20 Shrines in Nagasaki worth your time

A coastal shrine on a reclaimed island featuring a unique torii gate constructed from massive whale jawbones.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the primary deity Kaidonokami and the secondary deity Ebisu.
• Located on Ogojima in the Funatsu district of Arikawa.
• Connected to the mainland by land reclamation projects completed in 2004.
• Merged with Ebisu Shrine in the Meiji period and later into Sobokimi Shrine.

What to see

• A rare torii gate made from whale jawbones donated in 1973.
• Traditional improvisational theater called Niwaka performed during local festivals.

When to go

• The Jushichinichi Festival is held annually during the month of July.
• A memorial service for fish takes place every August.

Read more about Kaido Shrine (Shinkamigoto)

A historic shrine in Tsushima dedicated to Emperor Ojin, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient spiritual heritage.

What it is

• A candidate for the Ichinomiya or highest-ranking shrine of Tsushima Province.
• Reportedly established in 677 by Emperor Tenmu to honor Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Formerly known as Fuchu Hachimangu and Shimotsu Hachimangu during different historical periods.
• Designated as a prefectural shrine in 1916 after reverting to its current name.

What to see

• A traditional two-story gate marking the entrance to the sacred grounds.
• The main worship hall where visitors pay their respects to the enshrined deities.
• Statues or markers dedicated to Emperor Chuai and Takeuchi no Sukune.

Read more about Izuhara Hachimangū Shrine

Sannō Shrine: a historic site with unique atomic bomb relics and ancient trees.

What it is

• Also called Urakami Kōtaijingū and Sannō Hiyoshi Shrine.
• Founded in 1638; Kōtaijingū was founded in 1869.
• Enshrines Amaterasu Ōmikami and other deities.
• Bombed 800 meters from the atomic bomb hypocenter.

What to see

• Torii gate is a designated atomic bomb relic.
• Two camphor trees stand at the entrance.
• Camphor trees are a Nagasaki City Natural Monument.
• Sound of camphor tree leaves is one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes.

When to go

• Annual festival is on October 17th.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Daigaku Byōin tram stop.

Address

長崎県長崎市坂本2丁目5-6 Map

Official site

sannou-jinjya.jp

Read more about Sannō Shrine

Tachibana Shrine honors a war hero and offers cherry blossoms and statues.

What it is

• Founded in 1940.
• Dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Tachibana Chuta.
• He died in the Battle of Liaoyang.

What to see

• Large torii gate faces National Route 57.
• Bronze statue of Tachibana by Kitamura Seibo.
• Monuments to Chijiwa Miguel and Kushunsen.
• Shrine park is known for cherry blossoms.
• Tenman Shrine is located behind it.

When to go

• Kanchu Misogi is held annually in January.
• Popular for New Year visitors.
• Cherry blossom season.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Tachibana Jinja-mae bus stop.

Address

長崎県雲仙市千々石町己 Map

Read more about Tachibana Shrine (Unzen)

Kumano Shrine is a sacred mountain shrine with unique Kagura dance, worth visiting for cultural insight.

What it is

• A shrine in Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Hayatamao-no-mikoto, Izanagi-no-mikoto, and Kotoshikao-no-mikoto.
• Founding date and origin are unknown.
• Ranked as a mukakusha on May 5, 1874.

What to see

• The entire mountain is a sacred area.
• Shrine grounds include En-no-gyoja, Ebisu, and Kotohira Shrines.
• Auxiliary shrines: Suijin, Oyama, and Shiogama Shrines.

When to go

• Hatsukito festival is on January 10.
• Reitaisai festival is on old calendar September 9 and 10.
• Kamigoto Kagura is performed at the annual festival.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町阿瀬津郷792 Map

Read more about Kumano Shrine

Norito Shrine, founded in the 10th century, offers a glimpse into local history and tradition.

What it is

• A shrine in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Its origin is linked to Takebe Tanemasa in the late 10th century.
• Originally called Iwaihara Daimyojin.
• The enshrined deity is Iwainushi no Mikoto.

What to see

• Matsuura Inari Shrine is within its precincts.
• A monument for the Oono area's millennium of development.

When to go

• The Oono Matsuri autumn festival is on October 11th.

Getting there

• One-minute walk from Saishi Station on the Matsuura Railway.
• Accessible by Sasebo City Bus or Sehi Bus.

Address

長崎県佐世保市田原町126 Map

Read more about Norito Shrine

Kameoka Shrine, founded in 1631, offers historical buildings and a significant cultural sword.

