20 Shrines in Gunma worth your time

A historic village shrine in Shibukawa featuring a main hall from 1864 and traditional lion dance performances during festivals.

What it is

• Established as a branch of the Kawashima shrine to honor two Shinto deities.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1873 within the Miyukida area.
• The current main hall is a historical structure dating back to 1864.

What to see

• The main hall constructed during the late Edo period.
• Sekison Daigongen is enshrined in a dedicated space within the precinct grounds.
• Various stone monuments and smaller branch shrines scattered across the site.
• The Miyukida Lion Dance, a city-designated intangible cultural property performed for harvests.

When to go

• Spring festival held annually on the Sunday nearest to April 17.
• Autumn festival takes place every year on October 9.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Shibukawa Station to the Miyukida bus stop.

Read more about Kawasukune Shrine (Miyukida, Shibukawa)

Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine is a unique descending shrine with important cultural properties and ancient rituals.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Futsunushi-no-kami and Hime-Okami.
• First mentioned in historical records in 806.
• Designated a National Treasure in 1871.
• Known as a 'kudari-miya' or descending shrine.

What to see

• Main hall, worship hall, and tower gate are Important Cultural Properties.
• Main hall is a unique two-story 'Nukisaki-zukuri' structure.
• Chokushimon gate opens three times a year.
• Fujitasugi cedar tree is said to be 1200 years old.

When to go

• Special Shinto rituals, including deer divination, are performed.
• A Shikinen Sengu ritual is conducted every 12 years.

Address

〒370-2452　群馬県富岡市一ノ宮1535 Map

Official site

www.nukisaki.or.jp

Read more about Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine

Kiso Mibashira Shrine is a historic site with ancient burial mounds and cultural treasures.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to three Shinto deities.
• Branched off from Kiso Sansha Shrine in the late Edo period.
• Designated a village shrine.
• Known as "Hana no Myojin" for its cherry blossoms.

What to see

• The shrine building on the Shogun-zuka Kofun.
• Shogun-zuka Kofun, a 20-meter diameter circular tumulus.
• Asahi-zuka Kofun, a 14-meter diameter circular tumulus.
• Jomon period stone sword, a prefectural cultural property.
• Portrait of Kiso Yoshinaga, a city cultural property.

When to go

• Spring festival for the Hakoda Shishimai lion dance.

Address

群馬県渋川市北橘町箱田777番 Map

Read more about Kiso Mibashira Shrine

Akagi Shrine is a historic shrine with important cultural properties and a unique natural monument.

What it is

• One of about 300 Akagi Shrines nationwide.
• Also called Miyosawa Akagi Shrine.
• Dedicated to Akagi-no-kami, Toyokiirihiko-no-mikoto, Onamuchi-no-mikoto.
• Formerly two shrines, East and West, united after the Meiji era.

What to see

• Main hall and Chumon are important cultural properties.
• Somon gate is a Koraimon gate from the Edo period.
• The 'Tawara Sugi' is a designated natural monument.
• The 'Jindai Moji no Hi' is a city-designated cultural property.
• Edo period pine tree-lined approach.
• Ritual site centered on the 'Hitsuiwa' rock, 1.3km up Mt. Akagi.

Address

群馬県前橋市三夜沢町114番地 Map

Read more about Akagi Shrine

A historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, featuring important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Ōta City, Gunma Prefecture.
• Enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as Tōshō Daigongen.
• Founded by Tokugawa Iemitsu around 1639.
• Designated a National Historic Site.

What to see

• Honden (main hall) is an Important Cultural Property.
• Haiden (worship hall) is an Important Cultural Property.
• Karamon (Chinese gate) is an Important Cultural Property.
• An iron lantern from 1618.
• Tachi sword with a Ryōkai inscription.
• Thirty-six Immortal Poets painted panels.

Getting there

• Located near the Nikkō Reiheishi Kaidō.

Address

群馬県太田市世良田町3119-1 Map

Official site

www.net-you.com

Read more about Serada Tōshō-gū

Ancient shrine with unique artifacts and a moat, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.

What it is

• A Shikinai-sha (Myojin Taisha) Ronsha shrine.
• Dedicated to Toyokiirihiko-no-mikoto and Onamuchi-no-mikoto.
• Founded during the Heian period, exact date unknown.
• Designated as a Gosha under the modern shrine ranking system.

What to see

• Shrine grounds surrounded by a moat and earthworks.
• Nasori-men mask, a cultural property.
• Bronze bell dedicated in 1623.
• Two pairs of ema donated by feudal lords.
• Hoto pagoda from the Nanboku-cho period.

When to go

• Oshinko procession is an important intangible folk cultural property.

Address

群馬県前橋市二之宮町886 Map

Read more about Ninomiya Akagi Shrine

Haruna Shrine is an ancient mountain shrine with unique architecture and natural monuments.

