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Sacred Spaces

12 Shrines

Japan's most significant Shinto shrines — where architecture, nature, and spirituality converge.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kyoto · Founded 711 AD

10,000+ torii gates donated by businesses

Itsukushima Shrine

Hiroshima · Founded 593 AD (rebuilt multiple times)

Entire shrine complex built over water

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)

Mie · Founded Legendary (rebuilt every 20 years since 690 AD)

Shikinen Sengu — complete reconstruction every 20 years

Meiji Jingu

Tokyo · Founded 1920

120,000 trees donated from across Japan create urban forest

Izumo Taisha

Shimane · Founded Legendary (before 700 AD)

Main hall is the tallest shrine building in Japan (24 meters)

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Wakayama · Founded Pre-907 AD

Massive torii (Otorii) standing alone in a field, 33.9 meters

Kasuga Taisha

Nara · Founded 768 AD

3,000 stone and bronze lanterns

Nikko Toshogu

Tochigi · Founded 1617

Most elaborate Edo-period craftsmanship in Japan

Suwa Taisha

Nagano · Founded Legendary (before recorded history)

No honden (main hall) — worship directed at the mountain itself

Atsuta Jingu

Nagoya · Founded Legendary (1st-2nd century AD)

Houses one of the Three Imperial Regalia (Kusanagi sword)

Kotohira Gu

Kagawa · Founded 1st century AD

1,368 stone steps to the main shrine

Kamakura Hachimangu

Kanagawa · Founded 1063

Largest shrine in Kamakura, surrounded by peony garden