20 Shrines in Fukushima worth your time

A historic guardian shrine in Soma featuring 17th-century architecture and elaborate woodwork nicknamed Soma Nikko.

What it is

• Guardian shrine for the Soma Nakamura Domain enshrining Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Current main structures were built in 1695 by Lord Soma Masatane.
• Complex is nicknamed Soma Nikko due to its elaborate woodwork and Gongen-zukuri style.
• Main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are National Important Cultural Properties.

What to see

• Main buildings constructed in the intricate Gongen-zukuri architectural style.
• A traditional Zuishinmon gate located on the shrine grounds.
• The Wakamiya Hachiman shrine which predates the current main shrine location.
• An 800-year-old cedar tree designated as a natural monument.

When to go

• Autumn festival held annually on the third Friday and Saturday of September.
• Festival days offer the chance to try traditional Imozuimo potato soup.

Read more about Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine

A historic Myojin Taisha shrine in Koriyama dedicated to Seoritsuhime-no-mikoto, offering a glimpse into ancient regional religious traditions.

What it is

• A Myojin Taisha shrine dedicated to the deity Seoritsuhime-no-mikoto and Hachiman-shin.
• Established on Mount Takataki and moved to its current location in 784.
• Historically served as the Soja of the Asaka Thirty-three Villages.
• The Ohara family has served as the hereditary priests here since 1402.

What to see

• The main hall constructed in the traditional sanken-sha nagare-zukuri architectural style.

When to go

• Spring festivals are held annually during the month of April.
• Autumn festivals take place every year in September.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from JR Koriyama Station.

Read more about Unakorowake Shrine

Hie Shrine is a unique shrine built into a rock, featuring an ancient cherry tree and seasonal flowers.

What it is

• Formerly a village shrine.
• Fujiwara no Wakasa Taro enshrined Hiyoshi Daigongen in 800.
• Renamed Hie Shrine in 1869.
• Stands on the site of Nishida Sanno-kan castle.

What to see

• Shrine building built into a large rock.
• Main hall is in a cave within the rock.
• Sanno cherry tree behind the shrine is about 500 years old.
• Area is a cluster of dogtooth violets.
• Skunk cabbage can be observed nearby.

When to go

• Sanno cherry tree is part of the Koriyama Cherry Blossom Tour.

Getting there

• 15 minutes by car from Koriyama-Higashi IC.

Address

福島県郡山市西田町三町目字山王169 Map

Read more about Hie Shrine

Tadeuga Shrine shares a building with Kumano Shrine, hosting a lively summer festival.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Minamiaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
• Shares its building with Kumano Shrine.
• Dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-mikoto and Amaterasu-ohirume-no-mikoto.
• Also dedicated to Susanoo-no-mikoto and Wakumusubi-no-mikoto.

What to see

• A single shrine building housing two distinct shrines.
• Tadeuga Shrine occupies the right side of the building.
• Kumano Shrine occupies the left side of the building.

When to go

• Aizu Tajima Gion Festival: July 22 to 24.
• This is Tadeuga Shrine's Gion Festival.
• It is also Kumano Shrine's annual festival.

Address

福島県南会津郡南会津町田島宮本甲629 Map

Read more about Tadeuga Shrine

Nishine Shrine honors local heroes and hosts vibrant festivals, offering unique cultural experiences.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 1887.
• Enshrines Sato Shin'emon and Furukawa Zenbei.
• Grounds were a Kariya Domain encampment.
• Also enshrines Takahata Tenmangu Shrine.

What to see

• Stone monuments honor Furukawa Zenbei's achievements.

When to go

• Autumn festival is held on September 14th.
• Uso-kae Festival is held on January 13-16 and April 27.
• Uso-kae Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
• Buy wooden bullfinches for good health and academic success.

Getting there

• 9-minute walk from Iizaka Onsen Station.

Address

福島県福島市飯坂町湯野字高畑2 Map

Read more about Nishine Shrine

Visit this ancient shrine to see important cultural properties and experience traditional festivals.

What it is

• An ancient Shikinaisha shrine in Fukushima Prefecture.
• Known as Mutsu Province Ichinomiya, a top-ranked shrine.
• Dedicated to Ajisukitakahikone-no-mikoto and Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto.
• Designated a Kokuhei Chusha in 1885.

What to see

• A copper bowl, a National Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• Onitae-sai festival, a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Kagura, a Fukushima Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk south from JR Suigun Line Chikatsu Station.

Address

福島県東白川郡棚倉町棚倉 Map

Read more about Yatsuki Tsutsukowake Shrine

Hanitsu Shrine honors a powerful feudal lord at his grave site, offering a glimpse into samurai history.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Hoshina Masayuki, first lord of Aizu Domain.
• Built in 1675 at Hoshina Masayuki's grave site.
• Name 'Hanitsu' from a divine title given to Masayuki.

What to see

• Current main hall, rebuilt in 1880.
• Seven subsidiary shrines on the grounds.
• 7.3-meter stone monument.
• Hoshina Masayuki's tomb in the inner sanctuary.
• Aizu Domain Matsudaira Family Cemetery, a national historic site.

When to go

• Spring festival.
• Autumn festival.

Getting there

• 10-minute drive from Inawashiro Station.

Address

福島県耶麻郡猪苗代町字見祢山1 Map

Read more about Hanitsu Shrine

Nihonmatsu Shrine is a historic site, home to one of Japan's three major lantern festivals.

What it is

• A shrine founded in the Kuan era.
• Known as 'Goryosha' for its enshrined deities.
• Adachi Morinaga enshrined Kumano Gongen.
• Hatakeyama Mitsuyasu enshrined Hachiman Okami.

What to see

• The current shrine building, rebuilt in 1806.
• The Zuijinmon gate, built in 1807.
• Deities Izanami-no-mikoto and Hachiman Okami.

When to go

• First Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October for the festival.
• The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is a major event.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from JR Nihonmatsu Station.

Address

福島県二本松市本町1丁目61 Map

Official site

nihonmatsu-shrine.com

Read more about Nihonmatsu Shrine

Kamegamori Shrine is a historic site known for its unique autumn fireworks festival.

What it is

• Shrine named Kamegamori Shrine in 1869.
• Current main building constructed late Edo period.

What to see

• Tomioka Karagasa Andon Hanabi fireworks ritual.
• Fireworks designated Koriyama City Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Fireworks certified as Japan Heritage cultural property.

When to go

• Fireworks held on the second Sunday of October.

Getting there

• Bus from Koriyama Station to Mihota Yamadera stop.
• 15 minutes by car from Koriyama Minami IC.

Address

福島県郡山市三穂田町富岡字亀賀森1 Map

Read more about Kamegamori Shrine

Tamura Shrine: a historic site in Koriyama with cultural properties and a connection to famous figures.

What it is

• Originates from Chinju-zan Taihei-ji Temple.
• Founded by Sakanoue Tamuramaro.
• Renamed Tamura Shrine in the Meiji period.

What to see

• Zushi built in the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
• Main hall built in the early Edo period.
• Zushi is a prefectural cultural property.
• Main hall is a city cultural property.
• Several ema are cultural properties.

When to go

• Matsuo Basho and Sora visited on April 29, 1689.
• Asaka Konsai visited on October 23, 1836.
• The Yamanaka Festival is held here.

Address

〒963-1162　 福島県郡山市田村町山中字本郷135 Map

Official site

www.kanko-koriyama.gr.jp

Read more about Tamura Shrine

A historic shrine on Mount Iimori dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, featuring a unique double-helix temple building from 1796.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded by local clans during the Eitoku era
• Dedicated to the primary deity Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto
• Situated on Mount Iimori in Aizuwakamatsu City
• Renamed from Munakata Shrine to Itsukushima Shrine in 1868

What to see

• The Sazaedo temple building constructed in 1796
• A historic stone torii gate remaining on the grounds
• Land donated by Lord Matsudaira Masakata in 1700

Getting there

• Take the Akabee loop bus to the Iimoriyama-shita station

Read more about Itsukushima Shrine

Ōkunitama Shrine: a historic shrine in Fukushima with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shikinaishosha, a small shrine.
• Dedicated to Ōkuninushi no Mikoto and other deities.
• Sakanoue Tamuramaro built a large shrine here.
• Revered by local lords, including Naitō and Andō families.

What to see

• Kokutama Monjo, a Fukushima Important Cultural Property.
• The main hall, an Iwaki City Tangible Cultural Property.
• Ancient ruins like a Nara period temple nearby.
• Kōzuka Kofun, an ancient burial mound.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Iwaki Station.

Address

福島県いわき市平菅波宮前54 Map

Official site

www.ookunisama.jp

Read more about Ōkunitama Shrine

Ancient mountain shrine in Fukushima, dedicated to powerful deities, with historical artifacts and easy access.

What it is

• Ancient Shikinaisha shrine in Fukushima Prefecture.
• Claims to be a Mutsu Province Ichinomiya.
• Main deity is Ajisukitakahikone-no-mikoto.
• Also enshrines Ookuninushi-no-mikoto and Hondawake-no-mikoto.

What to see

• Shrine located on top of Hachimanzan mountain.
• Bronze crocodile mouth dedicated in 1423.
• Pair of guardian dogs made in 1930.
• Ancient documents owned by Koichi Yoshida.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR East Suigun Line Iwaki-Ishikawa Station.

