20 Shrines in Shizuoka worth your time

Ame-no-Miya Shrine: ancient deities, a sacred tree, and traditional dance history.

What it is

• Ame-no-Miya Shrine is in Mori-machi, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• It enshrines Munakata Sanjojin, also known as Michinushinomuchi.
• Deities include Tagorihime-no-mikoto and Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto.
• Fujiwara Ayatari started the Twelve-Step Bugaku here in 705.

What to see

• A sacred nagi tree stands east of the main shrine building.
• The nagi tree is 18 meters tall and over 1000 years old.
• The nagi tree is a Shizuoka Prefecture Natural Monument.
• The Twelve-Step Bugaku is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Totowata Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Line.
• It is a 6-minute walk from Mori Chugakko Iriguchi bus stop.

Address

静岡県周智郡森町天宮576 Map

Read more about Ame-no-Miya Shrine

A community shrine established in 1956 to commemorate the founding of Kikugawa Town, featuring a deity from Shiga's Taga Taisha.

What it is

• Established in 1956 to commemorate the official founding of Kikugawa Town.
• Managed by fifteen local self-governing associations within the Horinouchi and Rokugo districts.
• The deity was divided and transferred from the historic Taga Taisha in Shiga Prefecture.
• Relocated to its current eastern position in 1966 to accommodate a television relay station.

What to see

• A new torii gate reconstructed in 2006 after the site lacked one for forty years.

When to go

• A joint festival is held annually on the third weekend of October.
• The site hosts a shared festival celebration with the nearby Kashima Shrine.

Read more about Kikugawa Shrine

Ancient shrine founded in 701, home to unique cultural properties and a vibrant spring festival.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 701 by Emperor Monmu's order.
• Dedicated to Ketsumiko-no-kami, Izanami-no-kami, and Kotoshio-no-kami.
• One of the "Enshu Kumano Sanzan" shrines.

What to see

• Main hall built in 1854, a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Forty-four ema, a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Tengu masks and komainu, City Tangible Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Grand Festival: three days from the first Friday of April.
• Festival features the Neri event, a national cultural property.
• See Sansha Sairei Bayashi, Jigatame Mai, and Taasobi performances.

Address

静岡県掛川市西大渕5631-1 Map

Read more about Mikumano Shrine

Sanohara Shrine honors a historical figure and offers unique monuments and architecture near Susono Station.

What it is

• Shrine founded on February 27, 1874.
• Dedicated to Fujiwara Ason Nijo Tamefuyu Kyo.
• Nijo Tamefuyu died in 1335 at the Battle of Hakone-Takenoshita.

What to see

• Honden (main sanctuary) in Shinmei-zukuri style.
• Treasure Hall on the shrine grounds.
• Shogun-zuka (General's Mound) monument.
• Miyakata-to and Jusan-zuka stone monuments.
• Haiku monument by Matsuo Basho.
• Honorific monument for Oishi Tetsuzo.

When to go

• Annual Reitaisai (Grand Festival) in May.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Susono Station.

Address

静岡県裾野市平松350 Map

Official site

www.sanohara.jp

Read more about Sanohara Shrine

Otonashi Shrine: a historic site in Ito City, known for fertility and a famous love story.

What it is

• Dedicated to Toyotama-hime-no-mikoto, deity of fertility.
• Known as a meeting place for Minamoto no Yoritomo and Yaeko-hime.
• Tamakusu Shrine on site enshrines the famous couple.

What to see

• A tabu tree, a city-designated natural monument.
• A chinquapin tree, a city-designated natural monument.

When to go

• November 10th for the Shiritsumi Festival.
• Festival includes a sumo wrestling competition.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Ito Station.
• 1-2 minute walk from Takecho or Nishiko-mae bus stops.

Address

静岡県伊東市音無町1-13 Map

Read more about Otonashi Shrine

Ajiko Shrine is a historic shrine with unique cultural properties, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha Ronsha, a high-ranking shrine.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and Amenotajikarao.
• Relocated to its current site before 1647.
• Received grants from Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1591.

What to see

• The current shrine building, completed in 1926.
• Evidence of historical permissions like 'Nagare Hyotan' banners.
• The site of a shrine with a long history.

When to go

• See the Ajiko Shrine Kashima Odori, an intangible cultural property.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Ito Line Ajiro Station.

Address

静岡県熱海市網代172 Map

Read more about Ajiko Shrine

Ikama Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to Emperor Ojin, offering a glimpse into Japan's history.

What it is

• Ancient shrine founded in April of 664 or 675.
• Dedicated to the deity Homudawake-no-mikoto (Emperor Ojin).
• Fourth shrine of the 'Gomiya' in former Suruga Province.
• Mentioned in the historical text Shokun Shinkai Cho.

