The 10 Most Sacred Shrines in Japan
───────A pilgrimage through Japan’s holiest Shinto sites
Japan has over 80,000 Shinto shrines. These ten represent the spiritual backbone of Shinto — each one a place where history, mythology, and living worship converge. This is not a tourism ranking. These are the shrines that hold the deepest significance in Shinto tradition.
1. Ise Jingū — 伊勢神宮
Prefecture: Mie | Enshrined Kami: Amaterasu Ōmikami
There is no shrine more sacred than Ise. The Naikū (Inner Shrine) enshrines Amaterasu — the sun goddess, ancestor of the imperial line, and highest deity in the Shinto pantheon. Every 20 years, both shrines are completely rebuilt — a tradition called Shikinen Sengū that has continued since 690 CE.
2. Izumo Taisha — 出雲大社
Prefecture: Shimane | Enshrined Kami: Ōkuninushi no Mikoto
Izumo Taisha is the oldest shrine in Japan’s mythological record. Ōkuninushi is the deity of matchmaking. Every October, all 8 million kami gather here to decide romantic fates for the coming year. The prayer here is unique: four claps instead of two.
3. Fushimi Inari Taisha — 伏見稲荷大社
Prefecture: Kyoto | Enshrined Kami: Inari Ōkami
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines — the largest network in Japan. Founded in 711 CE. Its fame rests on over 10,000 vermilion torii gates forming tunnels along the mountainside trail.
4. Atsuta Jingū — 熱田神宮
Prefecture: Aichi | Enshrined Kami: Atsuta no Ōkami (guardian of Kusanagi no Tsurugi)
Atsuta Jingū holds one of the three Imperial Regalia — the sacred sword Kusanagi. The sword has never been publicly displayed. The last confirmed viewing was in 1185, during the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
5. Kasuga Taisha — 春日大社
Prefecture: Nara | Enshrined Kami: Four deities of the Fujiwara clan
Kasuga Taisha was established in 768 CE. Its setting within Nara’s primeval forest, surrounded by over 1,000 sacred deer, creates an atmosphere unlike any other shrine. 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns line the approach.
6. Itsukushima Shrine — 厳島神社
Prefecture: Hiroshima | Enshrined Kami: Three daughters of Susanoo
The floating torii gate of Miyajima island is one of Japan’s most iconic images. The entire island was considered so holy that commoners were historically forbidden to set foot on it.
7. Meiji Jingū — 明治神宮
Prefecture: Tokyo | Enshrined Kami: Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken
Meiji Jingū is Japan’s most visited shrine — over 3 million people come for hatsumōde at New Year. It sits within a 70-hectare forest of 100,000 trees in the middle of Tokyo.
8. Kumano Hongū Taisha — 熙野本宮大社
Prefecture: Wakayama | Enshrined Kami: Ketsumimiko no Ōkami
Kumano Hongū Taisha is the spiritual heart of the Kumano Sanzan — three grand shrines connected by the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trails, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original site is now marked by Japan’s largest torii gate — 34 meters tall.
9. Nikkō Tōshōgū — 日光東照宮
Prefecture: Tochigi | Enshrined Kami: Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikkō Tōshōgū breaks every rule of Shinto simplicity — over 5,000 carvings lacquered in gold and vermilion. It is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Kamigamo Shrine — 賀茂別雷神社
Prefecture: Kyoto | Enshrined Kami: Kamo Wake Ikazuchi no Mikoto (Thunder God)
Kamigamo Shrine is the oldest shrine in Kyoto — predating the city itself. Famous for its pair of tatesuna — perfect conical sand mounds representing the sacred mountains where the thunder god descended.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
Visiting all ten would take approximately 10–14 days. Suggested routes:
- Kansai Circuit (5 days): Fushimi Inari → Kamigamo/Shimogamo → Kasuga Taisha → Ise Jingū → Kumano Hongū
- Eastern Route (4 days): Meiji Jingū → Nikkō Tōshōgū → Atsuta Jingū
- Western Route (3 days): Izumo Taisha → Itsukushima Shrine
Explore All 1,026 Shrines
These ten are the beginning. Browse all shrines →
Not ready to travel? Draw your e-Omikuji fortune or carry their blessing with an e-Omamori.