What it is

• Founded in 1631 by Matsuura Mori.
• Stands on the former site of Hirado Castle's main keep.
• Four shrines were merged into this one.
• Renamed and ranked as a prefectural shrine in 1880.

What to see

• Main hall is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Kaguraden is a registered tangible cultural property.
• A Tachi sword is an important cultural property.
• Statue of Nakayama Aiko, erected in 1966.
• Maki tree-lined avenue is a natural monument.

When to go

• Autumn festival is called Hirado Kunchi.

Address

〒859-5121 長崎県平戸市岩の上町1517 Map

Official site

kameoka-j.jp

Read more about Kameoka Shrine

Arikawa Shrine, established in 1987, offers a glimpse into local deities and traditional Kagura performances.

What it is

• Arikawa Shrine was founded by merging three shrines.
• Established on April 24, 1987.
• Enshrines Izanami-no-Okami, Sugawara no Michizane, Hachiman-no-Okami.
• Nine other deities are also enshrined.

What to see

• The new shrine building stands on the former Tenman Shrine site.

When to go

• Annual festival is on October 1st and 2nd.
• Gion Festival is on the third Friday and Saturday of July.
• Arikawa Kagura is performed at both festivals.
• Goto Kagura is a national intangible folk cultural property.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町有川郷1073-1 Map

Read more about Arikawa Shrine

Fuchi Shrine is a historic site at Mt. Inasa's base, rebuilt after destruction, offering a ropeway to views.

What it is

• Dedicated to the Munakata Sanjojin deities.
• Founded by Ryusen of Enmei-ji temple.
• Rebuilt in 1634 after being burned down.
• Became Fuchi Shrine in 1868.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1960.
• Hoju Inari Shrine is on the grounds.
• Ropeway to Mount Inasa operates from here.

When to go

• Autumn Grand Festival is held in October.

Getting there

• Located at the foot of Mount Inasa.
• Ropeway operates from Fuchi Shrine Station.

Address

長崎県長崎市渕町8番1号 Map

Read more about Fuchi Shrine

Komodahama Shrine commemorates a historic battle and honors the defenders of Tsushima.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Sō Sukekuni.
• Honors warriors who died in the 1274 Mongol invasion.
• Marks the landing site of Mongol-Goryeo forces.
• Moved to its current location in 1347.

What to see

• Torii gate built in 1924.
• 650th anniversary monument from 1924.
• 700th anniversary monument from 1974.
• Statue of Sō Sukekuni erected in 2020.
• Statue of Sō Sukekuni on horseback.

When to go

• Annual festival on the second Sunday of November.

Address

対馬市厳原町小茂田742番地 Map

Read more about Komodahama Shrine

Ancient shrine on a remote island, known for its unique rock formation and historical significance.

What it is

• One of the oldest shrines in the Goto Islands.
• Founded in 704, branched from Jinokojima Shrine.
• Dedicated to Kamishima Daimyojin, Shijiki, and Shichiro Daimyojin.
• Designated an Important Cultural Landscape in 2011.

What to see

• Oiiwa, a strange rock formation behind the main hall.
• Oiiwa is 24m high and 12m wide.
• Hizen-style torii gate, built in 1680.
• Shrine built on a slope over 200m high.
• Yamagoe Sando, a mountain path to Nozaki village.

Address

長崎県北松浦郡小値賀町野崎郷 Map

Read more about Okinokojima Shrine

Takuzudama Shrine is an ancient site on Tsushima with unique deities and important cultural properties.

What it is

• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and Hikohohodemi no Mikoto.
• Original deity is Takuzu-no-kami, unique to Tsushima.
• Identified with Takuzu Shrine in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Formerly a site of Tenpo faith, Shinto and Buddhist syncretism.

What to see

• Bronze gong, an Important Cultural Property from Goryeo period.
• Bronze bell, an Important Cultural Property made in 1344.
• Three volumes of Goryeo edition Issaikyo, Important Cultural Properties.

Address

長崎県対馬市厳原町豆酘 Map

Read more about Takuzudama Shrine

Historic mountaintop shrine in Nagasaki, offering unique cultural performances and scenic views.

What it is

• Shrine founded in November 1754.
• Enshrines Oanamuchi-no-mikoto and Kanayamahiko-no-mikoto.
• Located in Shinkamigoto, Nagasaki Prefecture.

