20 Shrines in Hyōgo worth your time

A historic shrine in Yabu City dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, featuring unique ritual wrestling and traditional bamboo stick dances.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Yabu City dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami.
• Designated as a Myojin Taisha in the ancient Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• The shrine was relocated to its current site in the year 1710.
• The grounds include the main hall and four smaller branch shrines.

What to see

• The main hall built in the traditional Ikken-sha Nagare-zukuri architectural style.
• A worship hall that was constructed on June 17, 1909.
• Twelve men performing the Hiyara Dance while holding bamboo sticks.
• Nettei Sumo, a ritual wrestling performance held without a ring or referee.

When to go

• The annual festival is held on Sports Day in October.
• Visit during the festival to see the nationally selected intangible folk cultural properties.

Read more about Mizutani Shrine

A historic Kobe shrine founded in 1173, featuring deities from the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage and architecture from 1658.

What it is

• A historic shrine in Kobe also known as Wadamiya dedicated to three different deities.
• Founded in 1173 when Taira no Kiyomori invited the deity Ichikishimahime to the site.
• Serves as the Benzaiten stop on the Hyogo Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.
• The main shrine building was constructed by the Amagasaki lord in 1658.

What to see

• The main shrine building which dates back to the mid-seventeenth century.
• Secondary shrines on the grounds including Miyabi, Akiba, and Takakura Inari.
• The current site established in 1902 after moving from its original coastal location.

Getting there

• A two-minute walk from Wadamisaki Station to reach the shrine entrance.
• Accessible via the Kobe City Bus system serving the Hyogo Ward area.

Official site

www.wadamiya.jp

Read more about Wada Shrine

An ancient shrine founded by Empress Jingu in 201, featuring a historic forest and ties to the name of Kobe city.

What it is

• A historic shrine dedicated to the deity Wakahirume-no-mikoto founded in the year 201
• The origin of the name Kobe comes from this shrine's former estate households
• A site rebuilt after sustaining damage during the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake
• A location listed as a Myojin Taisha in historical records

What to see

• The Ikuta Forest which was mentioned in the classic literary work The Pillow Book
• A monument on the grounds specifically dedicated to kitchen knives
• The site where Taira no Tomomori camped his army in 1184

When to go

• New Year celebrations when cedar decorations are used instead of traditional pine

Getting there

• A one-minute walk from Sannomiya Subway Station

Read more about Matsuo Shrine

A mountainside shrine founded by Princess Senhime in 1623, offering a historic connection to Himeji Castle and unique battledore tablets.

What it is

• A shrine founded by Princess Senhime in March 1623 on Mount Otokoyama.
• The site enshrines Sugawara no Michizane as its primary deity.
• The current main hall is a reconstruction completed in April 2002.
• The structure faces east toward the Himeji Castle West Bailey.

What to see

• Votive tablets shaped like traditional battledores that can be mailed as postcards.
• Six battledores dedicated by Princess Senhime upon the shrine's establishment.
• Views of the Himeji Castle Nagatsubone corridor where the princess once prayed.
• The mountainside setting located near the Koko-en Garden.

Getting there

• Take a Shinki Bus from Himeji Station to reach the vicinity.

Read more about Senhime Tenmangū

A historic shrine founded in 825 that serves as a guardian for the Akura area and hosts traditional float festivals.

What it is

• A guardian shrine for the Akura Shichigo area founded in the year 825
• Dedicated to the three Sumiyoshi deities along with Amanooshihomimi and Susanoo
• Incorporates the Tenman and Kokufu shrines which were merged here in 1911

What to see

• The main hall built in the traditional sangensha nagare-zukuri architectural style
• Subsidiary shrines on the grounds dedicated to Hachiman and Kotai
• Two Sumiyoshi-style danjiri floats used during the local autumn festival

When to go

• Visit on October 12 for the annual festival and Akura Danjiri Festival

Getting there

• The shrine is a fifteen minute walk from the Nishino Danchi bus stop

Read more about Sumiyoshi Shrine

A historic shrine in Kakogawa featuring eight National Tangible Cultural Properties rebuilt by the adopted son of Miyamoto Musashi.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kakogawa City dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and other deities.
• Founded by Hata no Kawakatsu during the Asuka period as a family tutelary shrine.
• The entire complex was rebuilt in 1653 by Miyamoto Iori.
• The site once served as the location for Ishidan Castle during the Nanboku-cho period.

