20 Shrines in Gifu worth your time

A historic shrine in Gero City featuring a unique railroad crossing on its grounds and a sacred ancient rock.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Emperor Ojin, reportedly founded during the reign of Emperor Nintoku.
• The site originated from a temporary ritual space established on a large rock.
• The current shrine structures were rebuilt in the year 1589.
• The surrounding forest is designated as a natural monument.

What to see

• A historic rock known as Nekoiwa remains on the shrine grounds.
• The JR Takayama Main Line tracks cross the main approach path to the shrine.
• A railroad crossing without barriers is located within the shrine premises.
• Traditional Hanagasa Odori dance performances held during the annual festival.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the weekend nearest April 1st.

Getting there

• The shrine is a thirty-minute walk from Hida-Kanayama Station.

Read more about Shimohara-hachiman Shrine

A historic shrine in Tarui hosting a major May festival with elaborate floats and traditional kabuki performances by local children.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• Founded in 1352 as Gozu Tenno-sha and renamed in 1868.
• The current site has been in use since 1532.
• The shrine serves as the central location for the Tarui Hikiyama Festival.

What to see

• Three historic festival floats designated as prefectural cultural properties.
• The Hanrinkaku float which dates back to 1808.
• The Shiunkaku float constructed during the Bunsei era.
• The Hououzan float created in 1798.
• Kabuki plays performed by elementary school students on the floats.

When to go

• Visit from May 2 to May 4 for the Tarui Hikiyama Festival.

Getting there

• The shrine is located approximately one kilometer from JR Tarui Station.

Read more about Yaegaki Shrine

A historic Japan Heritage shrine in Gifu City featuring unique architecture, cultural treasures, and vibrant seasonal festivals.

What it is

• A Japan Heritage site dedicated to the deity Inishikiirihiko-no-mikoto.
• The third highest ranked shrine in the former Mino Province.
• Moved to its current location in 1539 by the warlord Saito Dosan.
• Current buildings were designed by the architect Kozo Nihonmatsu.

What to see

• A sword designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property.
• The Suigetsutei tea house located within the shrine grounds.
• Gold goshuin stamps issued on the last Friday of every month.

When to go

• February 3rd for the annual Setsubun festival.
• April 5th to experience the Gifu Festival.
• The last Friday of the month for special gold stamps.

Getting there

• A ten minute bus ride from JR Gifu Station.

Read more about Inaba Shrine

An ancient Gifu shrine founded in 775, featuring a historic sword and a lively portable shrine festival every April.

What it is

• A historic shrine dedicated to the deities Takateruhime-no-kami and Otoshi-no-kami.
• Established in 775 using a spirit brought from the Hida region.
• Relocated to its current site in January 1678 and designated a village shrine in 1873.
• Recognized as a Kinpeisha by the Gifu Prefecture Jinja-cho in 1957.

What to see

• A sword signed by Sukesada, designated as a city cultural property.
• Two portable shrines used during the annual festival procession.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the Sunday nearest April 15.

Getting there

• A one-minute walk from the Mugikuraguchi bus stop.
• Located twenty-five minutes from the Tomika-Seki interchange by car.

Read more about Suimu Shrine (Seki)

A historic guardian shrine in Gifu featuring 16th-century architecture and a vibrant autumn festival with warrior processions.

What it is

• A guardian shrine for the Kaneyama community established in 1127 by the Toki clan
• The enshrined deity is Mizuhanome-no-kami
• Designated as a village shrine in 1872

What to see

• A worship hall built in 1572 by Mori Nagayoshi
• Wooden guardian dogs designated as city tangible cultural property
• A Japanese nutmeg tree designated as a city natural monument

When to go

• The Kaneyama Festival takes place on the third Sunday of October
• The festival features a children's palanquin and a warrior procession
• The warrior procession includes people dressed as Mori Ranmaru

Getting there

• The nearest bus stop is Shimowatabashi on the YAO Bus line

Read more about Kifune Shrine

A historic shrine in Seki City dedicated to the protection of blacksmiths, featuring a renowned collection of Noh theater artifacts.

What it is

• Guardian shrine for the blacksmiths of Seki City founded in 1288.
• The deity was originally invited from the famous Kasuga Daimyojin in Nara.
• Rebuilt in 1433 by the swordsmith Magoroku Kaneyuki.

What to see

• A collection of sixty-three Important Cultural Property Noh costumes.
• Fifty-three Noh and Kyogen masks designated as Important Cultural Properties.
• A traditional Noh stage reconstructed on the grounds in 1959.

When to go

• The annual Seki Matsuri festival is held at the shrine.

Getting there

• Five-minute walk from Sekiterasu-mae Station.
• Five-minute drive from the Seki Interchange.

Official site

www.seki-kasuga.com

Read more about Kasuga Shrine

Visit this ancient head shrine to see historic buildings, cultural treasures, and natural monuments.

What it is

• Head shrine of 49 Suhara Shrines nationwide.
• Established in 721 by Taicho.
• Enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-Kami.

