20 Shrines in Aichi worth your time

A historic village shrine in Toyohashi dedicated to safe childbirth and home to a century-old kurogane holly tree.

What it is

• A former designated village shrine dedicated to the deity Kunitokotachi no Mikoto.
• The main deity was originally invited from the famous Shiogama Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture.
• This site is widely known for its local association with safe childbirth.
• The shrine grounds are maintained by a youth association known as Shiogama Wakaren.

What to see

• A kurogane holly tree on the grounds that is over one hundred years old.
• The historic holly tree is listed among the top one hundred trees in Toyohashi.

When to go

• The annual shrine festival is held on the first Sunday of November.

Getting there

• The shrine is a four-minute walk from the Oyama bus stop.
• It is located five minutes from the Toyohashi-minato Interchange by car.

Read more about Shiogama Shrine

A historic maritime shrine on Shinojima island featuring unique reconstruction traditions and a dramatic annual festival ritual in total darkness.

What it is

• A maritime shrine established in 1288 on Shinojima island.
• Dedicated to deities providing protection for shipbuilding and seafaring.
• Considered a male shrine paired with the nearby Shinmei Shrine.
• Reconstructed every twenty years using materials from the Ise Grand Shrine cycle.

What to see

• The main shrine building built from recycled sacred timber.
• A historic lion head mask donated to the site in 1517.
• A traditional daimyo procession during the major annual festival.

When to go

• January for the annual festival featuring the Ojinji-sama deity transfer.
• Nighttime during the festival when island electricity is cut for the ritual.

Getting there

• The shrine is accessible by foot from the Shinojima Ferry Terminal.

Read more about Hachiōji-sha

A historic Nagoya shrine dedicated to metalworking deities, featuring massive stones originally intended for the construction of Nagoya Castle.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine enshrining five deities including the god of metalworking, Kanayamabiko-no-kami.
• Originally established from Nangu Shrine and formerly known as Kanayamasha.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1872 and moved to its current site in 1927.
• Historically served as a place of worship for local stonemasons and metalworkers.

What to see

• Two large stones from the Nagoya Castle construction located in front of the office.
• The main grounds where three separate shrines were merged together in 1913.

When to go

• The annual festival held every year on the second weekend of October.

Getting there

• A 600 meter walk from Komeino Station to the shrine entrance.
• Located 600 meters away from Kogane Station.

Read more about Kanayama Shrine

An ancient auxiliary shrine of Atsuta Jingu where the legendary Kusanagi sword was once kept on a scenic hill.

What it is

• An external auxiliary shrine of Atsuta Jingu dedicated to the deity Miyasuhime-no-mikoto.
• The historical site where the legendary Kusanagi sword was once kept.
• A shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmeicho records dating back to the year 927.
• The grounds contain the sacred rice fields belonging to Atsuta Jingu.

What to see

• The main hall which was moved from Hakken-gu in 1893.
• The shrine buildings situated on the hill of Hikamiyama.
• Traditional ceremonies associated with the Oaka Festival folk cultural property.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the first Sunday of October.

Getting there

• A 7-minute walk from the Orito bus stop.
• Approximately 1.5 kilometers away from JR Otaka Station.

Official site

www.atsutajingu.or.jp

Read more about Hikami Anego Shrine

A historic village shrine in Nagoya founded in the 1670s, featuring a relocated Konpira-gu and a modern Sanshuden hall.

What it is

• A religious corporation founded in the early 1670s based on local legends.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1872 and officially incorporated in 1952.
• The current shrine building dates back to a reconstruction in August 1684.
• Located in the Issha area of Nagoya next to Shinkura-ji Temple.

What to see

• The main shrine building which was rebuilt in the late seventeenth century.
• Konpira-gu Shrine which was relocated to these grounds from the Uchikoshi intersection.
• The Sanshuden hall which was added to the complex in November 1983.

When to go

• The shrine office is open on the first and fifteenth of each month.

