20 Shrines in Miyazaki worth your time

A historic shrine founded in 1204 by a samurai, hosting a major festival that commemorates the Heike clan's history.

What it is

• A historic shrine founded in 1204 by the samurai Nasu Daihachiro Munehisa.
• Dedicated to the deities Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto and Susanoo-no-mikoto.
• Located on a hill in the Shimofukura settlement of Shiiba Village.
• Renamed in 1871 after previously being known as Itsukushima Daimyojin.

What to see

• The main shrine buildings situated near the historic Tsurutomi Yashima residence.
• A hillside setting overlooking the local settlement and surrounding landscape.

When to go

• Visit in November for the annual Shiiba Heike Festival.
• The festival commemorates the 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura.

Read more about Shiiba Itsukushima Shrine

Aoshima Shrine, on a sacred island, is worth visiting for its unique rock formations and historical festivals.

What it is

• Sacred island, worshiped since ancient times.
• Religious structures first built during the Heian period.
• Dedicated to three deities: Yamasachi-hiko, Toyotama, and Shiotsuchi.
• Grandparents of Jimmu, the legendary first emperor.

What to see

• Jungle-like forest covering the island.
• 27 tropical or subtropical plant species.
• Biro or fountain palm trees.
• Unusually shaped rock formations known as “ogre’s washboard.”

When to go

• Summer festival: mid-July to early August, boat parade.
• Winter festival: second Monday of January, purification ritual in waves.

Address

宮崎県宮崎市青島2丁目13−1 Map

Official site

aoshima-jinja.jp

Read more about Aoshima Shrine

Takachiho Shrine is an ancient, high-ranked Shinto shrine with cultural properties and ties to Japan's creation myth.

What it is

• Shinto shrine, highest-ranked in ancient Hyuga Province.
• Parent shrine for 88 other shrines in 18 villages.
• Dedicated to 23 deities, guardians of agriculture and harvests.
• Protector of the yokagura dance tradition for over 800 years.

What to see

• Main sanctuary and komainu guardian figures are Important Cultural Properties.
• Sites related to Japan’s creation myth and gods.
• Kagura Hall, venue for regular dance performances.
• Simple architecture in harmony with towering trees.
• 800-year-old Chichibu Cedar.
• Meoto Sugi (Husband and Wife Cedars) pair.

Address

宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町大字三田井字神殿1037番地 Map

Read more about Takachiho Shrine

Mikado Shrine: ancient site in Miyazaki with important cultural properties and a historic festival.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 718 AD.
• Four traditions explain its history.
• Main hall built in 1661.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Twenty-four mirrors are royal relics.
• Monument marks the tomb of Baekje King Teika.
• Thirty-three bronze mirrors are Prefectural Cultural Properties.
• Image of Kannon Bodhisattva is a Prefectural Cultural Property.

When to go

• Shiwasu Festival has a 1,000-year tradition.
• Shiwasu Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Address

宮崎県東臼杵郡美郷町南郷神門69-2 Map

Read more about Mikado Shrine

Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine honors those who served Japan, a peaceful stop near Miyazaki Jingu.

What it is

• Shinto shrine in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
• Enshrines 41,820 spirits of people who served the nation.
• Also enshrines 54 spirits of public servants.
• Approved for establishment on April 23, 1943.

What to see

• The Eirei Kenshokan (memorial hall) was renovated in 2025.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on April 10.
• Mitama Festival is held on August 14 and 15.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Nippo Main Line Miyazaki Jingu Station.

Address

宮崎県宮崎市神宮二丁目4−3 Map

Read more about Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine

Ancient Sumiyoshi Shrine, original of all Sumiyoshi, offers a glimpse into Japan's maritime and spiritual heritage.

What it is

• Claims to be the original Sumiyoshi Shrine.
• Dedicated to three gods of the sea and safe voyages.
• Also revered for protection against smallpox and good health.
• Founded during the reign of Emperor Koan.

What to see

• Vast site, including Awagihara.
• The 'Moto' crest, passed down through generations.

When to go

• Attend the Sumiyoshi Kagura performance.

Getting there

• Accessible by Miyazaki Kotsu bus.
• Walk from Hyuga-Sumiyoshi Station.

Address

宮崎県宮崎市塩路3082 Map

Read more about Sumiyoshi Shrine

Tsuma Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to Konohanasakuyahime, known as the birthplace of sake.

