Temples and Shrines in Mie Prefecture, Japan

Motoori Norinaga-No-Miya

Ise, Mie

1 Goshuin

Motoori Norinaganomiya is a small Shinto shrine in Matsusaka, Mie, associated with scholar Motoori Norinaga. It stands on a low hill above Tonomachi and is known for its steps, compact grounds, and local historical significance.

Why you should go

The shrine sits on a low hill with steps leading up to it, so wear shoes with good grip and consider the climb if you have mobility concerns.
Bring a small notebook or camera if you're interested in Japanese philosophy or Edo-period history, as the shrine's setting above Tonomachi offers context for understanding why this location was chosen to honor Norinaga.
Approach the shrine with the same reverence you would any Shinto site, but know that this is a small, local shrine rather than a major pilgrimage destination.

1533-2 Tonomachi, Matsusaka, Mie 515-0073, JapanWebsite

Sasutahiko Jinja

Ise, Mie

Opens in 18 min

1 Goshuin

Sasutahiko Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Ise, Mie, closely identified with Sarutahiko Okami, the deity of guidance and auspicious direction. It is known for its octagonal symbols, azimuth stone marker, and strong ties to Ise Grand Shrine.

Why you should go

If you work in the arts or sports, visit the adjacent Sarume Shrine dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the ancestral goddess of kagura, technical arts, and theater, which many performers and athletes specifically seek out for blessings rather than overlooking it as a secondary site.
Arrive at the bus stop called 'Sarutahiko Jinja Mae' rather than walking from Ise-shi Station, as this dedicated stop places you directly at the shrine entrance and saves considerable walking time compared to other transit options in the area.
Visit on May 5th to witness the Rice Planting Festival, a traditional Shinto rite designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Mie Prefecture, rather than on regular days when the shrine is quieter but less ceremonially active.

2-chōme-1-10 Ujiurata, Ise, Mie 516-0026, JapanWebsite +81 596-22-2554

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Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

1 Goshuin

A Shinto shrine on Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, near the ropeway summit. It is a small mountaintop shrine linked to Sarutahiko worship and a scenic stop for visitors enjoying panoramic views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.

Why you should go

Locate and rub the nose of the Tengu statue (called 'Hanade Tengu-san') near the shrine, as this is a popular wish-granting ritual specific to this location.
Arrive at the shrine via the ropeway early in the morning or on weekdays to experience the mountaintop shrine in relative solitude, as most visitors come for the daytime views and night scenery rather than the spiritual site itself.
Take photos of the illuminated torii gates and shrine approach at night, as the lighting creates a notably different and more atmospheric scene than daytime visits.

2 Chome Tenguyama, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012, JapanWebsite +81 134-33-7381

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Futami Okitama Jinja

Ise, Mie

1 Goshuin

Futami Okitama Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Ise, Mie, near Futamiura on the coast. It is known for its scenic seaside setting and as a popular place to pray for marital harmony, good relationships, and purification before visiting the Ise area.

Why you should go

The shrine is famous for its vast collection of frog sculptures, which serve as messengers of the deity. Visitors pray to them for safe returns, as the Japanese word for frog (kaeru) also means 'to return home.'
Futami Okitama Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Ise, Mie, set directly on the coast near Futamiura.
During the Edo period, one in ten Japanese people made the pilgrimage to Ise. In 1829, an astounding 1.18 million pilgrims visited in just three days during the grand festival.

575 Futamichōe, Ise, Mie 519-0602, JapanWebsite +81596432020

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Ise Jingu

Ise, Mie

Open now

1 Goshuin

Also known as Ise Jingu Naiku (Inner Sanctuary), one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines

1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie 516-0023, JapanWebsite +81

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Ise Jingu entrance with stone steps, a torii gate, and visitors among tall trees.

Shrine

Mie Prefecture

Cities & Wards

Ise

Top places to visit in Mie Prefecture

Motoori Norinaga-No-Miya

Why you should go

Temple & Shrine Videos

Mie Prefecture throughout the year

Sasutahiko Jinja

Why you should go

Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

Why you should go

Futami Okitama Jinja

Why you should go

Ise Jingu

Cities & Wards

Ise

Top places to visit in Mie Prefecture

Motoori Norinaga-No-Miya

Why you should go

Temple & Shrine Videos

Mie Prefecture throughout the year

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Sasutahiko Jinja

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Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

Why you should go

Futami Okitama Jinja

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Ise Jingu