What to see

• Shrine grounds on a western peak of Mt. Sakuraga.
• Worship hall near the 8th station.
• Main hall near the summit.
• Sarutahiko Shrine is a subsidiary shrine.
• Otokonushi Shrine is also within the grounds.

When to go

• Annual festival on April 17 features Arikawa Kagura.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町有川郷字竹道1714 Map

Read more about Konpira Shrine (Shinkamigoto)

Ancient shrine in Iki City, dedicated to sea deities, with cultural properties and a unique festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Okami sea deities.
• Hachiyachihoko-no-kami enshrined in an auxiliary shrine.
• Designated a Kokuhei Chusha in May 1871.

What to see

• Seventeen divine mirrors, found in 1871.
• Painting of Koya Yonsha Myojin.
• Two ancient camphor trees.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on November 9.
• See the ceremonial boat used in the festival.

Address

長崎県壱岐市芦辺町住吉東触470 Map

Read more about Sumiyoshi Shrine

Historic Inari shrine in Nagasaki, founded in 1673, with many torii gates and ties to Sakamoto Ryoma.

What it is

• An Inari shrine in Nagasaki City.
• Founded in 1673 by Wakisugi Kisaburo.
• Also known as "Wakamiya-sama" or "Kinno Inari."
• Visited by Sakamoto Ryoma and other patriots.

What to see

• About 70 torii gates on the approach.
• A square torii gate, moved here in 1899.
• Ryoma Bridge.
• A statue of Sakamoto Ryoma next to the main hall.

When to go

• See the Taken-gei traditional art performance.

Read more about Wakamiya Inari Shrine

Wakamatsu Shrine: a historic site in Nagasaki dedicated to three deities, with a unique origin story.

What it is

• Dedicated to Amenominakanushi-no-Mikoto, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, and Kamimusubi-no-Kami.
• Relocated to its current site in 1688.
• Named Wakamatsu Shrine in 1870.
• Designated a village shrine in 1877.

What to see

• Several subsidiary shrines are on the grounds.
• Tenman Shrine is a subsidiary shrine.
• Konpira Shrine is a subsidiary shrine.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on November 1st.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町若松郷字築出山296 Map

Read more about Wakamatsu Shrine

Mōkyō Shrine was a Shinto shrine in Zhangjiakou, notable for its unique history and enshrined deities.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Zhangjiakou, capital of Mengjiang.
• Enshrined four deities, including Prince Kitashirakawa Nagahisa.
• Attendance was mandatory for Japanese organizations.
• Abolished after the war.

What to see

• Mōkyō Chūreitō, a cenotaph, was adjacent to the shrine.
• The worship hall's gabled roof was removed.
• The building is still in use as of 2023.
• The land is now Victory Park and Martyrs' Cemetery.

Address

蒙古聯合自治政府張家口市林園北街 Map

Read more about Mōkyō Shrine

Ebisu Shrine honors the god of fishing and commerce, offering a glimpse into local spiritual traditions.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Shinkamigoto, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto, god of fishing and commerce.
• Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto is also an enshrined deity.
• Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto was moved here in 1672.

What to see

• Yamagami Shrine, a subsidiary shrine.
• Konpira Shrine, located in the same area.

When to go

• Annual festival on September 15th of the lunar calendar.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町飯ノ瀬戸郷538 Map

Read more about Ebisu Shrine (Shinkamigoto)

Ancient mountain shrine founded by Saicho, dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual past.

What it is

• Ancient shrine founded in 814 by Saicho.
• Dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-kami.
• Formerly known as Sanno Gongen.
• Designated a Shinsen Heihakuryo Kyoshin Jinja in 1927.

What to see

• Upper shrine on the peak of Sannoyama mountain.
• Lower shrine at the southern foot of Sannoyama.
• Sannoyama mountain, 439.2 meters high.
• Ichinomiya Shrine, built in 1708.
• Ninomiya Shrine, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町荒川郷三王山133（下社） Map

Read more about Otakehie Shrine (Shinkamigoto)

Oimatsu Shrine: ancient deities, a 1510 prayer, and unique natural features.

What it is

• Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Existed in 1510, founding date is unknown.
• Relocated to its current site in 1966.

What to see

• A large rock called Iwaya Kannon is behind the shrine.
• A crocodile mouth found during ground expansion.
• The crocodile mouth has a 1510 prayer inscription.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on September 17th.

Address

長崎県南松浦郡新上五島町若松郷537-1 Map

Read more about Oimatsu Shrine