What to see

• The current shrine, which was the former inner sanctuary.
• Inari Shrine, Kotohira Shrine, and Hotsumemirei Shrine on grounds.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on September 15.

Getting there

• 500m south of JR Shizuoka Station.
• Bus stop named 'Ikama Jinja' is nearby.

Address

静岡県静岡市駿河区稲川1-10-15 Map

Read more about Ikama Shrine

A historic shrine founded in 1069 by a Kumano priest, featuring a high mound and recently renovated grounds.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Izanagi-no-mikoto.
• Founded around 1069 by a priest from the famous Kumano Hongu Taisha.
• The name originates from a high mound, or Takatsuka, built on the site.
• Formerly known as Kumano Sansha Gongen until its renaming in 1871.

What to see

• The main worship hall which was reconstructed in 1966.
• A new north approach to the grounds completed in 2022.
• Several smaller branch shrines located on the property including Akiba Shrine.
• The shrine office and grant office buildings completed in 1993.

Read more about Takatsuka Kumano Shrine

Kinomiya Shrine is an ancient shrine with a massive camphor tree, a must-see natural monument.

What it is

• Ancient shrine in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Formerly called Kinomiya Myojin or Kinomiya Daimyojin.
• Dedicated to Yamato Takeru, Itakeru-no-mikoto, Onamuchi-no-mikoto.
• Designated a Beppyo Jinja by the Association of Shinto Shrines.

What to see

• Main hall built in the nagare-zukuri style.
• Large camphor tree is a national natural monument.
• Three auxiliary shrines: Inari, Benzaiten, Mitsumine.
• Inari, Kakimoto, and Tenjin shrines are enshrined.

When to go

• Kogashi Festival is the largest festival in Atami City.

Address

静岡県熱海市西山町43-1 Map

Official site

kinomiya.or.jp

Read more about Kinomiya Shrine

Sube Shrine, founded in 887, is a historic site with multiple enshrined deities and a vibrant autumn festival.

What it is

• One of six shrines in Inasa District, Totomi Province.
• Built in 887.
• Inner shrine deity: Amaterasu Sumi Okami.
• Outer shrine deity: Toyouke Hime Okami.

What to see

• Inner shrine: also enshrines Amenotejikarao no Mikoto and Yorihata Chichihime no Mikoto.
• Outer shrine: also enshrines Ninigi no Mikoto, Amenokoyane no Mikoto, and Ame no Futodama no Mikoto.
• Akiba Shrine is an auxiliary shrine.
• Tsushima Shrine and Uba Shrine are auxiliary shrines.

When to go

• Autumn Grand Festival features floats from nine districts.

Address

静岡県浜松市浜名区都田町6284 Map

Read more about Sube Shrine

A historic shrine on a mountaintop, dedicated to deities and a scholar, with a unique annual festival.

What it is

• A shrine in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Takamimusubi no Mikoto and Ame-no-Oshihomimi no Mikoto.
• Also enshrines the scholar Sugawara no Michizane.
• Founded to protect the nearby Takatenjin Castle.

What to see

• Located near the summit of Mount Takatenjin.
• Shrine buildings, including one for festival deity transfers.

When to go

• Annual festival held in March, exact date varies.
• Festival commemorates Ninigi-no-Mikoto's appearance.
• Festival often includes a gunnery demonstration.

Address

静岡県掛川市上土方嶺向2650 Map

Read more about Taka Tenjinja

Ancient shrine in Shizuoka with important architecture and a unique festival.

What it is

• Shikinaisha shrine, mentioned in ancient records.
• Was the Sōsha, or chief shrine, of Tōtōmi Province.
• Dedicated to the deity Ōkuninushi no Mikoto.

What to see

• Honden (main hall) built around 1656.
• Honden is a Shizuoka Prefecture cultural property.
• Honden is a three-bay nagare-zukuri style structure.
• Heiden and Haiden (offering and worship halls) built in 1863.
• Heiden and Haiden are Iwata City cultural properties.

When to go

• Mitsuke Tenjin Hadaka Matsuri is a national cultural property.

Address

静岡県磐田市見付2452-2 Map

Official site

sousya.mitsuke-tenjin.com

Read more about Ōmi Kunitama Shrine

Miho Jinja is a historic shrine in Shizuoka, famous for its sacred pine tree and cultural treasures.

What it is

• A shrine in Shizuoka, Japan.
• Dedicated to Oanamuchi-no-mikoto and Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Third shrine of Suruga Province.

