–40 min

Ordinary worship and exterior views within the precinct; excludes the beach, bridge viewpoints, transport, formal prayers and counter queues.

Getting there

The official guide gives about 15 minutes on foot from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail monorail. Airport travel and waiting time are separate from the shrine visit.