What to see

• Main hall dates from the early Edo period.
• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture.
• Three Noh masks are Gifu Prefectural Cultural Properties.
• Several craft items are Gifu Prefectural Cultural Properties.
• Breeding ground for broad-billed rollers is a national natural monument.
• Shrine forest is a prefectural natural monument.

When to go

• Akatori Festival on a Sunday near December 1st.
• Kamiokuri Festival on a Sunday near April 8th.

Address

岐阜県美濃市須原468-1-1 Map

Read more about Suhara Shrine

Ancient shrine in Gifu, dedicated to Amaterasu's eight princes, with unique architecture and cultural treasures.

What it is

• Established in 949.
• Enshrines eight princes of Amaterasu Omikami.
• Designated a Kinpeisha by the Gifu Prefectural Shrine Agency.

What to see

• Main hall built in Sanmaisha-nagare-zukuri style.
• Current main shrine building constructed in 1676.
• Shrine building is a Gifu Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• Shrine gate is a Gifu Prefecture Cultural Property.
• Shrine gate relocated from Shirataka Castle.
• Seven votive horse paintings are Gifu Prefecture Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Grand festival in early October.
• Festival features five floats parading through Akechi-cho.

Address

岐阜県恵那市明智町1400-1 Map

Read more about Hachiōji Shrine

Hoshimiya Shrine, a historic mountain worship site, houses significant Buddhist statues and cultural properties.

What it is

• One of six core shrines for Mount Koga worship.
• Dedicated to the deity Myojo Tenshi.
• The divine object is a statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu.
• Current buildings rebuilt after 1727.

What to see

• Remnant of the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra, an Important Cultural Property.
• Wooden seated statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, late Kamakura to Muromachi period.
• Zao Gongen statue from the late Kamakura period.
• Yakushi Nyorai and Kannon Bosatsu statues from the late Heian period.
• Collection of 39 hanging Buddha images.

Getting there

• About 7km from Minami-Kariayasu Station on the Nagaragawa Railway.

Address

岐阜県郡上市美並町高砂1252 Map

Read more about Hoshimiya Shrine (Gujo)

Sakashita Shrine offers a glimpse into local traditions and history, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• A shrine in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Homudawake-no-mikoto, Kotoshikao-no-mikoto, and Kikurihime-no-mikoto.
• Relocated to its current site in the late Heian period.

What to see

• Main shrine building rebuilt in 1661 after a fire.
• Main shrine building rebuilt in 1960 after a typhoon.

When to go

• Spring Grand Festival is held annually on April 15.
• Autumn Grand Festival is on the second Sunday of October.
• Hanamatsuri festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• About a 10-minute walk from Sakashita Station.

Address

岐阜県中津川市坂下639 Map

Read more about Sakashita Shrine

Ancient shrine with unique cultural properties, easily accessible from Hida-Kanayama Station.

What it is

• A Hachiman shrine established in 901.
• Enshrines Emperor Ojin and other deities.
• Minamoto no Takaie enshrined Kamakura Egara Tenjin in 1411.
• Renamed Egara Hachiman Shrine in the Meiji period.

What to see

• Egara Inari, Hakusan, and Tsushima subsidiary shrines.
• Sacred grove is a city-designated cultural property.
• Komainu are a city-designated cultural property.
• Black shishigashira is a city-designated cultural property.

When to go

• Annual festival is the third weekend of April.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Hida-Kanayama Station.

Address

岐阜県下呂市金山町金山字神戸平2490番地 Map

Read more about Egara Hachiman Shrine

This ancient shrine, a Moto Ise site, offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual past.

What it is

• A Tenjin Shrine in Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture.
• It is a former Ikuragawa-no-miya site.
• Considered one of the Moto Ise shrines.
• Dedicated to Takamimusubi-no-kami and Kamimusubi-no-kami.

What to see

• The main shrine building, rebuilt in the Genroku era.
• A city-designated cultural property main shrine building.
• The Ikuragawa-no-miya site, a city-designated historic site.
• A Machilus thunbergii tree, a city-designated cultural property.

Getting there

• 30-minute walk from Tarumi Railway Mieji Station.
• 1-minute walk from the Ikura Community Center bus stop.

Address

岐阜県瑞穂市居倉 Map

Read more about Tenjin Shrine (Mizuhoshi City)

An ancient Shinto shrine in Gifu City founded during Empress Suiko's reign, dedicated to Agatasumi no Mikoto and Take-nunakawa-wake no Mikoto.

What it is

• An ancient shrine traditionally founded during the reign of Empress Suiko.
• Considered a Shikinaisha of the Katagata District in former Mino Province.
• Dedicated to the deities Agatasumi no Mikoto and Take-nunakawa-wake no Mikoto.
• Renamed in 1873 after being known as Katagata Tsu Daimyojin during the Edo period.

What to see

• A traditional Shinto shrine complex situated on the west bank of Shima Ohashi Bridge.

Getting there

• Take a Gifu Bus from JR Gifu Station to reach the site.
• The shrine is located near the Sogaya Higashi bus stop.