Getting there

• The grounds are an eight-minute walk from Issha Station.

Read more about Kifune Shrine

Yaotomi Shrine on Takeshima Island, connected by a footbridge, offers a sacred site with historical significance.

What it is

• Shinto sanctuary on Takeshima island, off Gamagori coast.
• Founded in 1181 by Fujiwara no Shunzei.
• Dedicated to Benzaiten, deity of water, arts, and culture.
• Island considered sacred for a long time.

What to see

• Main shrine and four sub-shrines.
• Walking path traversing the island and rocky shore.
• Verdant plant life, over 230 varieties.
• Tabunoki (bay tree) and yabunikkei (Japanese cinnamon).
• Kinokunisuge sedge, a subtropical plant.
• Footbridge connecting mainland to Takeshima.

When to go

• Yaotomi Shrine Grand Festival: third Saturday and Sunday in October.
• A leisurely walk around the island takes 30 minutes.

Getting there

• 387-meter-long footbridge connects mainland with Takeshima.

Address

愛知県蒲郡市竹島町3-15 Map

Official site

yaotomi.net

Read more about Yaotomi Shrine

A historic shrine founded in 1494 hosting a unique sake festival featuring mythical creatures and traditional unrefined rice wine.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded in 1494 by Fujita Minbu
• Dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane
• Home to a sake brewing tradition dating back to the seventeenth century
• The site of the Doburoku Festival, a tangible folk cultural property

What to see

• Figures of the mythical creature Shojo walking through the grounds
• Traditional unrefined sake brewed by local groups in dedicated fields
• A mochi throwing ceremony held during the annual event

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the Sunday before February 25th
• Local groups begin brewing the festival sake during January

Getting there

• The shrine is accessible from JR Kyowa Station

Read more about Nagakusa-Tenjin-sha

A historic Nagoya shrine founded in 1156, linked to famous samurai and the childhood name of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

What it is

• Founded in 1156 by Minamoto no Tametomo and restored in 1643.
• Dedicated to the primary deities Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Established by Kato Kiyomasa as one of three Hachiman shrines.
• The external Hinomiya Shrine is the origin of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's childhood name.

What to see

• The oldest remaining ridgepole plaque dating back to 1675.
• The Hinomiya Shrine located within the precinct grounds.
• Sub-shrines including Ryujinsha and Shiogamesha.
• The main shrine buildings restored during the early Edo period.

When to go

• Summer festival featuring a ring-passing ritual on August 8.
• The main autumn festival held annually on October 9 and 10.

Read more about Shimonaka Hachiman

A historic shrine in Ichinomiya dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, featuring an original torii gate from the Ise Grand Shrine.

What it is

• A religious site dedicated to the primary deity Sarutahiko Okami and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.
• The original shrines were established in 1608 and moved to the current site in 1985.
• An independent shrine that issues its own priesthood certification and is not affiliated with Jinja Honcho.
• A dedicated place for worshippers to pay respects to the Ise Grand Shrine.

What to see

• A torii gate that was originally located at the Ise Grand Shrine.
• The main hall which was relocated to this site in the mid-1980s.
• Inner shrines known as Chikatsu Shrine and Uzume Shrine.

Getting there

• The shrine is a ten-minute walk from Meitetsu Okumachi Station.

Read more about Owari Sarutahiko Shrine

Sanage Shrine is an ancient Shinto sanctuary on Mt. Sanage, worth visiting for its historical significance.

What it is

• Ancient Shinto sanctuary on Mt. Sanage.
• Worshiped since millennia as abode of the divine.
• Appears in records as far back as the ninth century.
• Designated the sannomiya (third-highest ranked shrine) in Mikawa Province.

What to see

• Main complex at the southern foot of the mountain.
• Higashinomiya (Eastern Shrine) and Nishinomiya (Western Shrine) higher up.
• Current shrine buildings erected between 1856 and 1965.
• Buildings stand in a straight line along the approach to the main sanctuary.
• Yamanaka Kannondo, one remaining Buddhist hall, north of main shrine.
• Ema tablets decorated with a left-handed scythe.