What it is

• One of the three great mountains of Jomo.
• Mentioned in the Engishiki Jinmyocho completed in 927.
• Main deities are Homusubi-no-kami and Haniyamahime-no-kami.

What to see

• Six nationally designated important cultural properties.
• Three-story pagoda, called Shinpoden.
• Main hall connected to sacred rock, Misugata-iwa.
• Yate-no-Sugi cedar tree is a national natural monument.
• Ancient monk living quarters ruins have been excavated.

When to go

• Annual Chima-matsuri festival in June.
• Tenko-sai festival on New Year's Eve.

Address

群馬県高崎市榛名山町849 Map

Official site

www.haruna.or.jp

Read more about Haruna Shrine

Isesaki Shrine, founded in 1200, offers unique artifacts and local festival experiences.

What it is

• Founded in 1200 by Miura Yoshizumi.
• Formerly known as Iifuku Shrine.
• Dedicated to the deity Uke Mochi no Kami.
• Birthplace of Isesaki's 'Jinja Croquette'.

What to see

• Worship hall constructed in 1935.
• Wooden propeller from a Type 90-3 seaplane.
• Propeller donated by Nakajima Aircraft employees in 1937.
• Amulets made with Isesaki-kasuri fabric.

When to go

• Joshu Yakiman Festival on January 11.
• Ebisu-ko Festival on November 19.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Isesaki Station.

Address

群馬県伊勢崎市本町21番地1 Map

Official site

www.isesaki.or.jp

Read more about Isesaki Shrine

Ancient shrine dedicated to water gods, offering unique architecture and a peaceful natural setting.

What it is

• Founded in 956, relocated in 1668.
• Dedicated to Takaokami no Kami, Oyamatsumi no Kami, and Onamuchi no Kami.
• Worshipped as a water god protecting Kanto from drought.
• Attracts 200,000 New Year's worshipers annually.

What to see

• Shrine located on a paleozoic cliff.
• Main hall, heiden, and worship hall rebuilt in 1971.
• Tengu no Miya enshrines Daitengu and Karasutengu.
• Monument with a haiku by Matsuo Basho.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Kami-Kambai Station.
• 20-minute taxi ride from Akagi Station.

Address

群馬県みどり市大間々町塩原785番地 Map

Official site

kifune-gunma.com

Read more about Kifune Shrine

Kiryū Nishinomiya Shrine is a unique Kanto branch of Nishinomiya Shrine, worth visiting for its grand architecture and local festivals.

What it is

• A subsidiary shrine of Miwa Shrine.
• Enshrines the deity Hiruko Okami.
• The only direct branch of Nishinomiya Shrine in Kanto.
• Also known as "Kanto Issha."

What to see

• Shrine building completed in May 1905.
• Shrine building is larger than Miwa Shrine's.

When to go

• Hatsumatsuri (Hatsu Ebisu) is on January 20th.
• Reitaisai (Kiryū Ebisu-kō) is on November 19th and 20th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kiryū Station North Exit.
• Nishi-Kiryū Station is closer.

Address

群馬県桐生市宮本町2丁目1番1号 Map

Read more about Kiryū Nishinomiya Shrine

Ancient shrine in Gunma, dedicated to purification deities, with a history spanning over 1200 years.

What it is

• Established in 785 by Ono Kinzen.
• Dedicated to Hayaakitsuhiko-no-kami and Hayaakitsuhime-no-kami.
• Revered by the Nagao clan during the Sengoku period.
• Renamed Kawasukune Shrine in the Meiji period.

What to see

• Main hall built in the early 18th century.
• Worship hall built in the late 18th century.
• Fifty-eight auxiliary shrines on the grounds.
• Sword dedicated by Nagao Kageharu.

When to go

• Spring festival held on April 15th.
• Autumn festival held on the last Saturday of September.

Address

群馬県吾妻郡東吾妻町箱島1136 Map

Read more about Kawasukune Shrine (Higashiagatsuma)

A historic shrine dedicated to Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto, offering a glimpse into local religious heritage.

What it is

• Dedicated to Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto.
• A Shikinaisha of Kozuke Province.
• Branched off from Kawa no Sukune Shrine in 1444.
• Renamed Takeuchi Shrine in 1869.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1711.
• The shrine building on Ubazuka hill.

When to go

• Spring Annual Festival on April 3rd.
• Gion Festival on July 25th.
• Autumn Annual Festival on October 9th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Sobashima Station.
• Sobashima Station is on the JR Agatsuma Line.

Address

群馬県渋川市祖母島499 Map

Read more about Takeuchi Shrine

Aoume Shrine is a historic site with unique artwork, worth visiting for its cultural significance.

What it is

• One of Japan's four shrines, also called Aoume Tenmangu.
• Dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Sarutahiko-no-Kami.
• Yagami Shrine merged into it in 1910.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1641.
• Worship hall built in 1631, renovated in 1862.
• Worship hall's coffered ceiling has 77 animal and plant paintings.
• Votive tablet hall built in 1631, rebuilt in 1794.
• Sub-shrines dedicated to Amaterasu, Omononushi-no-Kami, and Hachiman.
• Stone pillar at entrance says 'Japan Shisha Aoume Tenmangu'.