Read more about Tsu Shrine

Ena Shrine: a mountain-top shrine dedicated to creation deities, featuring cultural properties and a unique puppet play.

What it is

• Dedicated to deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Front shrine in Kaore Masagane, inner shrine on Mount Ena summit.
• Mount Ena was once considered a sacred body.
• Designated a prefectural shrine in 1925.

What to see

• A tachi sword, inscribed Sadatsuna, is a cultural property.
• The married couple cedars are a natural monument.
• Ena Bunraku puppet heads are a tangible folk cultural property.

When to go

• Annual festival on September 29 features Ena Bunraku.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Nakatsugawa Station.

Address

岐阜県中津川市中津川字正ヶ根3786 Map

Official site

enajinja.jp

Read more about Ena Shrine

Ancient shrine in Mino City, Gifu, known for its historic buildings and stunning maple valley.

What it is

• Shrine founded during the reign of Emperor Kōrei.
• Dedicated to Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto and Amawakahiko no Mikoto.

What to see

• Main hall, rebuilt in 1672, is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Worship hall, rebuilt in 1671, is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Two-story gate, rebuilt in 1723.
• Maple valley with about 3000 wild Japanese maple trees.
• Some maple trees are over 1000 years old.
• Maple tree forest is a National Natural Monument.

When to go

• Maple valley is one of Hida-Mino Autumn Leaves Thirty-Three Selections.

Address

岐阜県美濃市大矢田2596 Map

Read more about Oyada Shrine

Mii Shrine is a historic site dedicated to a god of nature and childbirth, with unique artifacts.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Mii-no-kami, god of trees, water, and safe childbirth.
• Originally the tutelary deity of Mitsui Village.
• One of five Kinpeisha shrines in Kakamigahara City.

What to see

• Current main hall, noritoden, and worship hall completed in 1941.
• Pair of Komainu designated as a city cultural property.
• Three archaeological artifacts from the Mitsui Kofun.
• Okunomiya located near the summit of Mount Mitsui.

When to go

• Sakaurashinji ritual is held on the first Sunday of April.

Address

岐阜県各務原市三井町5丁目8 Map

Read more about Mii Shrine

This ancient shrine offers cultural treasures, old-growth cedars, and an annual festival celebrating agricultural traditions.

What it is

• Shrine founded in the fourth century CE.
• Dedicated to Hachiman, deity of archery and war.

What to see

• Numerous old-growth cedars on the grounds.
• Set of carved wood statuettes from the twelfth century.
• Mikoshi, a sacred palanquin from the Edo period.
• Smaller shrine dedicated to Konpira Gongen.
• Azekura architectural style of the smaller shrine.
• Plaque memorializing a 2,000-year-old cedar.

When to go

• Tanokami Festival, an annual citywide celebration.
• February 14 for the Tanokami Festival.
• New Year’s Eve to see the statuettes.

Address

岐阜県下呂市森1321 Map

Read more about Mori Minashi Hachiman Shrine

Atayuta Shrine is an ancient shrine with important cultural properties, easily accessible from Hida-Kokufu Station.

What it is

• One of eight shrines in Hida Province listed in Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Main enshrined deity is Otoshi Mioya no Kami.
• Granted Jugoijo rank in 867.
• Called Gongen-gu during the Edo period.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall built in the late Muromachi period.
• Wooden Zui-jin statues are Gifu Prefecture cultural properties.
• Inari Shrine building is a Takayama City cultural property.

Getting there

• 25-minute walk from Hida-Kokufu Station.
• Hida-Kokufu Station is on the JR Tokai Takayama Main Line.

Address

岐阜県高山市国府町木曽垣内1023 Map

Read more about Atayuta Shrine

Kogane Shrine is a historic shrine in Gifu City, known for its golden torii gate.

What it is

• A Kokushi Kenzaisha and former prefectural shrine.
• Dedicated to Kogane-no-Okami and four other deities.
• Founded in the 5th year of Emperor Seimu's reign.
• Deeply connected with Inaba Shrine and Kashimori Shrine.

What to see

• A special steel torii gate, built in 1987.
• The torii gate was repainted gold in 2015.
• The main shrine building, rebuilt in 1988.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on April 5th.
• A flea market is held on the 9th of every month.

Getting there

• About a 10-minute walk from JR Gifu Station.

Address

岐阜県岐阜市金町5丁目3 Map

Official site

koganejinjya.com

Read more about Kogane Shrine

Shiratori Shrine: a historic shrine with unique architecture and cultural heritage, easily accessible.

What it is

• Origin of the place name Shiratori.
• Enshrines Izanami-no-Mikoto and Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto.
• Current main hall built in 1852.

What to see

• Main hall constructed from a single zelkova tree.
• Carvings by Segawa Jisuke Shigemitsu.
• Shrine forest is a Gifu Prefectural Natural Monument.
• Main hall and carvings are Gujo City Important Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Haiden Odori dance is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• About 500m from Nagaragawa Railway Mino-Shiratori Station.

Address

岐阜県郡上市白鳥町白鳥680-1 Map

Read more about Shiratori Shrine