What it is

• An ancient Shikinaisha shrine.
• Dedicated to the deity Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto.
• Known as the birthplace of Japanese sake.
• Appears in national history records in 837.

What to see

• Several subsidiary shrines.
• Tsuma no Kusu, a 1,200-year-old camphor tree.
• The camphor tree is a national natural monument.

When to go

• Attend a ritual recreating Konohanasakuyahime's marriage.

Getting there

• Accessible by Miyazaki Kotsu bus.

Address

宮崎県西都市大字妻1 Map

Read more about Tsuma Shrine

Kota Shrine is a historic shrine in Miyazaki City, known for its rare mid-Muromachi period architecture.

What it is

• Old name was Kota Hachiman-gu.
• Enshrines Hachiman Okami and Sumiyoshi Sanjin.
• Main hall built in 1448, current one in 1547.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Rare example of mid-Muromachi period architecture.
• Subsidiary shrines Wakamiya-sha and Imamiya-sha.
• Wakamiya-sha and Imamiya-sha are Miyazaki Prefecture Cultural Properties.
• Kota Pond is in front of the shrine.

When to go

• Known for the Kota Kagura dance.

Address

〒880-0301 宮崎県宮崎市佐土原町上田島１０７３２−１ Map

Official site

www.miyazaki-archive.jp

Read more about Kota Shrine

Aratate Shrine venerates deities of matrimonial bliss and guidance, drawing visitors seeking good fortune and fulfillment.

What it is

• Shrine venerates Ame no Uzume and Sarutahiko no Mikoto.
• Deities represent matrimonial bliss and fulfillment.
• Name comes from using rough wood to hastily construct shrine.

What to see

• Two paintings in the Prayer Hall.
• One painting shows Ame no Uzume's legendary dance.
• Second painting portrays Ame no Uzume and Sarutahiko's first meeting.
• Wooden boards (shichifuku tokuju bangi) throughout shrine grounds.
• Strike boards seven times with mallets for good fortune.

Address

宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町大字三田井宮尾野 Map

Read more about Aratate Shrine

This shrine, rebuilt in 1722, is in an ancient forest and has a legendary spear.

What it is

• Shrine established during the reign of Emperor Sujin.
• Rebuilt in 1722, with repairs in 1997.
• Located halfway up the eastern side of Mt. Takachihonomine.
• Associated with Shugendo mountain asceticism.

What to see

• Mt. Takachihonomine’s summit is part of the shrine grounds.
• Statue of Buddhist priest Shoku, unveiled in 2006.
• Large bronze hokoyari-style spear, Amanosakahoko, on mountaintop.
• Shrine crest features a Buddhist dharma wheel.

Read more about Kirishima Higashi Shrine

Kushifuru Shrine honors Ninigi, a deity believed to have descended here to rule Japan, making it a sacred site.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to kami deity Ninigi no Mikoto.
• Built in 1694 on the mountain.
• Mountain was venerated as sacred before the shrine.

What to see

• Nature trails around the shrine.
• “The Peak of the Four Imperial Sons (Shiojigamine).”
• “The Far Precinct of the Heavenly Realm (Takamagahara).”
• “The Takachiho Monument (Takachiho-hi).”
• “The Fudoki-Man’yo Hill.”
• Kushifuru Peak, where Ninigi is believed to have arrived.

Address

宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町大字三田井713 Map

Read more about Kushifuru Shrine

Kanbashira-gū is a historic Shinto shrine founded in 1026, dedicated to important deities.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture.
• Also known as Kanbashira Jinja or Okamibashira.
• Founded in 1026 by Taira no Suemoto.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Sumera Okami and Toyoukehime Okami.

What to see

• Two subsidiary shrines: Mikado Jinja and Motobashira Jinja.
• Mikado Jinja enshrines Kushiiwamado no Kami and Toyoiwamado no Kami.
• Motobashira Jinja enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and Taira no Suemoto.

Address

宮崎県都城市前田町1417-1 Map

Read more about Kanbashira-gū

This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Japan's primary divinity, and offers a view of her mythical cave.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess.
• Primary female deity and progenitor of Japan's emperors.
• Located in a secluded natural setting by a gorge.