Address

群馬県館林市本町2-8-22 Map

Read more about Aoume Shrine

Ancient shrine founded in 957, with important cultural properties and unique architecture.

What it is

• Founded in 957 by Minamoto no Yorinobu.
• Dedicated to Hondawake-no-mikoto and two other deities.
• Commonly known as Yawata Hachiman-gu.
• Covers about 9,000 tsubo of grounds.

What to see

• Current main shrine buildings rebuilt in 1750 or 1757.
• Main hall built in the Tenchi Gongen-zukuri style.
• Nine buildings are designated important cultural properties.
• Multiple subsidiary shrines within the precincts.
• Sangaku are designated cultural properties.
• Dōmaru is a designated cultural property.

Official site

kouzukenokuni-hachimanguu.jimdofree.com

Read more about Kōzuke-no-kuni Issha Hachimangū

Fujitake Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine, worth visiting for its cultural properties and unique location.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture.
• Rebuilt by Sakakibara Yasumasa during the Tensho era.
• Protected by lords of the Tatebayashi domain.
• Sixteen nearby shrines were merged into it in 1910.

What to see

• Shrine building on a 7-meter high hill.
• The hill is likely an ancient burial mound.
• Fujiwara no Asamatsuka is a cultural property.
• Hatsuyama related materials are cultural properties.

Getting there

• 22-minute walk from Tatebayashi Station.

Address

群馬県館林市富士原町1127 Map

Read more about Fujitake Shrine

One of Japan's Seven Inari Shrines, founded in 1125, with important cultural properties.

What it is

• One of Japan's Seven Inari Shrines.
• Founded in 1125 by Minamoto no Yoshikuni.
• Once revered as a god of sericulture.
• Minamoto no Yoshitsune enshrined a分霊 from Fushimi Inari Taisha.

What to see

• Main hall and Shoten-gu built in 1767 and 1857.
• Main hall and Shoten-gu are Important Cultural Properties.
• Worship hall built in 1799.
• Worship hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Three sangaku (mathematical tablets) are dedicated.
• Kanmuri Inari's quince is a Natural Monument.

Address

群馬県太田市細谷町1 Map

Official site

kanmuri.com

Read more about Kanmuri Inari Shrine

Okuni Shrine is a historic Shikinaisha shrine with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-mikoto.
• Also enshrines five princesses, daughters of Tanba-no-michinushi-no-kimi.

What to see

• Main hall, constructed in 1793.
• Worship hall, constructed in 1804.
• Stone stupa from 1490, a city important cultural property.

When to go

• Autumn festival features the Shimonafuchi-no-shishimai lion dance.
• Lion dance is a city important intangible folk cultural property.

Address

群馬県伊勢崎市境下渕名2827 Map

Read more about Okuni Shrine

Hitsuji Shrine honors local ancestors and offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese worship.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Amenokoyane-no-mikoto and Tago Hitsujidayu.
• Founded to worship ancestor Hitsujidayu.

What to see

• Shrine buildings constructed in 1997.
• Komainu (guardian dogs) erected in 1998.
• Shrine crest features a wisteria and a gorinto.
• Mitsumine-sha established in 1998.

When to go

• Spring Festival is held on March 15th.
• Autumn Festival is held on October 15th.

Getting there

• 2.2 kilometers southeast of JR Isobe Station.

Address

群馬県安中市中野谷1751番地 Map

Official site

www.sakisaki.net

Read more about Hitsuji Shrine

A historic shrine in Gunma founded in 992, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and housing a 19th-century votive tablet.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded in 992 and originally named Sugawara Shrine.
• The primary deity enshrined here is the scholar and politician Sugawara no Michizane.
• Nagara Shrine was merged into this location in 1906.
• The current name is derived from the local place name in Tatebayashi City.

What to see

• A historic votive tablet donated to the shrine grounds in 1843.

Getting there

• The shrine is an eighteen minute walk from the Azeria Mall bus stop.

Read more about Tōgō Shrine

Sōja Shrine is a historic provincial shrine in Maebashi with important cultural properties.

What it is

• It was the Sōja of Kōzuke Province.
• The official name is Sōja Jinja.
• It is also called Kōzuke Sōja Jinja.
• Main deities include Iwa Tsutsuo no Mikoto and Uka no Mitama no Mikoto.

What to see

• The main hall is a prefectural important cultural property.
• The main hall was repaired in 1616.
• The worship hall was rebuilt in 1843.
• The worship hall is a city important cultural property.
• The Kōzuke-no-kuni Jinmyōchō is a prefectural important cultural property.

Address

〒371-0846 群馬県前橋市元総社町１丁目３１−４５ Map

Official site

www.net-you.com

Read more about Sōja Shrine