Looking for the best Japanese temples and shrines to Visit?
Then you are in the right place.
We have put together a list of 141 for you.
That’s 3 for each prefecture in Japan.
Are you planning your trip to Japan last minute?
If you are booking your trip to Japan last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top temple and shrine tours.
Enough to keep you occupied for a long time.
Japanese Temples and Shrines to Visit
Hokkaido
1. Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (Sapporo): People visit this shrine to pray for good luck and happiness.
2. Hakodate Hachiman Shrine (Hakodate): Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful garden.
3. Asahikawa Kamikawa Shrine (Asahikawa): This shrine hosts colourful festivals throughout the year.
Aomori
1. Uto Shrine (Aomori City): Uto Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring.
2. Sannai Hachiman Shrine (Aomori City): This shrine is famous for cultural festivals.
3. Chojasan Shinra Shrine (Hachinohe): Shinra Shrine offers a glimpse into traditional Shinto practices.
Iwate
1. Morioka Hachimangu (Morioka City): This shrine goes back to 1062.
2. Chuson-ji Temple (Hiraizumi): Chuson-ji Temple features a stunning golden hall.
3. Motsu-ji Temple (Hiraizumi): Known for its Pure Land garden and historic significance.
Akita
1. Akita Hachiman Shrine (Akita City): Akita Hachiman Shrine is known for its exciting festivals.
2. Shinmeisha Shrine (Senboku): Enjoy the Odate Shinmeisha Festival here in September.
3. Senshu Park Shrine (Akita City): This shrine was established back in 807.
Yamagata
1. Rissyakuji in Yamadera (Yamagata City): The temple is built into the mountainside and offers excellent hiking.
2. Dewa Sanzan Shrines (Tsuruoka): These shrines are part of a famous pilgrimage route.
3. Yamadera Temple (Yamagata City): The temple is built into the mountainside and offers excellent hiking.
Fukushima
1. Fukushima Inari Shrine (Fukushima City): This shrine features a long path lined with torii gates.
2. Aizu Sazae-do Temple (Aizu-Wakamatsu): The temple has a unique spiral staircase.
3. Daizoji Temple (Koriyama) houses a Kannon statue by the famous Buddhist monk Gyoki. The 4-meter-tall, 1000-armed timber ‘Senju Kannon’ is crafted from one piece of Japanese nutmeg.
Ibaraki
1. Kashima Shrine (Kashima): Kashima Shrine is dedicated to the god of martial arts.
2. Oarai Isosaki Shrine (Oarai): The shrine is known for its torii gate by the sea.
3. Hitachi Fudoki no Oka Shrine (Ishioka): The shrine is set in a historical park.
Tochigi
1. Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Nikko): Toshogu Shrine is famous for its ornate carvings and history.
2. Rinno-ji Temple (Nikko): This temple is part of the Nikko World Heritage Site.
3. Futarasan Shrine (Nikko): Futarasan Shrine is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Gunma
1. Ikaho Shrine (Shibukawa): Ikaho Shrine offers excellent views from its hilltop location.
2. Haruna Shrine (Takasaki): Haruna Shrine is hidden in a dense forest.
3. Myogi Shrine (Shimonita): Myogi Shrine is known for its impressive rock formations.
Saitama
1. Hikawa Shrine (Omiya): Hikawa Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
2. Chichibu Shrine (Chichibu): Chichibu Shrine hosts the famous Chichibu Night Festival.
3. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe): This shrine is famous for its wind chime festival.
Chiba
1. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Narita): The temple is near Narita Airport and attracts many visitors.
2. Katori Shrine (Katori): Katori Shrine is one of the oldest in Japan.
3. Inage Sengen Shrine (Chiba City): This shrine overlooks Tokyo Bay.
Tokyo
1. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya dedicates itself to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
2. Sensō-ji Temple (Asakusa): Sensō-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple.
3. Yasukuni Shrine (Chiyoda): Yasukuni Shrine honours those who died in wars.
Kanagawa
1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura): This shrine is the heart of Kamakura’s samurai history.
