20 Shrines in Okayama worth your time

A historic shrine in Setouchi City featuring rare mathematical tablets and an intricately carved zelkova wood festival float.

What it is

• A minor shrine dedicated to Katayamahiko-no-kami listed in the ancient Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• The current site was established in 1055 after moving from Mount Kamiyama.
• A religious site formerly known as Katayama Daimyojin in historical texts.
• The shrine was officially designated as a district shrine in 1873.

What to see

• A mathematical tablet created by students of the Manshuntei school.
• An 1882 festival float made entirely of zelkova wood.
• Municipal cultural properties including the historic mathematical tablet and the wooden float.

When to go

• The annual autumn festival features a parade of the historic zelkova wood float.

Read more about Katayamahiko Shrine

Achi Shrine: ancient garden, unique rock formations, and Japan's oldest wisteria, worth an hour.

What it is

• Originated from a garden created by the Achi clan.
• Enshrines Munakata Sanjojin, guardian deities of maritime traffic.

What to see

• Ancient Tsurukame style garden on the grounds.
• Numerous iwakura, including Amatsu Iwakura.
• Saikan building garden has Yin-Yang Iwakura and a suikinkutsu.
• Noh stage, Basho-do, and Ema-den structures.
• Achi-no-Fuji, Japan's largest and oldest wisteria.

When to go

• Wisteria Festival is held annually from May 3rd to 5th.

Getting there

• Located on Tsurugata-yama in Kurashiki City.
• Situated north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

Address

岡山県倉敷市本町12-1 Map

Official site

achi.or.jp

Read more about Achi Shrine

A historic village shrine in Kurashiki dedicated to Takamimusubi no Kami, featuring a unique dual-hall main sanctuary structure.

What it is

• A former village shrine serving as the guardian for the Miwa district.
• Dedicated to the main deity Takamimusubi no Kami and secondary deity Hime Ookami.
• A candidate for the ancient Shikinaisha Sugo Shrine mentioned in historical records.
• The namesake for the surrounding Sugo district with records dating back to 878.

What to see

• The main sanctuary building which consists of two connected halls.
• A minimalist site containing no other structures besides the primary shrine building.

Getting there

• A 32 minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station.

Read more about Sugō Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine is a National Treasure in Okayama, known for unique architecture and a special ritual.

What it is

• A Myojin Taisha shrine in Okayama City.
• Dedicated to Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto.
• Main hall built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
• Famous for the Narukama Shinto ritual.

What to see

• Main hall and worship hall are National Treasures.
• Main hall is unique Hiyoku Irimoya-zukuri style.
• Okamaden is an Important Cultural Property.
• North and South Zuishinmon are Important Cultural Properties.
• Various flowers and ginkgo trees.

When to go

• Spring festival in May.
• Autumn festival in October.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kibitsu Station.

Address

〒701-1341 岡山県岡山市北区吉備津931 Map

Official site

www.kibitujinja.com

Read more about Kibitsu Shrine

A historic shrine founded in 634, featuring rebuilt halls and National Important Cultural Properties including ancient samurai armor.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine established in 634 for sun worship at Himachi Mountain.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and the deity Hime-no-Okami.
• Formerly classified as a district shrine located adjacent to Yokeiji Temple.
• The worship and offering halls were rebuilt in 2006 following a fire.

What to see

• The main hall which was rebuilt in 1919.
• National Important Cultural Property armor donated by Sasaki Moritsuna.
• Ancient horse equipment designated as prefectural cultural properties.
• Rebuilt worship and offering halls on the historic temple grounds.

Read more about Toyohara Kitajima Shrine

A historic shrine founded in the 11th century featuring a designated cultural property main hall and ancient votive tablets.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded between 1012 and 1016 also known as Ushimado Hachimangu.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, Himegami, and Takenouchi no Sukune.
• A former prefectural shrine listed in the historic Bizen no Kuni Jinmeicho.
• The site was historically referred to as Ushimado Myojin.

What to see

• The main hall which is a city designated important cultural property.
• A votive tablet recognized as a prefectural important cultural property.
• Five large keyhole-shaped burial mounds located within the surrounding town.

