20 Shrines in Miyagi worth your time

This ancient shrine complex offers historical buildings, gardens, and unique festivals overlooking Matsushima Bay.

What it is

• Two Shinto shrines, Shiogama Jinja and Shiwahiko Jinja, on shared grounds.
• Shiogama Jinja founded before the Nara period, exact year unknown.
• Shiogama Jinja venerates three deities, including a salt-making protector.
• Shiwahiko Jinja dedicated to the god of agriculture, guardian of Shiogama area.

What to see

• Main shrine buildings from 1704, nagare-zukuri style.
• Lavish black- and vermillion-lacquered Shiwahiko Jinja main building, rebuilt 1938.
• 202-step stone stairway lined with lanterns and cryptomeria trees.
• Stately Zuishinmon Gate from the 1700s.
• 14 shrine buildings designated Important Cultural Properties.
• Serene Japanese-style gardens and 300 cherry trees of 40 varieties.

When to go

• Late April to early May for fluffy double-flowered Shiogama zakura cherry blossoms.
• Spring for illuminated cherry blossoms after dark.
• Hote Matsuri festival for 1-ton mikoshi carried down steps.
• Summertime Minato Matsuri for mikoshi on boats in Matsushima Bay.

Getting there

• Located on a hill overlooking the city of Shiogama and Matsushima Bay.

Address

宮城県塩竈市一森山1番1号 Map

Official site

www.shiogamajinja.jp

Read more about Shiogama Shrine

A 17th-century National Treasure shrine in Sendai featuring the oldest Gongen-zukuri architecture and vibrant traditional festivals.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Emperor Chuai, and Empress Jingu.
• The current buildings were commissioned by Date Masamune in 1604 and completed in 1607.
• It is the oldest existing example of Gongen-zukuri style architecture in Japan.

What to see

• The main hall, stone room, and worship hall are designated National Treasures.
• The Nagatoko building is a national Important Cultural Property.
• A stone torii gate designated as a Miyagi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Traditional Noh Kagura performances which are national intangible folk cultural properties.

When to go

• Visit during the annual Dontosai and Hadaka-mairi festivals.

Getting there

• Take a bus to the Osaki Hachimangu-mae bus stop.
• Walk twelve minutes from the north approach to Tohoku Fukushi-dai-mae Station.

Official site

www.oosaki-hachiman.or.jp

Read more about Ōsaki Hachimangū

A historic village shrine founded in the ninth century featuring a main hall that survived the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami.

What it is

• A village shrine founded between 806 and 810 originally known as Shinmeigu.
• The current main building was constructed on September 1, 1744.
• Multiple local shrines including Ikazuchi and Kumano were merged here in 1908.
• The site is dedicated to several deities including those from the Koku Shrine.

What to see

• The original main hall which survived the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
• A worship hall that was damaged by the tsunami on March 11, 2011.
• The subordinate Ubusunayamatsumi Shrine located within the grounds.

Getting there

• The shrine is an eight-minute walk from Sendai Airport Station.

Read more about Shimomasuda Shrine

Okama Shrine, an auxiliary to Shiogama Shrine, features unique cauldrons central to local history and rituals.

What it is

• An auxiliary shrine of Shiogama Shrine.
• Dedicated to the deity Shiotsuchi-no-Oji-no-Kami.
• Its cauldrons are the origin of the name "Shiogama."

What to see

• Four cauldrons, called "Kamagama" or "Okama."
• The cauldrons are Shiogama City Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.
• Water in the cauldrons does not dry up during drought.
• Water color was historically used for divination.

When to go

• Annual Moshioyaki Shinji ritual is held in July.
• The ritual prepares offerings for the main Shiogama Shrine festival.
• Moshioyaki Shinji is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Address

宮城県塩竈市本町6-1 Map

Official site

www.shiogamajinja.jp

Read more about Okama Shrine

Atago Shrine, dedicated to the fire god, offers city views and historical artifacts.

What it is

• One of the Atago Shrines based on Atago worship.
• Part of the Sendai Goshaguri (Sendai Five Shrines Tour).
• Enshrines Kagutsuchi, the god of fire.
• Also enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami.

What to see

• Main hall and worship hall are city cultural properties.
• Three munefuda (ridge tags) record constructions.
• Two large ema (votive tablets) from 1724.
• Views from Mount Atago, 75 meters high.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on July 23rd and 24th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Atagobashi Station.
• Sendai Subway Namboku Line.

Address

宮城県仙台市太白区向山四丁目17番1号 Map

Read more about Atago Shrine

A 17th-century shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, featuring important cultural properties.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• Founded in 1654 by Date Tadamune.
• One of the Sendai Gosha Meguri shrines.
• Recognized as a Japan Heritage cultural property in 2016.

What to see

• Four buildings are national Important Cultural Properties.
• One torii is a national Important Cultural Property.
• The torii is the oldest in Miyagi Prefecture.
• The stone steps were built in 1654.
• 34 stone lanterns are Important Cultural Properties.
• A statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu is in the main hall.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Higashi-Shōgū Station.

