shinto
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Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto | Historic and Beautiful Building
One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto is located in the famous Gion district in Kyoto. The Yasaka Shrine stands out for its great beauty and interesting historical architecture.
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Tokyo Mitama Matsuri | Various fun events and beautiful decorations
For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.
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Sumiyoshi Taisha | Beautiful architecture and the strongest power spot in Osaka
Shinto shrine “Sumiyoshi Taisha” was founded in 211, making it one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan. It is worth visiting for its picturesque bridge and interesting architecture.
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Imamiya Ebisu Shrine | Very popular in Osaka for its good fortune for prosperous business
This tranquil shrine is located near tourist hot spots but is not often visited by tourists. That makes the Imamiya Ebisu shrine a nice place to get away from the crowds for a bit!
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Sanno Sanctuary, Nagasaki has connected Japan with the world
One of the most impressive and curious places in Nagasaki is the Sanno Shrine because the main torii (gateway to the shrine) maintains only one pillar. How did this happen?
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Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki | Beautiful main shrine and historic statues of sacred horses
The Suwa shrine in Nagasaki was founded in 1614 as a way to expel the Christian faith from the region. During the Edo period, Nagasaki was one of the few places where there was contact with foreigners.
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Usa Jingu Shrine, Oita | One of the oldest shrines in Japan and a powerful power spot place
Usa Jingu is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan with its foundation in the 8th century. It is located at the entrance of the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita, Kyushu.
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Izumo Taisha Shrine, Shimane | Beautiful and mysterious oldest architecture in Japan
Izumo Taisha locates in the east of Shimane is dedicated to the Shinto God Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. This shrine is regarded as the shrine of marriage, and it is famous for its gigantic shimenawa rope.
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Motonosumi Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi | Beautiful contrast between nature and torii gate
Motonosumi Inari Jinja in Yamaguchi prefecture attracts a lot of tourists because of its scenic beauty; the torii gates with the cape in the background are an amazing view!
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Kumano Kodo | Walkable and beautiful world heritage
The Kumano Kodo is an impressive pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains with a total length of around 1000km. The routes radiate centering around the Kumano Three Shrines; Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi.
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Ise Jingu Shrine, Mie | The origin and pinnacle of Japanese shrines
Ise Jingu in Mie prefecture is listed as the most important Shinto shrine in Japan. What’s the history of this shrine, and which rituals are carried out here?
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Omamori | Big good luck in a small bag
Small amulets called ‘omamori’ are sold at most shrines and temples in Japan. What is the meaning of this custom?
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Five of the Best Shrines in Japan
It can be difficult to choose which shrine to visit in Japan because there are so many interesting ones to choose from. To help you, we present a list of 5 of the most impressive Shinto shrines to visit during your stay in Japan.
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How to Pray at Shinto Shrine
Shinto means worshiping ancestors as guardians of the family, and it also symbolizes showing respect for the kami, who reside in the natural world and in shrines. How to pray at a Shinto shrine?
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Kasuga Taisha, Nara | Shiny shrine pavilion and beautiful wisteria flowers
Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded in the 8th century by the Fujiwara family and used to be completely rebuilt every 20 years, according to Shinto tradition, until the end of the 14th century.
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Heian Jingu, Kyoto | Travel back in time to the Heian Period
The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today’s Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto | Experience the beautiful seasonal precincts and the god of learning
The shrine of Kitano Tenmangu was built in the 10th century by the emperor of the time in honor of a scholar and politician. Now, it is especially known for its popular flea market.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto | The most beautiful thousand torii gates in the world
Known worldwide for its more than 10,000 torii gates in a row, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine attracts around 3 million visitors the first three days of the year alone and is one of the most famous attractions of Kyoto.
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Unique Japanese Weddings
Japan has its own customs surrounding weddings. Learn more about the interesting mix of cultures that makes up Japanese weddings!
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Shinto Goddess Amaterasu Omikami who is considered the Creator
Amaterasu is the incarnate goddess as the Sun that governs the Universe and the main deity of Japanese Shinto. It is believed that the royal family of Japan descends directly from this important goddess.