What to see

• Hagoromo no Matsu pine tree.
• Shrine grounds, part of a World Heritage site.
• Kami no Michi, the 'Path of the Gods'.
• Main hall in Irimoya-zukuri style.
• Main hall is a city cultural property.
• Tachi sword, an Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• Annual festival on November 1st.
• Tsutsugayu Festival for a good harvest.

Address

静岡県静岡市清水区三保1073 Map

Read more about Miho Jinja

A historic shrine in Shimoda, rebuilt after a fire, known for its ancient tree and summer festival.

What it is

• A Hachiman shrine, also called Shimoda Hachiman Shrine.
• Dedicated to Hachiman-kami, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Amaterasu Omikami.
• Main building rebuilt in 1986 after a fire.

What to see

• Shrine gate dates from the Taisho era.
• A 400-year-old sacred juniper tree in the precinct.

When to go

• Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Grand Festival on August 14th and 15th.
• Festival is also known as the Shimoda Taiko Festival.

Getting there

• 7 to 8 minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Address

静岡県下田市1-17-1 Map

Read more about Hachiman Shrine

Jingitai-sha is a pet-friendly shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, offering unique spiritual experiences.

What it is

• A standalone shrine in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, Amatsukami, and Kunitsukami.
• Relocated to its current site in 1988.
• Known as a pet-friendly shrine.

What to see

• A chinowa is installed during the Great Purification period.
• Goshuin, omikuji, ema, and omamori are available.

When to go

• Shichigosan celebrations and various prayers are performed.

Getting there

• Located along National Route 135.
• Parking lot available for 50 cars.

Address

静岡県伊東市富戸1088-8 Map

Read more about Jingitai-sha

Taga Shrine is an ancient shrine in Atami, dedicated to two deities, worth visiting for its history.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Deities enshrined are Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Presumed to have existed since the Engi era.
• Ancient ritual remains were found on the grounds.

What to see

• Kashima Odori dance is performed here.
• Kashima Odori is an intangible folk cultural property.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on July 28th and 29th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Izu-Taga Station.
• Accessible via the Miyawaki bus stop.

Address

静岡県熱海市上多賀741-1 Map

Read more about Taga Shrine (Atami)

Hie Shrine is a historic shrine in Numazu, offering a glimpse into local culture and ancient artifacts.

What it is

• A shrine in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Also called Numazu Hie Shrine.
• Founded in 1096.
• Enshrines Oyamakuhi no Kami, Onamuchi no Kami, and Otoshi no Kami.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1803.
• The worship hall, completed in the early Taisho period.
• A torii gate, newly built in 1935.
• Sanno Reigenki, an Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• Annual grand festival on September 23rd and 24th.

Getting there

• 13-minute walk from Numazu Station.

Address

静岡県沼津市平町7-24 Map

Read more about Hie Shrine (Numazu)

Visit this guardian shrine to see a historic well and unique festival dances.

What it is

• Guardian shrine of the Inatori area.
• Also called Inatori Hachiman Shrine.
• Shrine building rebuilt in 1307.
• Current building constructed in 1864.

What to see

• Artifacts from the Yayoi period excavated from grounds.
• Guardian statue of Yakushi Nyorai by Jikaku Daishi.
• Well where Minamoto no Yoritomo performed misogi.
• Ema-den becomes an exhibition venue.

When to go

• Annual festival features Children's Sanbaso and Miko-mai.
• Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Festival uses the Ema-den.

Address

静岡県賀茂郡東伊豆町稲取1183-1 Map

Read more about Hachiman Shrine

Gosho Shrine is a unique site in Fuji City, dedicated to human pillars, offering a glimpse into ancient legends.

What it is

• A shrine in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Established due to human sacrifice.
• Enshrines a person who became a human pillar.
• Previously called Gosha, Gosha Myojin, or Gosha no Miya.

What to see

• Legends of a priest from Bizen Province as a human pillar.
• Legends of a traveling monk as a human pillar.
• Legends of two women, ten and twenty, as human pillars.
• Legends of a twenty-year-old monk as a human pillar.
• Legends of an old monk as a human pillar.
• Legends of an old man as a human pillar.

Address

静岡県富士市松岡 Map

Read more about Gosho Shrine

A historic shrine in Fuji City, dedicated to two goddesses, with two annual festivals.

What it is

• A shrine in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto and Konohanasakuya-hime-no-mikoto.
• Formed in 1891 by a merger of two shrines.
• Formerly known as Morishima Benzaiten Shrine.

What to see

• A main hall.
• A worship hall, which also serves as a public warehouse.

When to go

• Goshi-sai festival is held on May 2nd.
• Autumn Grand Festival is held on October 16th.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Tokaido Line Fuji Station.

Address

静岡県富士市森島274 Map

Read more about Morjima Itsukushima Sengen Shrine