20 Shrines in Yamanashi worth your time

Arao Shrine, founded 600 years ago, offers a glimpse into local history and unique festivals.

What it is

• Founded approximately 600 years ago during the Muromachi period.
• Enshrines deities Mizuha-me-no-mikoto and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
• Named after a raging river, reflecting its historical significance.
• Merged with Tanaka Shrine in 1910, combining local traditions.

What to see

• A torii gate marks the entrance to the shrine grounds.
• Discover a traditional sumo ring on the premises.
• The main hall is located to the right upon entering.
• Seven stone lanterns are placed around the grounds.

When to go

• New Year Dosojin Festival is held on January 15.
• Autumn Grand Festival takes place on September 22-23.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Nirasaki Station.

Address

山梨県北杜市白州町台ヶ原2296番地 Map

Read more about Arao Shrine

An ancient shrine founded in 842 that houses a National Treasure suit of armor once owned by the Kai Genji clan.

What it is

• Founded by Fujiwara no Itaseo in 842 by imperial order.
• Enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto along with five male and three female deities.
• Served as the guardian shrine for the powerful Kai Genji clan.
• The current shrine buildings were rebuilt in 1969 following a fire.

What to see

• The Kozakuragawa Odoshi Yoroi is a National Treasure armor from the late Heian period.
• Large oak trees on the grounds are designated as prefectural natural monuments.
• The Tatenashi armor was historically kept here to protect the unlucky gate of Kofu.

When to go

• The National Treasure armor is only displayed to the public for limited hours annually.

Read more about Kanda Tenjinsha

Suwa Shrine is a historic site in Minami Alps City with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A shrine in Minami Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Takeminakata-no-mikoto, Onamuchi-no-mikoto, and Sukunahikona-no-mikoto.
• Tokugawa Iemitsu granted land to the shrine in the mid-17th century.
• Ranked as a Gosha in 1873.

What to see

• A rural park is part of the shrine grounds.
• Kotohira, Mitsumine-sha, Hachiman-sha, and Kokage Shrines are within the grounds.
• A Shinzō sculpture is a Yamanashi Prefectural cultural property.
• The Shinzō was dedicated in 1409.
• An Edohigan cherry tree is a Minami Alps City natural monument.
• The cherry tree is 15 meters tall.

Address

山梨県南アルプス市曲輪田1077 Map

Read more about Suwa Shrine (Kuruwada-Minami Alps City)

This shrine, founded after an eruption, has sacred cedars and a unique children's dance.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 864 after the Jogan Eruption.
• Dedicated to the volcano deity Asama or Sengen.
• Also worships Konohanasakuya-hime, a flower goddess.

What to see

• Approach lined with sacred cedars.
• Seven sacred cedars over 1,200 years old.
• Wari-haiden style architecture with two main buildings.
• View of Mt. Fuji across Lake Kawaguchiko.

When to go

• April 25 for Magomi no hi, “grandchild-viewing day.”
• Before April 25 for the Chigo no Mai dance.
• July 28 for the sacred kagura music festival and Chigo no Mai.

Address

山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町河口1 Map

Official site

asamajinja.or.jp

Read more about Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Yamanashi Gokoku Shrine honors war dead, offering a serene cherry blossom viewing experience.

What it is

• A Gokoku Shrine in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Enshrines 25,062 war dead from Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Founded in 1879 as a Shokonsha.
• Renamed Yamanashi Gokoku Shrine in 1944.

What to see

• The main shrine building, constructed in 1942.
• A famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
• The current Yamanashi-gu, a subsidiary shrine.

When to go

• Spring for cherry blossom viewing.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from JR Kofu Station.
• 10-minute walk from the Gokoku Jinja Iriguchi bus stop.

Address

山梨県甲府市岩窪町608 Map

Read more about Yamanashi Gokoku Shrine

Ancient shrine in Yamanashi with a historic main hall, a sacred tree, and a unique winter ritual.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 864.
• Main hall is a city-designated cultural property.
• Hosts the Tsutsugayu Shinji ritual.
• Ritual was ordered by Takeda Nobutora.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in the mid-Edo period.
• Large zelkova tree, over 700 years old.
• Zelkova tree is a city-designated cultural property.

When to go

• Tsutsugayu Shinji ritual held annually on January 14-15.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Nagasaka Station.
• 5-minute drive from Chuo Expressway Nagasaka IC.

Address

山梨県北杜市長坂町上条宮久保1461 Map

Read more about Homi Suwa Jugosho Shrine

An ancient guardian shrine founded in 806 to calm Mount Fuji eruptions, featuring historic trees and deep local significance.