2. Hasedera Temple (Kamakura): Hasedera Temple offers stunning ocean views.
3. Kencho-ji Temple (Kamakura): Kencho-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura.
Niigata
1. Yahiko Shrine (Yahiko): Yahiko Shrine is known for its beautiful forest setting.
2. Honjoji Temple (Sanjo): Honjoji Temple is a significant temple of the Nichiren sect.
3. Sado Island Seisuiji Temple (Sado): Seisuiji Temple is famous for its ancient cedar trees.
Toyama
1. Toyama Shrine (Toyama City): Toyama Shrine is a popular spot for local festivals.
2. Zuiryu-ji Temple (Takaoka): This temple is known for its stunning wooden architecture.
3. Hie Shrine: For years, the Maeda clan, rulers of Toyama Castle, cherished this city centre shrine.
Ishikawa
1. Oyama Shrine (Kanazawa): Oyama Shrine features a unique mix of Japanese and Western architecture.
2. Daijoji Temple (Kanazawa): Daijoji Temple is a peaceful Zen temple with beautiful gardens.
3. Myoryuji Temple (Kanazawa): Also known as the Ninja Temple, Myoryuji has many hidden passages.
Fukui
1. Eiheiji Temple (Fukui City): Eiheiji Temple is a significant training centre for Zen monks.
2. Echizen Ōno Castle Shrine (Ōno): A shrine near the castle offering scenic views.
3. Kehi Shrine (Tsuruga): Kehi Shrine is famous for its grand torii gate.
Yamanashi
1. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (Fujikawaguchiko): This shrine offers excellent views of Mount Fuji.
2. Erin-ji Temple (Koshu): Erin-ji Temple is known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
3. Takeda Shrine (Kofu) honours the famous samurai Takeda Shingen.
Nagano
1. Zenko-ji Temple (Nagano City): Zenko-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
2. Togakushi Shrine (Nagano City): Togakushi Shrine is surrounded by ancient cedar trees.
3. Suwa Taisha Shrine (Suwa): Suwa Taisha is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
Gifu
1. Gifu Gokoku Shrine (Gifu City): This shrine honours those who died in wars.
2. Ena Shrine (Ena): Ena Shrine is known for its beautiful setting in the Ena Valley.
3. Gujo Hachiman Shrine (Gujo): Gujo Hachiman Shrine hosts the famous Gujo Odori dance festival.
Shizuoka
1. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (Shizuoka City): Kunozan Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu.
2. Mishima Taisha Shrine (Mishima): Mishima Taisha Shrine is crucial for New Year’s celebrations.
3. Shuzenji Temple (Izu): Shuzenji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Aichi
1. Atsuta Shrine (Nagoya): Atsuta Shrine houses one of Japan’s most important Shinto relics.
2. Osu Kannon Temple (Nagoya): Osu Kannon Temple is famous for its monthly flea market.
3. Toyokawa Inari Shrine (Toyokawa): This shrine is dedicated to the deity of harvest and business.
Mie
1. Ise Grand Shrine (Ise): Ise Grand Shrine is Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine.
2. Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Suzuka): Tsubaki Grand Shrine is surrounded by lush forests.
3. Kumano Hongu Taisha (Shingu): This shrine is part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Shiga
1. Hiyoshi Taisha (Otsu): Hiyoshi Taisha is known for its beautiful fall colours.
2. Mii-dera Temple (Otsu): Mii-dera Temple offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa.
3. Ishiyama-dera Temple (Otsu): This temple is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves.
Kyoto
1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (Kyoto): Kinkaku-ji is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by a beautiful garden.
2. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Kyoto): Fushimi Inari-taisha is known for its thousands of red torii gates.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto): Kiyomizu-dera offers stunning views of Kyoto from its wooden stage.
Osaka
1. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (Osaka): Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
2. Shitenno-ji Temple (Osaka): Shitenno-ji is Japan’s oldest officially administered temple.
3. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Osaka): Osaka Tenmangu Shrine hosts the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s top festivals.
Hyogo
1. Ikuta Shrine (Kobe): Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
2. Himeji Castle Shrine (Himeji): This shrine is located within the famous Himeji Castle grounds.
3. Kobe Kitano Tenman Shrine (Kobe): The shrine offers excellent views of Kobe city.
Nara
1. Todai-ji Temple (Nara): Todai-ji is home to the Great Buddha statue.
2. Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara): Kasuga Taisha is famous for its many lanterns.
3. Horyu-ji Temple (Ikaruga): Horyu-ji is one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings.
Wakayama
1. Kumano Nachi Taisha (Nachi-Katsuura): This shrine is famous for its nearby waterfall.
2. Koyasan Okunoin Temple (Koya): Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan.
3. Wakayama Castle Shrine (Wakayama): The shrine is located within Wakayama Castle.
Tottori
1. Ube Shrine (Tottori): Known for its historical significance and cultural festivals.
2. Hakuto Shrine (Tottori): This shrine is dedicated to the legend of the White Rabbit.
3. Daisen-ji Temple (Daisen): Daisen-ji is located on the slopes of Mount Daisen.
Shimane
1. Izumo Taisha Shrine (Izumo): Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines.
2. Yaegaki Shrine (Matsue): Known for its connection to marriage and matchmaking.
3. Hinomisaki Shrine (Izumo): Hinomisaki Shrine overlooks the Sea of Japan.
Okayama
1. Kibitsu Shrine (Okayama City): Kibitsu Shrine is known for its long covered corridor.
2. Okayama Korakuen Garden Shrine (Okayama City): The shrine is part of the famous Korakuen Garden.
3. Saijo Inari Shrine (Okayama City): Saijo Inari is one of Japan’s three largest Inari shrines.
Hiroshima
1. Itsukushima Shrine is on Miyajima Island. It is built over water, creating a floating illusion.
2. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (Hiroshima): Gokoku Shrine honours those who died in the atomic bombing.
