Japan has some absolutely beautiful shrines, set in the beauty of nature and instilling a sense of calm and tranquility to visitors – go visit them and see for yourself!
Confucius Temple, Nagasaki
Confucius Shrine is located in Nagasaki Prefecture, it is one of few shrines dedicated to the revered Chinese philosopher Confucius in Japan. The shrine was built in 1893 by Nagasaki’s Chinese community. The colourful, atmospheric shrine contains a Historical Museum of China at the rear of the grounds. It was built to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the shrine’s founding and intends to promote friendship between Japan and China. The museum itself contains a range of artifacts from China, including pottery, sculptures and other works of art. The third floor displays artwork and documents related to the shrine itself. The ornate Chinese-style buildings are adorned with yellow roofs. Dotted around the shrine’s courtyard stands the 72 sages, life-size stone statues that weigh around two tons each and depict Confucius’ disciples.
Yutoku Inari Shrine, Saga
Saga’s Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the three major shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and successful business. Nestled within greenery, its vivid vermillion buildings that climb the mountainside make an impressive sight not to be missed. From the main hall’s terrace, a walking trail leads further into the wooded hill behind the shrine. Sections of the path are lined by red torii gates that lead visitors to the top of the mountain, where a small shrine building, Okunoin, offers views over Kashima City and the nearby Ariake Sea. In spring, the shrine grounds are dotted with around 50,000 colourful azalea shrubs and wisteria trees. The garden is famous for its peonies and winter peonies which are usually in bloom around April and January respectively. Furthermore, the hillside opposite from the shrine is a public park featuring many azalea bushes that provide a beautiful seasonal sight typically around April.
Udo Shrine, Miyazaki
Udo Shrine located on the Nichinan Coast south of Miyazaki City, is a must see, this brightly painted shrine is set in a cave on the side of a cliff overlooking the wide, blue ocean and jagged rocks below offering a spectacular view. This shrine is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan. Stories about whether Jimmu was born or reared here vary but the shrine is universally associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Drinking the water that drips from the rocks in the cave is thought to be beneficial for pregnancy, childbirth, nursing and women hoping to have a child. The shrine is also thought to be fortunate for couples and newlyweds. Outside the cave is a terrace overlooking the ocean. Among the rocks below is a target splayed out on the tortoise-shaped rock in front of the terrace into which people try to throw small ceramic undama known, or ‘lucky balls’. Women throw with their right hand while men throw with their left, and landing an undama in the target brings good luck.