What it is

• Established in 806 to calm the volcanic eruptions of Mount Fuji.
• Serves as the main guardian shrine for the residents of Otsuki City.
• Dedicated to the Mishima and Oyamazumi faith, divided from a shrine in Iyo.
• Historically served as a site where Koshu Kaido travelers prayed for safety.

What to see

• Large zelkova trees that reportedly gave the city of Otsuki its name.
• A deity body carved from a large pine tree housed within the shrine.
• The central grounds of what was once a historic manor.

Read more about Mishima Shrine

Yama Shrine, founded in 1715, offers mountain views and cherry blossoms.

What it is

• A shrine founded in April 1715.
• Dedicated to the deity Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto.
• Revered for agricultural and business prosperity.

What to see

• The main hall and worship hall, renovated in 1994.
• The shrine office, renovated in 1995.
• Cherry blossoms called Yamanokami Senbonzakura.
• Cherry blossoms are one of Yamanashi's 100 famous flowers.

When to go

• Annual festival on April 17th.
• Annual festival on October 17th.
• Cherry blossom season for Yamanokami Senbonzakura.

Address

山梨県中央市大鳥居5786 Map

Read more about Yama Shrine

Ishiwari Shrine, on Mt. Ishiwari, offers mountain views and a chance to pass through a legendary boulder.

What it is

• Shrine at 1,143 meters above sea level.
• Located at the eighth station of Mt. Ishiwari.
• Named after a massive fractured boulder behind it.

What to see

• Enormous fractured boulder, the "Riven Rock."
• Narrow gap in the boulder to pass through.
• 403-step stairway leading to the shrine.
• View of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hirao from the peak.
• View of the Minami Alps from the peak.

Getting there

• Mt. Ishiwari Hiking Course Entrance bus stop.
• Trailhead parking lot is nearby.

Address

山梨県南都留郡山中湖村平野1979 Map

Read more about Ishiwari Shrine

Ancient shrine with important cultural properties, offering a glimpse into local traditions.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to three deities, including Oyamatsumi-no-kami.
• Renamed Yamanashioka Shrine in 1868.
• Believed to originate from ancient faith in Mount Mimuro.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Statue of Ki-no-kami in front of the main hall.
• Ki-no-kami is a Fuefuki City designated cultural property.

When to go

• Spring and autumn festivals are held.
• Daidai Kagura is performed during the spring festival.

Address

山梨県笛吹市春日居町鎮目1096 Map

Read more about Yamanashioka Shrine, Fuefuki

Visit Takeda-hachimangū, a historic shrine founded in 822, for its beautiful main hall and samurai connections.

What it is

• A shrine in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Founded in 822 by imperial command.
• Dedicated to Hachiman Okami and Takeda Take Okami.
• Became the clan deity of Takeda Nobuyoshi.

What to see

• The main hall, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall is cypress bark roofed, nagare-zukuri style.
• A prayer document from Hojo-fujin, a prefectural tangible cultural property.

Getting there

• 15-minute bus ride from Nirasaki Station.

Address

山梨県韮崎市神山町北宮地1185 Map

Read more about Takeda-hachimangū

Kitanoten Shrine, founded in 915, honors a scholar and features historic buildings and cultural properties.

What it is

• Founded in 915, it became Ichinomiya in 1429.
• It enshrines the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane.
• Designated a local shrine in 1871.
• Designated a Heihaku Kyoshin Shrine in 1907.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 987.
• The Kaguraden, built in 1881.
• Two named bronze gongs.
• A horse chestnut tree, a designated cultural property.
• A twin-body Dōsojin, a designated cultural property.

When to go

• Yamato Kagura has a 250-year history.

Address

山梨県北杜市小淵沢町3349 Map

Read more about Kitanoten Shrine, Hokuto

Ancient shrine dedicated to Konohanasakuyahime, home to important historical artifacts.

What it is

• Dedicated to the deity Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto.
• Founded during Emperor Keiko's reign.
• Established in 865 by imperial command.

What to see

• Main hall, rebuilt in 1703.
• Shinjukyo mirror, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Bronze mirror, a Prefectural Cultural Property.
• Two Zushin statues with a 1557 inscription.
• Ichinomiya Sengen Miyacho, an Edo period chronicle.

Getting there

• 12-minute walk from Ichikawadaimon Station.