What to see

• Eight buildings designated as National Tangible Cultural Properties.
• The main hall and kagura hall which date back to the 1653 reconstruction.
• A Noh stage constructed during the late Edo period.
• Stone lanterns donated to the shrine by Miyamoto Iori.

Getting there

• The shrine is accessible by bus at the Inaya stop.

Read more about Tomari Shrine

Hokura Shrine is an ancient shrine with unique rock altars and plum grove, worth visiting for history and nature.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.
• Enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Okininushi-no-Mikoto.
• Also enshrines Otoshimioya-no-Mikoto and Shiinetsuhiko-no-Mikoto.

What to see

• Numerous iwakura (rock altars) within and outside the precincts.
• Artifacts from the Stone Age and Yayoi period were excavated.
• A 20cm bronze halberd, an Important Cultural Property, was unearthed.
• The permanent light is called "Nada no Hitotsu Hi."
• Hokura Plum Grove has 250 plum trees, west of the shrine.
• A mountain trail to Mt. Rokko's peak passes by.

Getting there

• 1km northeast of Hankyu Okamoto Station.
• 1.3km northeast of JR Settsu-Motoyama Station.

Address

兵庫県神戸市東灘区本山町北畑680 Map

Read more about Hokura Shrine

A historic Kobe shrine dedicated to ice storage and love, featuring connections to Emperor Nintoku and the Taira clan.

What it is

• A shrine in Kobe dedicated to Ichikishimahime, Okuninushi, and Emperor Nintoku.
• Established by Taira no Kiyomori as one of the Seven Benten of Hyogo.
• Traditional site of an ancient icehouse mentioned in the Nihon Shoki.
• Location where Emperor Go-Shirakawa was once confined in a villa.

What to see

• The Himuro Inari Shrine transferred from Fushimi Inari Taisha in 1875.
• Site of the historic Yumeno no Shimizu spring.
• The Himuro Ancient Site referenced in documents dating back to 1688.

Getting there

• Take a city bus from Sannomiya Station to the Ishiicho bus stop.
• The shrine is a five-minute walk from the Ishiicho bus stop.

Read more about Himuro Shrine

Kashima Shrine grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes, attracting visitors for its unique wish-making rituals.

What it is

• Shrine believed to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes.
• Built about 700 years ago, rebuilt and altered over centuries.

What to see

• Giant titanium torii gate, fifth-largest in Japan.
• Honden (main sanctuary) for shinden mawari ritual.
• Nazuri (wishing stone) and origami crane chains.
• Kashima Ogidaira Natural Park with over 2,000 cherry trees.
• Taka-no-Su (hawks' nest) rock, 23 meters high.
• Panorama of Awaji, Shodo, and other Seto Inland Sea islands.

When to go

• New Year's holiday for wishes for the coming year.
• January, before university entrance examinations.
• Late March to early April for cherry blossoms in the park.

Address

兵庫県高砂市阿弥陀町地徳279 Map

Read more about Kashima Shrine

Usuki Hachiman Shrine is a historic site with cultural properties and unique artifacts.

What it is

• Also known as Tsuno-Miya.
• Enshrines Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto.

What to see

• Power stone lifted by Unosuke Sannomiya.
• Statue of Unosuke Sannomiya.
• Romon gate is a Hyogo Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• Sessha Shikishima Shrine Honden is a Hyogo Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• Honden is a Himeji City Tangible Cultural Property.

When to go

• Autumn Grand Festival (Chochin Matsuri) is a cultural property.
• Takegami Festival is a Himeji City Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 1km north of Sanyo Electric Railway Sanyo Aboshi Station.