Address

愛知県豊田市猿投町大城5 Map

Read more about Sanage Shrine

Sakurai Shrine offers historical buildings, ancient artifacts, and natural beauty in Anjo City.

What it is

• One of the Mikawa San Hakusan Jinja shrines.
• Dedicated to Kukuri-hime-no-kami, Izanagi-no-kami, and Izanami-no-kami.
• Current main hall likely built in 1610.

What to see

• Main hall is a city-designated cultural property.
• Futago Kofun is a National Historic Site.
• Muromachi period tachi sword is a city cultural property.
• Two sangaku are prefecture-designated cultural properties.
• Kuro matsu trees are a city natural monument.

When to go

• Main festival is held in October.

Getting there

• Accessible from Horiuchikoen Station on Meitetsu Nishio Line.

Address

愛知県安城市桜井町桜林17番地 Map

Read more about Sakurai Shrine

Rokusho Shrine is a historic site in Toyota City with unique traditional stage architecture.

What it is

• A general term for Kami-gu, Hachigamine Shrine, and Shimo-gu.
• Enshrines Sarutahiko-no-mikoto and Shiotsuchi-no-oji.
• Formerly known as Rokusho Daimyojin.
• Promoted to a prefectural shrine in 1921.

What to see

• Kami-gu's main hall is nagare-zukuri style with a copper plate roof.
• The shrine's stage is a Toyota City Designated Tangible Folk Cultural Property.
• The stage was built in 1872 within the Shimo-gu precincts.
• Stage is 14.5 meters wide and 8.5 meters deep.
• Stage has a 'double mechanism' for characters to move.
• Stage uses cedar, cypress, chestnut, and fir wood from Mt. Rokusho.

Address

［上宮］愛知県豊田市坂上町六所山1 ［下宮］愛知県豊田市坂上町地蔵堂23 Map

Read more about Rokusho Shrine (Toyota)

A historic shrine founded in 853, serving as a local guardian with ancient wells and stone monuments.

What it is

• Established on August 21, 853 by Shiki Saemon Fujiwara no Chikasuke.
• Originally known as Hachioji-gu before being renamed in 1872.
• Dedicated to deities including Ame-no-oshihomimi-no-mikoto and Amatsuhikone-no-mikoto.
• Served as the guardian deity for the former Tanao Town.

What to see

• A stone lantern built by Saito Wasuke dating back to 1827.
• The Yayoi-no-i well located within the shrine grounds.
• The Tanao Shrine which was established as an external shrine in 1931.

Getting there

• Located a fifteen minute walk from Meitetsu Hekinan Station.

Read more about Yahashira Shrine (Hekinan)

This shrine honors Tokugawa Ieyasu, with historic buildings and monthly festivals.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu, and Tosho Daigongen.
• Moved in 1470 by Matsudaira Chikatada.
• Rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Keicho era.
• Expanded by Tokugawa Iemitsu, adding Ieyasu as a deity.

What to see

• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Zuishinmon gate is an Important Cultural Property.
• Sacred bridge is an Important Cultural Property.
• The sacred bridge cannot be crossed.

When to go

• Monthly festivals are held here.
• A festival predicts the year's harvest.
• The Tosho-gu Festival is held on April 17th.

Address

愛知県岡崎市伊賀町東郷中86 Map

Read more about Iga Hachimangū

Ancient shrine in Aichi Prefecture, known for its unique architecture and a famous Naked Festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, also called Kōnomiya Shrine.
• Dedicated to Owari Ōkunitama no Kami.
• Founded with the establishment of Owari Kokufu.
• Designated as the Sōsha of Owari Province.

What to see

• Haiden and Rōmon are Important Cultural Properties.
• Haiden built in the early Edo period.
• Rōmon built in the early Muromachi period.
• Architectural style called Owari-shiki or Owari-zukuri.