3. Fudoin Temple (Hiroshima) is famous for its beautiful pagoda.
Yamaguchi
1. Ruriko-ji Temple (Yamaguchi City): Ruriko-ji is famous for its five-story pagoda.
2. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (Hofu): Hofu Tenmangu is dedicated to the god of learning.
3. Kintaikyo Shrine (Iwakuni): The shrine is near the famous Kintaikyo Bridge.
Tokushima
1. Ryozenji Temple (Naruto City): Ryozenji Temple is the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
2. Oasahiko Shrine (Tokushima City): Oasahiko Shrine is known for its ancient forest.
3. Jorakuji Temple (Tokushima City): Jorakuji Temple is the 14th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Kagawa
1. Kotohira-gu Shrine (Kotohira): Kotohira-gu is famous for its long, steep staircase.
2. Zentsu-ji Temple (Zentsu-ji): Zentsu-ji is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.
3. Ritsurin Garden Shrine (Takamatsu): It’s in one of Japan’s most famous gardens.
Ehime
1. Ishite-ji Temple (Matsuyama): Ishite-ji is part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is known for its unique architecture.
2. Dogo Onsen Shrine (Matsuyama): The shrine is part of the Dogo Onsen hot spring area.
3. Oyamazumi Shrine (Omishima): Oyamazumi Shrine is dedicated to the god of the mountains and the sea.
Kochi
1. Chikurin-ji Temple (Kochi City): Chikurin-ji is known for its beautiful pagoda and gardens.
2. Kochi Castle Shrine (Kochi City): It’s located within Kochi Castle.
3. Konomine-ji Temple (Aki): Konomine-ji is the 27th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Fukuoka
1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu): Dazaifu Tenmangu is dedicated to the god of learning.
2. Kushida Shrine (Fukuoka City): Kushida Shrine hosts the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
3. Munakata Taisha Shrine (Munakata): Munakata Taisha is an important Shinto shrine with a rich history.
Saga
1. Yutoku Inari Shrine (Kashima) is famous for its beautiful red buildings.
2. Saga Shrine (Saga City): Saga Shrine honours local samurai heroes.
3. Karatsu Shrine (Karatsu): Karatsu Shrine hosts the Karatsu Kunchi festival.
Nagasaki
1. Suwa Shrine (Nagasaki City): Suwa Shrine is famous for its vibrant autumn festival.
2. Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (Nagasaki City): A few temples in Japan honour the Chinese philosopher, including the Nagasaki Confucius Shrine.
3. Sofukuji Temple (Nagasaki City): Sofukuji Temple features Chinese-style architecture.
Kumamoto
1. Kumamoto Castle Shrine (Kumamoto City) is situated within the Kumamoto Castle grounds.
2. Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine (Kumamoto City): The shrine hosts the exciting Fujisaki Gion festival.
3. Honmyoji Temple (Kumamoto City): Honmyoji Temple offers great views of Kumamoto City.
Oita
1. Usa Shrine (Usa City): Usa Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Hachiman shrines.
2. Beppu Onsen Shrine (Beppu): It’s part of the famous Beppu hot spring area.
3. Futagoi Temple (Kunisaki): Futagoji is a modest mountain temple in the peninsula’s middle woodlands.
Miyazaki
1. Miyazaki Shrine (Miyazaki City) dedicates itself to Japan’s first emperor.
2. Aoshima Shrine: Aoshima Shrine is on a small island.
3. Udo Shrine (Nichinan) overlooks the ocean from a cliffside where it is built.
Kagoshima
1. Kagoshima Shrine (Kagoshima City): Kagoshima Shrine overlooks Kagoshima Bay.
2. Terukuni Shrine (Kagoshima City): The shrine honors the local lord Shimazu Nariakira.
3. Kirishima Shrine (Kirishima): Kirishima Shrine is in a beautiful mountainous area.
Okinawa
1. Naminoue Shrine (Naha): Naminoue Shrine sits on a sea cliff.
2. Shurijo Castle Shrine (Naha): The shrine is part of the historic Shurijo Castle site.
3. Seifa Utaki (Nanjo): Seifa Utaki is a sacred site in Okinawa’s traditional religion.
Before You Go
We have covered 3 of the best Japanese temples and shrines in each prefecture.
That should be more than anough to satisfy anyone’s interesst.
There are many more that did not make this list.
Some of the websites are only in Japanese, and some look like they were created at the same time as the temples.
But this is out of our control.
However, what is in your control is which ones you visit as you explore this cultural side of the land of the rising sun.