Address

山梨県西八代郡市川三郷町高田字宮本3696 Map

Read more about Ichinomiya Sengen Shrine

Anagiri Daijinja is a historic shrine in Kofu with a National Treasure main hall.

What it is

• A shrine located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Enshrines three deities: Ōnamuchi-no-mikoto, Sukunabikona-no-mikoto, Susanoo-no-mikoto.
• Formerly known as Kurotona Jinja.

What to see

• Main hall, rebuilt during the Momoyama period.
• Main hall designated a National Treasure in 1935.
• Zuijinmon gate built in 1794 by Takeshita Genzo.
• Zuijinmon gate features sculptures by Washiro Tomimune.
• Several smaller shrines, including Shinmei-sha and Shiogama-sha.

Address

山梨県甲府市宝二丁目8-5 Map

Read more about Anagiri Daijinja

Atsuna Shrine is a historic site in Yamanashi, preserving cultural properties and a sacred dance.

What it is

• Also known as Kanbe Shrine and Atsuna Sosha Hachimansha.
• Enshrines Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu, and Emperor Ojin.
• Designated a local shrine in 1872.
• The shrine forest is called Hachiman-no-mori.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1819.
• A sangaku, dedicated in 1870.
• An Edohigan cherry tree, a natural monument.
• Main hall and sangaku are tangible cultural properties.

When to go

• Daidai Kagura dance is performed on April 29th.

Address

山梨県北杜市高根町村山西割1714 Map

Read more about Atsuna Shrine

Sakaori-no-Miya is a historic Shinto shrine, birthplace of renga poetry, and worth visiting for its cultural significance.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Considered the birthplace of renga poetry.
• Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is enshrined here.
• Mentioned in the ancient Kojiki and Nihon Shoki texts.

What to see

• The only shrine in Yamanashi mentioned in Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
• Sakaori Night Rain, one of the Eight Views of Kai.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Sakaori Station.
• 5-minute walk from Sakaori-no-Miya entrance bus stop.

Address

山梨県甲府市酒折3-1-13 Map

Read more about Sakaori-no-Miya

Kanazakura Shrine is an ancient mountain worship site with unique sacred objects and cultural properties.

What it is

• A mountain worship shrine founded in 465 AD.
• Sacred object is a 20-meter-high granite rock.
• Enshrines deities Sukunabikona and Oonamuchi.

What to see

• The current vermilion-lacquered shrine, rebuilt in 1959.
• Two crystal 'water balls' and three 'fire balls'.
• Five Yamanashi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties.
• Cedar trees, a Kofu City designated natural monument.

When to go

• Main festival is held from April 21st to 22nd.

Address

山梨県甲府市御岳町2347 Map

Read more about Kanazakura Shrine, Kofu

Oide Shrine, founded after a mysterious event, features exquisitely carved structures and a lively annual festival.

What it is

• Shrine named after Oide Mountain.
• Founded in 703 after a mysterious event.
• Moved to current location in 929.

What to see

• Present shrine building constructed in 1768.
• Building surface, except columns, carved with detailed figures.
• Oide Kagura Float, over 150 years old.
• Float is exquisitely carved like the shrine building.

When to go

• Hassaku Festival on September 1st.
• See the Oide Kagura Float paraded through the city.

Address

山梨県都留市四日市場1066 Map

Read more about Oide Shrine

Momiawase Shrine is a small, modern shrine with a unique stone fence.

What it is

• A shrine in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Oyamazumi no Mikoto and Shigemiya Yamagami.
• A stone shrine was built in 1715.
• The current shrine building was constructed in 1980.

What to see

• The shrine building is made of zelkova with a copper roof.
• The building has a floor area of 3.23 square meters.
• The tamagaki (fence) is made of Oya stone.
• The tamagaki is 40 meters long and 0.6 meters high.
• The torii gate is made of granite.

Address

山梨県北杜市小淵沢町字井詰原2970の5番地 Map

Read more about Momiawase Shrine, Hokuto

A historic Shinto shrine with a pagoda, offering iconic views of Mount Fuji.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Enshrined on September 9, 705.
• Emperor Heizei bestowed the title Sangoku Daiichisan.
• The shrine grounds are known as Arakurayama Sengen Park.

What to see

• A large torii plaque dedicated by Emperor Heizei.
• The Chureito Pagoda, a memorial for war dead.
• The Chureito Pagoda is a symbol of the area.

When to go

• The Gokoromoe-sai festival is held every 60 years.

Address

山梨県富士吉田市浅間2-4-1 Map

Official site

www.arakurafujisengen.com

Read more about Sangoku Daiichisan Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine