The Most Popular Shrine in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the shrine you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 20, 2024 06:50
For travelers and locals alike, choosing which shrines to visit in Japan can be a daunting task given the sheer number of sacred sites. A ranked list of the most popular shrines can simplify this decision-making process by highlighting those that hold special significance or attract the most admiration.
By participating in the voting process, users have the opportunity to share their personal experiences and preferences, contributing to a more dynamic and representative ranking. This collaborative effort not only assists others in discovering prominent and meaningful shrines but also enhances the collective appreciation of Japan's cultural heritage.
What Is the Most Popular Shrine in Japan?
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144votes
Tokuzo in Edomura · CC BY-SA 4.0Meiji Shrine
Yoshiro TaniguchiLocated in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is the most visited shrine in Japan, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a popular spot for traditional weddings and events, and surrounded by a lush forest.The Meiji Shrine, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a serene and majestic Shinto shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken. It was established in 1920 to honor and commemorate their spirits, and it serves as a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual traditions. Nestled amidst a lush forested area spanning 175 acres, the shrine provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Establishment Year: 1920
- Dedicated to: Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken
- Area: 175 acres
- Architectural Style: Traditional Japanese
Meiji Shrine in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Tokyo, Japan
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous landmark in Japan
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235votes
Saigen Jiro · CC0This Shinto shrine in Kyoto is famous for its thousands of torii gates that line the pathways up the mountain. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and is visited by millions of tourists and locals every year.Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in Fushimi ward of Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that cover a network of trails leading up to the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and foxes. It is one of the most popular and significant landmarks in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year.- Location: Fushimi ward, Kyoto, Japan
- Type: Shinto shrine
- Dedicated Deity: Inari
- Torii Gates: Thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Trails: Network of trails leading up to Mount Inari
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324votes
JordyMeow · CC BY-SA 3.0Also known as Miyajima Shrine, this sacred site on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima is famous for its torii gate that appears to float on the water during high tide. It is dedicated to the three goddesses of the sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the Itsukushima Grand Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Japan, known for its unique floating gate (torii) that appears to be floating on the water during high tide. The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a sacred place of worship dedicated to the Shinto deities of the sea and storms.- Location: Itsukushima Island, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
- Style: Shinto architecture
- Design: Floating gate (torii), main hall, prayer hall, noh theater stage, other auxiliary buildings
- Importance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure of Japan
- Floating Gate Height: 16.8 meters (55.1 feet)
Itsukushima Shrine in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous landmark in Japan
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49votes
Toshogu Shrine
Yamanabe GenkoLocated in Nikko, Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. It is known for its ornate and colorful decorations, including the famous "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys.The Toshogu Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan. The shrine complex is known for its exquisite architecture, richly decorated buildings, and ornate carvings.- Location: Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
- Year of Construction: 1617
- Architect: Yamanabe Genko
- Design Style: Momoyama and Edo
- Design Elements: Vivid colors, intricate carvings, gold leaf decorations
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517votes
Ise Grand Shrine
Yamatohime-no-mikotoOne of the most important shrines in Japan, Ise Grand Shrine is located in Mie Prefecture and is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It is actually made up of two shrines, Naiku and Geku, and is rebuilt every 20 years using traditional methods.The Ise Grand Shrine, also known as Ise Jingu, is one of the most significant and sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. It is located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, and consists of two main sanctuaries, the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and the Outer Shrine (Geku), dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.- Established: 4th century CE
- Primary Deity: Amaterasu
- Architectural Style: Shinmeizukuri
- Designation: National Treasure of Japan
- Rebuilding Cycles: Every 20 years
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614votes
Kakidai · CC BY-SA 4.0Yasukuni Shrine
Emperor MeijiThis controversial shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to the spirits of Japan's war dead, including some convicted war criminals. It is a source of tension between Japan and its neighboring countries, particularly China and South Korea.Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It was built in 1869 to commemorate and honor the souls of those who have died serving Japan, particularly those who died during wartime. The shrine is often associated with controversial elements due to its enshrinement of war criminals, which has stirred national and international debates.- Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
- Established: 1869
- Purpose: Commemorate war dead
- Enshrinement: War dead and controversial war criminals
- Architecture: Shinto style
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713votes
Bariston · CC BY-SA 4.0Located in Nagoya, Atsuta Shrine is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It is dedicated to the goddess of the sword, and is home to the famous Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan's three imperial regalia.Atsuta Shrine is one of the most popular and important Shinto shrines in Japan. Located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, it is known for enshrining the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan's three sacred imperial regalia. The shrine also holds a long history dating back over 1900 years and is considered a spiritual and cultural center.- Location: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Importance: One of Japan's most important Shinto shrines
- Enshrined Deity: Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Sacred imperial regalia)
- History: Over 1900 years old
- Area: approximately 200,000 square meters
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87votes
Kansai explorer · CC BY 3.0Part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex in Wakayama prefecture, Kumano Nachi Taisha is dedicated to the god of waterfalls and is located near the famous Nachi Falls. It is one of the three Kumano shrines that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the most famous and revered shrines in Japan. It is located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, and is part of the larger Kumano Sanzan complex, which includes two other shrines and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto Kami (deities) associated with nature, water, and mountains.- Location: Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
- Importance: One of the most revered shrines in Japan
- Religious Association: Shinto shrine
- Dedicated Deities: Shinto Kami associated with nature, water, and mountains
- Part of: Kumano Sanzan complex
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96votes
Saigen Jiro · CC0Located in Shimane prefecture, Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Japan, dedicated to the god of marriage and relationships. It is famous for its enormous shimenawa (sacred rope) that is replaced every year in a ceremony known as the "Shimenawa Matsuri."Izumo Taisha is one of the most important and revered Shinto shrines in Japan located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. It is believed to have been established in the early 8th century and is dedicated to Okuninushi, the Shinto deity of love, matchmaking, and good fortune. The shrine is known for its grandeur and vastness, with its main hall, or honden, being the largest wooden structure in Japan.- Year Established: Early 8th century
- Location: Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
- Deity: Okuninushi
- Main Hall (Honden) Size: 24 meters wide, 18 meters deep, 24 meters high
- Wooden Structure: Largest wooden structure in Japan
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105votes
Koichi Sato · CC BY-SA 4.0Nikko Toshogu
Tokugawa IeyasuOne of the most ornate and elaborate shrines in Japan, Nikko Toshogu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. It is known for its intricate carvings and decorations, including the famous "sleeping cat" carving on the entrance gate.Nikko Toshogu is a renowned shrine located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture in Japan. It is considered one of the most popular and significant Shinto shrines in the country. The shrine was originally built in 1617 as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts numerous visitors each year.- Year of Construction: 1617
- Architectural Style: Shinmei-zukuri
- Designated Status: UNESCO World Heritage site
- Number of Buildings: 55
- Gateways: 3
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Ranking factors for popular shrine
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Historical significanceThe shrine's history and cultural significance should be considered, including its origin story, role in Japanese mythology and legends, and its cultural and historical importance.
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Visitor numbersThe number of people who visit the shrine each year can be an indication of its popularity and relevance to Japanese society.
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LocationThe shrine's location and accessibility can play a role in its popularity, as shrines in major cities or near popular tourist destinations may attract more attention than those in more remote locations.
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Events and festivalsThe variety and popularity of events and festivals held at the shrine throughout the year can attract more visitors and boost its popularity.
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Architecture and aestheticsThe beauty and uniqueness of the shrine's architecture and design can also influence its popularity and appeal to visitors.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular shrine in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Shrine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1731 views
- 175 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Shrine once every 24 hours. The rank of each Shrine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular shrine in japan
Shrines play a significant role in Japanese culture and are considered to be sacred places where people come to pray, offer gratitude, or seek blessings. There are thousands of shrines spread throughout Japan, each with its unique history, architecture, and significance. However, when it comes to the most popular shrine in Japan, there is one that stands out among the rest - The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Located in Kyoto, this shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead to the top of Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and foxes, and attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most visited and highly revered shrines in Japan.
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