What to see

• Secluded natural setting on the edge of a gorge.
• Ancient trees and a fast-flowing river.
• Ama no Iwato cave (hidden from sight).
• Observation deck across the gorge for the sacred cave.
• Site of Ama no Yasukawara, where gods met.

Address

宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町大字岩戸1073-1 Map

Read more about Amanoiwato Shrine

Kushima Shrine offers ancient artifacts and sacred trees, dedicated to a key deity.

What it is

• Dedicated to Hikohodeumi no Mikoto and twelve other deities.
• Re-established by the Shimazu clan from 1467.
• Renamed Kushima Shrine in 1872.

What to see

• Old votive tablet, a designated cultural property.
• Ten Kagura masks, some dating to 1479.
• Designated natural monument cedar trees.
• Designated natural monument camphor trees.

When to go

• Seed-sowing ritual for good harvests.

Address

宮崎県串間市大字串間1410番地 Map

Read more about Kushima Shrine

Miyazaki Jingū is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Japan's first emperor, featuring unique architecture and a national monument wisteria.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, Japan's mythical first emperor.
• Also enshrines Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto and Tamayori-hime no Mikoto.
• Adopted its current name in 1913.

What to see

• Main hall, rebuilt in 1907, designed by Ito Chuta.
• Ten other buildings are registered tangible cultural properties.
• Large white wisteria is a national natural monument.

Official site

miyazakijingu.or.jp

Read more about Miyazaki Jingū

A shrine dedicated to war dead, marking the birthplace of Japan's Army Airborne Paratrooper Unit.

What it is

• Established in 1949, replacing the original Teishin Shrine.
• Enshrines 634 war dead from former Kawaminami Village.
• Also enshrines 12,000 war dead of the Army Airborne Troops.
• Grounds are the birthplace of the Army Airborne Paratrooper Unit.

What to see

• Monument for the birthplace of the airborne paratrooper unit.
• Monument erected in 1963.
• Monument from 1991 records the unit's history.

Address

宮崎県児湯郡川南町大字川南 Map

Read more about Kawaminami Gokoku Shrine

Tsuno Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine with a revered camphor tree, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• An ancient Shinto shrine, founded before 837.
• Dedicated to the deity Ōnamuchi-no-mikoto.
• Historically the Ichi-no-miya of Hyuga Province.
• Formerly known as Miyazaki-sha or Miyazaki-gu.

What to see

• The main shrine building, rebuilt in 2007.
• A large camphor tree, a designated natural monument.

Getting there

• About a 20-minute walk from Tsuno Station.

Address

宮崎県児湯郡都農町大字川北13294番地 Map

Official site

tunojinjya6.webnode.jp

Read more about Tsuno Shrine

Ōmi-jinjya is a shrine with Japan's largest sanzareishi group and unique geology.

What it is

• A shrine known as "Hyūga no Oise-sama."
• Main hall, Heiden, and Haiden built in 1936.
• Shrine buildings are registered cultural properties.

What to see

• Main hall is a wooden Shinmei-zukuri style building.
• Japan's largest group of sanzareishi.
• The Shinsui is a sanzareishi 30m around, 4m high.
• Columnar joints are found near the coast behind the main hall.

Address

〒883-0062 宮崎県日向市日知屋1番地 Map

Official site

oomijinja.com

Read more about Ōmi-jinjya

Otsuka Hachiman Shrine, founded in the 9th century, offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese history and deities.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine, also known as Otsuka Shrine.
• Founded between 854 and 857.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Tamayorihime no Mikoto, and Empress Jingu.

What to see

• The current shrine building, renovated in 1984.

Getting there

• Miyazaki Kotsu bus to Otsuka Jinja-mae stop.
• Higashi Kyushu Expressway Miyazaki Nishi IC.

Address

宮崎県宮崎市大塚町原ノ前1598 Map

Read more about Ōtsuka Hachiman-jinja Shrine

Miyamizu Shrine is a village shrine with a history tied to local legends and mergers.

What it is

• A Go-sha (village shrine) in Miyazaki Prefecture.
• Created by merging several small shrines in 1872.
• Connected to the legend of Chintake Mitai.
• Its location is the burial mound of Chintake Mitai.

What to see

• A shrine building erected in 1856.
• The original small shrine, Amasha Suijin.
• Hokuzan Daimyojin, enshrined since 1587.

Address

宮崎県西臼杵郡日之影町大字七折9246 Map

Read more about Miyamizu Shrine