When to go

• Famous for the Naohi Shinji, or Kōnomiya Hadaka Matsuri.

Getting there

• Near Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line Kōnomiya Station.

Address

愛知県稲沢市国府宮1丁目1-1 Map

Official site

www.konomiya.or.jp

Read more about Owari Ōkunitama Shrine

Ōagata Shrine is a historic site with ancient tombs and a plum garden, worth visiting for its cultural properties.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, formerly a Myōjin Taisha.
• Moved to current site in 27th year of Emperor Suinin's reign.
• Main hall built in 1661 by Tokugawa Mitsutomo.
• Manages the Chausuyama Kofun, a keyhole-shaped tomb.

What to see

• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Saimonden is an Important Cultural Property.
• Plum garden has about 300 weeping plum trees.
• Aotsuka Kofun is a National Historic Site.

When to go

• Hōnen Matsuri is held the Sunday before March 15th.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Gakuden Station.

Address

愛知県犬山市宮山3 Map

Official site

ooagata.urdr.weblife.me

Read more about Ōagata Shrine

Unique fertility shrine in Komaki known for its phallus festival, offering a memorable cultural experience.

What it is

• Ancient shrine dedicated to fertility deities Mitoshigami and Tamahime-no-mikoto.
• Site of the Hōnen Matsuri, a designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

What to see

• Shrine grounds contain many phallus-shaped stones.
• Festival features men carrying a large phallus-shaped mikoshi.
• Souvenirs include phallus-shaped candies, chocolates, and objects.

When to go

• Hōnen Matsuri is held annually in March.
• Festival prays for bountiful harvests and children.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Tagata Jinja-mae Station.

Address

愛知県小牧市田県町152 Map

Official site

www.tagatajinja.com

Read more about Tagata Shrine

Yatsurugi Shrine is a historic site in Okazaki with unique architecture and traditional dance.

What it is

• Shrine in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Reportedly built by Fujiwara Hiromasa in 1266.
• Became a village shrine in October 1872.
• Suwa Shrine merged with it in 1919.

What to see

• Main hall: three-bay nagare-zukuri style, shake roof.
• Main hall houses six other shrines.
• Worship hall: hip-and-gable roof, thatch and tin plating.
• Torii gate rebuilt in January 2014.

When to go

• Chimanchō Kagura is an intangible folk cultural property.
• Kagura mentioned in 1751 festival documents.
• Longest-running Yomejishi Kagura in the prefecture.

Address

愛知県岡崎市千万町町字宮西 Map

Read more about Yatsurugi Shrine

Momoyama Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to ancient deities, offering a glimpse into local history.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Founded in the early Meiji period as a Yashikigami.
• Main deity is Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
• Auxiliary deities are Kagutsuchi no Mikoto and Susanoo no Mikoto.

What to see

• A camphor tree designated as a preserved tree in 1967.

When to go

• New Year Festival is held in January.
• Tenno Festival is held in June.
• Autumn Grand Festival is held in October.

Getting there

• Two minutes walk from Momoyama 3-chome bus stop.
• Two minutes walk from Momoyama-cho bus stop.

Address

愛知県春日井市桃山町3丁目 Map

Read more about Momoyama Hachiman Shrine

Ancient Shinto shrine with historical ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu, worth visiting for its cultural heritage.

What it is

• Shinto shrine in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Founded in 699 by Yamanaka Mitsushige.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ōjin, Hime Ōkami, and Empress Jingū.
• Tokugawa Ieyasu donated 180 koku to the shrine in 1603.

What to see

• A cave called Hatogakutsu is on the grounds.
• Tokugawa Ieyasu hid in the cave in 1563.
• The Yamanaka Hachimangu forest is a nature conservation area.

When to go

• Otaue Festival "Dendengassari" is held annually on January 3.

Getting there

• About a 15-minute walk from Meiden Yamanaka Station.

Address

愛知県岡崎市舞木町宮下8 Map

Read more about Yamanaka Hachimangū