Address

兵庫県姫路市網干区宮内193 Map

Read more about Usuki Hachiman Shrine

Rokko Yahata Shrine is a historic shrine with a unique main hall, conveniently located near train stations.

What it is

• A former Prefectural Shrine in Kobe City.
• Dedicated to Yahata-no-Okami, Amaterasu-Omikami, and Kasuga-no-Okami.
• Designated a Kobe City Tangible Cultural Property in 2016.

What to see

• Main hall is Kasuga-zukuri style with cypress bark roofing.
• Main hall was moved from Kasuga Taisha in 1786.
• It is the westernmost 'Kasuga-utsushi' old shrine building.
• It is the only such example in Hyogo Prefecture.

When to go

• Yakujinsai festival is held annually on January 18th and 19th.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from Hankyu Rokko Station.
• 10-minute walk from JR Rokkomichi Station.

Address

兵庫県神戸市灘区八幡町3-6-5 Map

Read more about Rokko Yahata Shrine

Odai Agata Shrine is an ancient shrine in Toyooka, significant for its history and a major summer festival.

What it is

• An ancient shrine, designated Kanja in 842.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho in 905.
• One of the Tajima Gosha, enshrining Kunitsukuri Onamuchi no Mikoto.
• Rebuilt between 1684 and 1687, relocated in 1931.

What to see

• The main shrine buildings, rebuilt in the late 17th century.
• Yanaginomiya Shrine, a subsidiary shrine on the grounds.

When to go

• August 1st and 2nd for the Toyooka Yanagi Festival.
• The festival is the largest in urban Toyooka City.

Getting there

• 1400-meter walk northeast from Toyooka Station.
• 1500-meter walk southwest from Konotori-no-sato Station.

Address

兵庫県豊岡市小田井町15番地6 Map

Read more about Odai Agata Shrine

Ancient shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, featuring a unique main hall and historical grounds.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, founded before the 9th century.
• Dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho as a major shrine.
• Tutelary deity of Isoshi Village, Settsu Province.

What to see

• Main hall built in Kasuga-zukuri style.
• Main hall is a designated cultural property.
• Shrine grounds are a designated conservation forest.
• Reported site where Kato Kiyomasa kept tigers.

When to go

• Spring festival.
• Summer festival.
• Autumn festival.

Getting there

• 6-minute walk from Sakasegawa Station.
• Sakasegawa Station is on the Hankyu Imazu Line.

Address

兵庫県宝塚市伊孑志1-4-3 Map

Read more about Iwashizu Shrine

Visit Tada Shrine, a National Historic Site, to explore its deep connections to the Genji clan.

What it is

• One of Japan's "Three Genji Shrines."
• Dedicated to five figures from the Minamoto clan.
• The grounds are a National Historic Site called "Tada-in."
• Formerly a Tendai and Shingon Ritsu sect temple.

What to see

• Main hall, worship hall, and Zuijinmon gate are Important Cultural Properties.
• Graves of Minamoto no Mitsunaka and Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
• Treasure Hall, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• Treasured sword Onikirimaru is stored in the Treasure Hall.
• East, West, and South gates are Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Genji Festival is held in April.

Address

兵庫県川西市多田院多田所町1-1 Map

Official site

tadajinjya.or.jp

Read more about Tada Shrine

Osake Shrine: a historic shrine in Akō, Hyōgo, known for its significant boat festival.

What it is

• A shrine in Akō, Hyōgo Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Ōsake Ōkami, Amaterasu Sumi Ōkami, and Kasuga Ōkami.
• Ōsake Ōkami refers to Hata no Kawakatsu.
• Known for the Sakoshi Boat Festival.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1769.
• The worship hall, rebuilt in 1746.
• The gate, rebuilt in 1746.
• Ikishima Island, a National Natural Monument.
• Hata no Kawakatsu's tomb on Ikishima Island.