Read more about Ushimado Shrine

Ancient shrine in Tsuyama with important cultural properties, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• Shikinaisha Ronsha and Mimasaka Province Ninomiya.
• Main deity is Hikonagisatake Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto.
• History began with rituals at Onokoro-iwa.
• Shrine building constructed in 534 AD.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1663 by Mori Nagatsugu.
• Main hall is an Okayama Prefectural Important Cultural Property.
• Two wooden guardian statues are National Important Cultural Properties.
• Two pairs of wooden lions are National Important Cultural Properties.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Innosho Station.

Address

〒708-0013 岡山県津山市二宮601 Map

Official site

takano-jinjya.or.jp

Read more about Takano Shrine (Ninomiya, Tsuyama)

Imamura-gu is a historic Shinto shrine in Okayama, dedicated to important deities, worth visiting for its cultural property.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Okayama, Japan.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Hachiman Okami, and Kasuga Okami.
• Relocated to its current site in 1580.
• Revered as the tutelary deity of central Okayama City.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1623.
• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.

When to go

• Autumn Festival: second Saturday and Sunday of October.

Getting there

• Take Okaden Bus from Tenmaya or Okayama Station.
• Get off at the Imamura-gu bus stop.

Address

岡山県岡山市北区今4-3-5 Map

Read more about Imamura-gu

Ancient shrine with important cultural properties, worth visiting for its history and architecture.

What it is

• A shrine in Kibi-chūō-chō, Okayama Prefecture.
• Established in 1096 as a branch of Iwashimizu Hachimangū.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ōjin, Emperor Chūai, and Empress Jingū.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property, built in 1395.
• Zuishinmon gate is a Prefectural Important Cultural Property.
• Haiden hall is a Prefectural Important Cultural Property.
• Surrounding forest is a Prefectural Local Monument.

When to go

• Tōban Matsuri festival is held annually in October.

Address

岡山県加賀郡吉備中央町吉川 3932 Map

Read more about Yoshikawa-hachimangū

Yokota Shrine, a historic site in Soja City, offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese worship and architecture.

What it is

• One of seven Shikinaisha shrines in Soja City.
• Enshrines Amenohibunomikoto and Sugawara no Michizane.
• Re-established as Tenjin-gu in 1585.
• Reorganized and renamed Yokota Shrine around 1827-1836.

What to see

• Current shrine buildings date from 1827-1836.
• Main hall completed around 1827.
• A bell tower stands on the grounds.
• Kagura-den (Kagura hall) on the south side.

When to go

• Annual Spring, Summer, and Autumn festivals.
• Autumn Festival features Bitchu Kagura.

Address

岡山県総社市久代3632 Map

Read more about Yokota Shrine

Historic shrine in Kurashiki, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, offering cultural insights and local festivals.

What it is

• Also called Shimotsui Gion Shrine.
• Main deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• Designated a local monument in 1981.

What to see

• Shrine is on Joyama, 22m above sea level.
• Approach was donated in 1863.
• Gion documents are important cultural property.
• Model of the Hakuomaru ship from 1811.

When to go

• Gion Festival: 3rd Saturday and Sunday of July.
• Nagahama Festival: 4th Saturday and Sunday of October.

Getting there

• Accessible by Shimotsui Loop Bus.

Address

岡山県倉敷市下津井1-13-16 Map

Read more about Gion Shrine (Kurashiki)

Kibitsuhiko Shrine is an ancient shrine with important cultural properties, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• Ancient shrine founded during Empress Suiko's reign.
• Dedicated to Okibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto.
• Ichinomiya of Bizen Province.
• Also known as Asahi-no-Miya.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1697.
• Main hall is a Prefectural Cultural Property.
• Sword by Inoue Shinkai is a National Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• On-taue Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Bizen-Ichinomiya Station.

Address

岡山県岡山市北区一宮1043 Map

Official site

www.kibitsuhiko.or.jp

Read more about Kibitsuhiko Shrine

Nishisono Shrine is a historic guardian shrine, worth visiting for its ancient origins and deities.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Hachiman-shin (Emperor Ojin).
• Founded in 1540 by Shirakami Ukyo-no-suke Kaharu.
• Originally named Nishisono Hachimangu.
• Served as a guardian deity for a castle and territory.

What to see

• Sub-shrines enshrine Suwa Myojin and Kojin.
• Outer shrine dedicated to Inari-shin.

When to go

• Spring, summer, autumn, and new rice festivals are held.

Getting there

• Nearest stations are Kiyone Station and Kawabejuku Station.

Address

岡山県倉敷市真備町市場4468 Map

Read more about Nishisono Shrine

Nakayama Shrine, a historic Myojin Taisha, offers important cultural properties and a unique gate.