Address

宮城県仙台市青葉区東照宮一丁目6-1 Map

Official site

www.sendai-toshogu.or.jp

Read more about Sendai Tōshō-gū

Kanahebisui Shrine: a unique shrine in Miyagi for business, fortune, and maritime safety.

What it is

• Dedicated to Kanahebi Okami (Mihayame no Mikoto).
• Secondary deities are Oanamuchi no Mikoto and Sukunahikona no Mikoto.
• Revered for business prosperity and financial fortune.
• Worshipped for maritime safety and good fishing catches.

What to see

• Kanahebi Benzaiten, a water deity, within the precincts.
• A 300-year-old wisteria tree called "Kuryu no Fuji."
• Snake-patterned stones called "Jammonseki" south of the main hall.

When to go

• Peony Festival from May 10th to May 25th.
• Grand Festival from May 15th to May 21st.

Address

宮城県岩沼市三色吉字水神7 Map

Read more about Kanahebisui Shrine

Ancient shrine on a sacred island, home to unique festivals and giant lanterns.

What it is

• Shrine on Kinkasan Island, founded in 750 AD.
• Dedicated to Kanayamabiko-no-kami, Kanayamahime-no-kami, and Yaoyorozu-no-kami.
• The entire island is considered a sacred area.
• Formerly a prefectural shrine, now a Beppyo Shrine.

What to see

• Current main hall, rebuilt after an 1897 fire.
• Permanent lanterns are 4.8 meters tall.
• These lanterns are among Japan's three largest.

When to go

• Hatsumi Taisai festival: seven days from first Day of Serpent in May.
• Deer Antler Cutting Festival: first and second Sundays of October.

Address

宮城県石巻市鮎川浜金華山5番地 Map

Official site

kinkasan.jp

Read more about Koganeyama Shrine (Ishinomaki)

Kattamine Shrine, a historic mountain shrine, offers a unique glimpse into ancient Japanese religious practices.

What it is

• A shrine on Mount Kattadake in the Zao Mountain Range.
• Dedicated to Zao Gongen, opened in 679 by En no Ozunu.
• Relocated to Mount Kattadake around 1645-1648.
• Listed in the ancient Engishiki Jinmyocho records.

What to see

• An Okumiya (inner shrine) and a Satomiya (outer shrine).
• The Zao Mountain Range, named after Zao Gongen.

When to go

• Deity moves between inner and outer shrines seasonally.

Getting there

• Access via Zao Echo Line and Zao High Line.
• Then a 15-minute walk to the shrine.

Address

宮城県刈田郡蔵王町倉石岳 Map

Read more about Kattamine Shrine

Aoba Shrine honors Date Masamune, offering a glimpse into Sendai's samurai past.

What it is

• Founded in 1874, a prefectural shrine.
• Dedicated to Date Masamune, a powerful samurai lord.
• Part of the Sendai Gosha Pilgrimage.
• Current chief priest is 17th head of Katakura family.

What to see

• Main shrine building completed in 1927.
• Auxiliary shrine for Date Masamune's retainers.
• Torii gate damaged in 2011 earthquake.

When to go

• Spring Grand Festival on May 24th and 25th.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Kita-Sendai Station on JR Senzan Line.
• Free parking is available.

Address

宮城県仙台市青葉区青葉町7番1号 Map

Official site

www.aoba-jinja.com

Read more about Aoba Shrine

A historic shrine at Mount Funagata's base, known for its rare 6th-century statue and vibrant May 1st festival.

What it is

• A shrine in Taiwa-cho, Miyagi Prefecture.
• Also known as Funagatayama Gongen-sha and Masuzawa Gongen.
• Dedicated to Uke Mochi no Kami, twelve divine generals, and Daikokuten.
• Formerly a village shrine, received donations from the Sendai Domain.

What to see

• A 15cm gilt bronze bodhisattva statue, the sacred object.
• The statue is estimated to be from the 6th century.

When to go

• May 1st: The sacred statue is unearthed and displayed.
• May 1st: The Great Bonten Festival, a cultural property.

Address

宮城県黒川郡大和町吉田字升沢108、109 Map

Read more about Funagatayama Shrine

Kumano Shrine: an ancient shrine in Miyagi, important for its history and traditional performances.

What it is

• One of the Natori Kumano Sansha.
• Founded in 1123 as Kumano Shingu-sha.
• A center of Kumano worship in the Tohoku region.
• Has a deep connection with the Date clan.

What to see

• The main hall is a tangible cultural property.
• Kumano-do Kagura is an intangible folk cultural property.
• Kumano-do Bugaku is an intangible folk cultural property.

When to go

• Kumano-do Kagura is performed during spring and autumn festivals.
• Kumano-do Bugaku is performed only at the spring festival.

Address

宮城県名取市高舘熊野堂字岩口上51 Map

Read more about Kumano Shrine

Kamo Shrine is a historic complex with two main shrines, recognized for its cultural properties.

What it is

• A shrine complex in Izumi Ward, Sendai City.
• Comprises two main shrines: Shimogamo and Kamigamo.
• Built on the former site of the Furuchi clan's residence.
• Also known as 'Tadasu-sama' and 'Akagami-sama'.