When to go

• Second Sunday of October for the Sakoshi Boat Festival.
• Festival is a Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Festival is one of Seto Inland Sea's three major boat festivals.

Address

兵庫県赤穂市坂越1297番地 Map

Read more about Osake Shrine

A historic Kobe shrine dedicated to the loyal warrior Kusunoki Masashige, featuring a treasure hall and traditional Noh theater.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine established in 1872 by order of Emperor Meiji.
• The primary deity is the 14th-century warrior Kusunoki Masashige.
• The site marks the location where Masashige died in battle in 1336.
• It is designated as a Beppyo Shrine by the Association of Shinto Shrines.

What to see

• A stone monument erected by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in 1692.
• Extensive shrine grounds covering approximately 7,680 tsubo.
• A treasure hall containing historical artifacts and documents.
• An onsite Noh theater used for traditional performances.
• The Hyogo Prefecture Shrine Agency office building.

Official site

www.minatogawajinja.or.jp

Read more about Minatogawa Shrine

Takasago Shrine offers a historic lighthouse, a main shrine with unique roof tiles, and a Noh stage.

What it is

• Shrine, symbol of Takasago, founded about 1,700 years ago.
• Dedicated to conjugal harmony and safe passage.
• Home to the original setting of the Noh play Takasago.

What to see

• Stone lantern from 1799, originally a lighthouse.
• Main shrine building with fierce-faced roof tiles.
• Large Noh stage built in 2013 by local people.
• Pine tree painted on Noh stage with three hidden hearts.
• Venerable 'Aioi no Matsu' (twin pines) symbolizing harmony.
• Statue of Kuraku Matsuemon, shipping innovator.

When to go

• Any time to pray for safe travel or a happy marriage.

Address

兵庫県高砂市高砂町東宮町190 Map

Read more about Takasago Shrine

Visit this shrine to learn about the origins of sumo and see unique sumo-related donations.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Nomi no Sukune, the legendary origin of sumo.
• Built on the Izumo tomb site, where Nomi no Sukune is buried.
• Local place name Tatsuno originated from building his tomb.

What to see

• Nomi no Sukune's burial mound is within the shrine grounds.
• Stone gate features the Izumo Taisha Senge family crest.
• Tamagaki fences donated by 84 sumo wrestlers and gyoji.
• Hakuho, a famous sumo wrestler, donated a tamagaki in Reiwa.

Getting there

• 35-minute walk from Hon-Tatsuno Station.
• About 2km northwest from Sanyo Expressway Tatsuno Interchange.

Address

兵庫県たつの市龍野町北龍野 Map

Read more about Nomi no Sukune Shrine

Ancient shrine in a sacred forest, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.

What it is

• Founded in 720 AD during the Nara period.
• Dedicated to the deity Masakaakachikahayahiame no Hosihominomikoto.
• Located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture.

What to see

• Main hall built in 1859.
• Worship hall built in 1868.
• Shrine forest covers 3 hectares.
• Large cedar tree worshipped as sacred.
• Ancient trees are 350-400 years old.
• Forest is a city-designated natural monument.

Getting there

• 10-minute taxi from JR Sanin Main Line Yanase Station.
• 30-minute walk from Awaga Jinja-mae bus stop.
• 5 minutes from Santo IC on Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway.

Address

兵庫県朝来市山東町粟鹿2143 Map

Read more about Masakatsu Shrine

Visit this Himeji shrine to see its historic buildings and lively autumn festival.

What it is

• A shrine in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Tenman Okami (Sugawara Michizane).
• Founded on September 17, 1869.
• Designated a village shrine in February 1874.

What to see

• Main hall, worship hall, and shrine office.
• Monument to Sima Ryotaro, built in 2003.
• Monument from 1898 details the shrine's origin.

When to go

• Autumn festival on the third Sunday of October.
• Festival features three portable shrines and 15 floats.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Agaho Station.
• 20-minute walk from Yumesakigawa Station.

Address

兵庫県姫路市広畑区北野町2丁目3 Map

Read more about Hirohata-tenmangū