What it is

• A Myojin Taisha shrine in Tsuyama City.
• Dedicated to Kagami-tsukuri-no-kami and other deities.
• Rebuilt in 1559 by Amago Haruhisa.
• Designated a Kokuhei Chusha under the modern system.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1559, is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Shrine gate relocated from Tsuyama Castle.
• The Soshinden is a Tsuyama City Important Cultural Property.
• Nakayama Shrine Sengoku Busho documents.
• Nakayama Shrine drum is an Important Folk Cultural Property.

Address

岡山県津山市一宮695 Map

Read more about Nakayama Shrine

Tsuruyama Hachimangū is a historic shrine with a unique main hall, relocated for Tsuyama Castle.

What it is

• A shrine in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Hōda Wake no Mikoto, Empress Jingū, and Tamayori-hime.
• Relocated in 1603 when Mori Tadamasa became lord of Tsuyama.
• Re-relocated to its current site in 1608.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1669.
• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall is in the unique Nakayama-zukuri style.
• Worship hall, tsuri-dono, and shinku-sho built in 1669.
• Yakuso Jinja shrine is the oldest building on site.

Read more about Tsuruyama Hachimangū

Ohari Shrine: ancient site dedicated to deities, featuring megaliths and seasonal festivals.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha ronsha, a high-ranking ancient shrine.
• Dedicated to the deity Amenohokari-no-mikoto.
• Also enshrines the deity Ogetsuhime-no-mikoto.
• Formerly known as Kurioka-no-miya until the Meiji period.

What to see

• Megaliths located directly behind the shrine buildings.
• Excavated earthenware and Sue ware from the eastern slope.

When to go

• Spring Festival is held on the second Sunday of May.
• Summer Festival takes place annually on July 29.

Address

岡山県岡山市北区京山2-2-2 Map

Read more about Ohari Shrine

Sanomo Shrine, dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, offers a glimpse into local history and traditional architecture.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
• Formerly known as Aramaki Daimyojin.
• Moved to its current location during the Tensho era (1573-1592).
• Renamed Sanomo Shrine in February 1873.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in the late Edo period (1850).
• The worship hall, measuring 2 ken by 2.5 ken.
• Sacred cedar and zelkova trees.
• The shrine faces Chizu-Orai.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Miyamoto Musashi Station.

Address

岡山県美作市宮本132 Map

Read more about Sanomo Shrine

Miwa Shrine is an ancient mountain shrine dedicated to a powerful deity, surrounded by sacred natural features.

What it is

• A Shikinaishosha shrine, indicating its ancient status.
• Dedicated to the deity Ōmononushi-no-mikoto.
• Located on Mount Hirotaka, a historically sacred mountain.
• Reverted to its original name, Miwa Shrine, in 1870.

What to see

• Okutsu Iwakura, a sacred rock formation on the mountaintop.
• Ancient burial mounds around Mount Hirotaka.
• A 300-year-old yamamomo tree, considered sacred.
• A tile with an inscription, designated as a cultural property.

Address

岡山県瀬戸内市長船町東須恵1063 Map

Read more about Miwa Shrine (Higashisue, Setouchi)

Ancient shrine on a hill, dedicated to deities and a shogun, with historic buildings.

What it is

• Shrine in Okayama City, Japan.
• Founded in 703 AD as Tamaigu.
• Tōshō-gū established in 1645 AD.
• Enshrines deities and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What to see

• Main hall built in 1644.
• Historic gate and stone lanterns.
• Approach from the Tōshō-gū founding.
• Main hall is a prefectural cultural property.
• Located on the Higashiyama hills.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Higashiyama-Okaden Museum Station.

Address

岡山県岡山市中区東山1-3-81 Map

Official site

www.tamaigutousyouguu.com

Read more about Tamaigu Tōshō-gū

Tokumori Shrine is a historic guardian shrine with an important main hall and unique cultural properties.

What it is

• General guardian shrine of the Tsuyama Domain.
• Founded in 733 AD.
• Moved to its current location in 1604.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1664.
• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.
• Second generation portable shrine from 1809.
• Portable shrine is 2.8 meters tall and weighs 1 ton.
• Portable shrine is a Tsuyama City tangible folk cultural property.
• Iron shield from the Siege of Osaka.

Address

岡山県津山市宮脇町5番地 Map

Read more about Tokumori Shrine