What to see

• Shimogamo (Kamo Mioya Jinja) and Kamigamo (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Jinja).
• Shrine buildings in Kayabuki Hakomune-zukuri style.
• Yatagarasu Shrine within the grounds.
• Designated a 'Green Scenic Spot 100' by Sendai City.
• Main halls are Miyagi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties.

Address

宮城県仙台市泉区古内字糺1 Map

Read more about Kamo Shrine (Sendai)

Hie Shrine, founded in 746, offers a glimpse into Japan's rich architectural and spiritual heritage.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Oyamakui-no-mikoto.
• First established in the year 746.
• Originally known as Sanno Shrine.
• Relocated by Kiyohara Nariyoshi.

What to see

• Main hall is a designated cultural property.
• Worship hall is a designated cultural property.
• Main hall has a hip-and-gable roof.
• Main hall shows Azuchi-Momoyama period characteristics.
• Worship hall has a hip-and-gable roof.

Getting there

• 5-minute drive from Wakayanagi-Kannari Interchange.

Address

宮城県栗原市 金成中町27 Map

Read more about Hie Shrine

This shrine honors Miyagi's war dead and offers a glimpse into local history.

What it is

• One of the Sendai Gosha Meguri shrines.
• Founded in 1904 as a 'Shokonsha'.
• Enshrines over 56,000 war dead from Miyagi Prefecture.
• Located on the site of Sendai Castle's main keep.

What to see

• Shrine crest: fifteen-petal chrysanthemum and cherry blossom.
• Current shrine building relocated from Ise Jingu's Kazamiya.
• Statue of special attack forces heroes, erected in 2007.
• Urayasu-gu shrine enshrines Amaterasu Sumera Okami.
• Urayasu-gu shrine also enshrines Date Masamune.

Official site

gokokujinja.org

Read more about Miyagi Gokoku Shrine

Isora Shrine, founded in the 9th century, offers unique blessings and a rare kappa statue.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Isora-no-kami.
• Also known as Okappa-sama.
• Founded in 802 or 804.
• Offers blessings for water disaster protection, matchmaking, safe childbirth.

What to see

• Main deities are Empress Jingu and Sumiyoshi Sanjin.
• Sacred wooden kappa statue is enshrined.
• Kappa statue displayed every 60 years.

When to go

• Okappa-sama Festival held annually in July.

Getting there

• 40-minute drive from Furukawa Station.

Address

宮城県加美郡色麻町大字一ノ関字東苗代28 Map

Read more about Isora Shrine

Historic shrine founded by Date Masamune, offering a glimpse into local life with its morning market.

What it is

• Shrine founded by Date Masamune after returning from war.
• Originally named Torigura.
• Enshrines Ketsumiko-no-kami, Izanagi-no-mikoto, Izanami-no-mikoto.
• Ranked as a village shrine in November 1872.

When to go

• Morning market held on 3rd and 7th of each month.
• Market runs from April to June.
• Yaoya-machi market sells local produce and seafood.

Getting there

• 13-minute walk from Furukawa Station.
• 10-minute drive from Furukawa Interchange.

Address

宮城県大崎市古川前田町3-25 Map

Read more about Kumano Shrine

Ancient shrine with unique cultural properties and a sacred cedar, worth visiting for history and art.

What it is

• One of the Natori Kumano Sanja shrines.
• Founded in 719 AD.
• Dedicated to Haguro Hiryu-shin and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Received patronage from the Date family.

What to see

• 41 hanging Buddhas and bronze mirrors are National Cultural Properties.
• 114 hanging Buddhas and bronze mirrors are Prefectural Cultural Properties.
• An 800-year-old, 32m tall cedar tree.
• A gate at the top of the main approach's stone steps.
• A bell tower.
• Over 10 cats on the grounds.

Address

〒981-1242 宮城県名取市高舘吉田舘山８ Map

Read more about Kumano-Nachi Shrine

Isuzu Shrine, a historic site in Kesennuma, offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese deities and nature.

What it is

• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Owatatsumi-no-kami, and Susanoo-no-mikoto.
• Founded in the early Muromachi period.
• Relocated to its current site in the early Edo period.
• Designated a village shrine in the early Meiji period.

What to see

• Golden rain tree community, a natural monument.
• Inokari Shrine, a subsidiary shrine.
• Ryujin Shrine, a subsidiary shrine.

Getting there

• 13-minute walk from Shishiori-Karakuwa Station.

Address

宮城県気仙沼市魚町2-6-7 Map

Read more about Isuzu Shrine

This shrine features a 14-meter-long stone balanced on a hill, visited by students for good exam results.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to a deity of knowledge.
• Object of worship is a 14-meter-long balanced stone.
• Founded around a gravity-defying megalith.

What to see

• The 14-meter-long balanced stone on a cedar-covered hill.
• Reeds harvested from the Kitakami River decorate the shrine.
• School-related charms (omamori) are available.
• Votive pictures (ema) for writing wishes.

When to go

• Throughout the year to see reed decorations.

Address

宮城県石巻市北上町十三浜字追波305 Map

Read more about Tsuriishi Shrine