Address

福島県石川郡石川町下泉269 Map

Official site

www13.plala.or.jp

Read more about Iwatsutsukowake Shrine

Tadanomoto Shrine: a historic site dedicated to a warrior family, known for its unique cultural events.

What it is

• Originated from worshipping the god of fire.
• Villagers enshrined Kagemasa and his family in 1143.
• Also called "Goronomiya-sama."
• Became known as a god for military fortune.

What to see

• A cultural property sign.
• Tadanono Kuwagara Mai Taue Odori, a cultural property.

When to go

• Known for the Kanchu Misogi event.
• Annual pilgrimage to shrines near Goryobitsu-toge Pass in June.

Getting there

• 10-minute drive from Koriyama-Minami IC.

Address

福島県郡山市逢瀬町多田野字宮南66 Map

Read more about Tadanomoto Shrine

Isasumi Shrine is an ancient shrine with important cultural properties and natural monuments.

What it is

• Ancient Shinto shrine, first mentioned in 843.
• Dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Founded by Obiko-no-Mikoto and Takenunakawawake-no-Mikoto.
• Designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

What to see

• Vermilion lacquered gilt bronze palanquin from Muromachi period.
• Sacred forest, a designated natural monument.
• Large wisteria tree, a prefectural natural monument.
• Usuzumi-zakura cherry tree, a natural monument.
• Oku-no-miya, a designated historic site.

Address

福島県大沼郡会津美里町字宮林甲4377 Map

Read more about Isasumi Shrine

Kashima Miko Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to local deities, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• A village shrine founded by Amatariwake-no-mikoto.
• Dedicated to Amatariwake-no-mikoto and wind deities.
• Moved to its current location in the year 806.
• Designated as a Go-sha in 1876.

What to see

• Two zelkova trees over 300 years old.
• Raijinja, Ashio Jinja, and Shotoku Taishi Sekishi on grounds.

When to go

• Attend the Chinkasai, a fire prevention festival.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Kashima Station on JR Joban Line.

Address

福島県南相馬市鹿島区鹿島町143 Map

Read more about Kashima Miko Shrine

Historic shrine in Fukushima, dedicated to Inari deities, known for its Otaue Festival.

What it is

• Shrine established in 1713.
• Dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, Sarutahiko-no-mikoto, Amenouzume-no-mikoto.

What to see

• Current shrine building, built in 1926.

When to go

• Otaue Festival: first Sunday of June at 1 PM.

Getting there

• From Koriyama Station, take Ban'etsu East Line to Mogi Station.
• From Mogi Station, 2 km southeast by car.
• Located along National Route 49.
• 10-minute drive from Koriyama-Higashi Interchange.

Address

福島県郡山市白岩町字高屋敷290 Map

Read more about Takayashiki Inari Shrine

Visit this Shinto shrine to experience a spiritual connection to Ise Grand Shrine and view important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture.
• Also known as "Oise-sama of Tohoku."
• Founded in 1876, enshrining a divided spirit of Ise Grand Shrine.
• Certified as a Japan Heritage cultural property in 2016.

What to see

• The main shrine, rebuilt in 1975.
• Calligraphy in the worship hall by Imperial Prince Arisugawa Taruhito.
• Treasure hall displays the sword "Katsumitsu" and spear "Kunitsuna."
• Kaiseizan Inari Shrine, dedicated to Ukanomitama no kami.

Address

福島県郡山市開成3丁目1番38号 Map

Official site

www.kaiseizan.jp

Read more about Kaiseizan Daijingū

Ancient shrine dedicated to Kumano deities, featuring historic architecture and a monumental ginkgo tree.

What it is

• Founded in 1055 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi.
• Enshrines the Kumano Sanzan deities.
• Formerly held the rank of Prefectural Shrine.

What to see

• Kumano Jinja Nagatoko is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Kumano Sansha Honden, Monjudo, and Kannon-do buildings.
• A 600-year-old ginkgo tree, 30m tall, 8.1m circumference.
• Bronze bowl designated a National Important Cultural Property.

Getting there

• About 5 km southwest of Kitakata Station.

Address

福島県喜多方市慶徳町新宮字熊野2258 Map

Read more about Shingu-Kumano Shrine

Historic shrine on Lake Inawashiro, dedicated to learning, with scenic views and cultural properties.

What it is

• A shrine in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, deity of learning.
• Current building constructed in 1682.
• Moved by Matsudaira Masakata, lord of Aizu Domain.

What to see

• The current shrine building from 1682.
• Fukushima Prefecture Important Cultural Property.
• Inawashiro Town Designated Cultural Properties.
• Tenjin-hama beach, one of Japan's 100 White Sand and Green Pine Beaches.
• Views of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai.

Read more about Kobiragata Tenmangū