Standing along the tranquil shores of Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine is the oldest Shinto shrine in the former Ōmi Province, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. Dedicated to Sarutahiko no Mikoto, the god of guidance and longevity, the shrine takes its name from the deity’s flowing white beard “Shirahige” [白鬚]. The main hall, rebuilt in 1603, is recognized as an Important Cultural Property and speaks to the shrine’s deep-rooted legacy.

The most iconic feature is the floating torii gate, a striking vermilion structure that appears to hover just offshore. Though modest in scale, it draws comparisons to Itsukushima’s famed gate, offering equally serene views, especially at sunrise or dusk. Beyond the lakefront, the grounds hold poetic stone monuments, shaded paths, and quiet corners that invite slow exploration. A dedicated photography platform makes it easier to safely frame the torii without navigating traffic, blending reverence with accessibility.

Tucked into the forested hills of Tsugaru City, Takayama Inari Shrine draws visitors with its striking pathway of vermilion torii gates Senbon Torii [千本鳥居, 1000 gates], curving like a serpent through the trees. Each gate was donated in gratitude for answered prayers, creating a personal and spiritual atmosphere that deepens with every step. Along the path, dozens of stone foxes (messengers of the gods) peer out from mossy corners, adding quiet charm to the experience.

The shrine’s design unfolds gently around Ryujin Pond, where floating lilies bloom in summer and reflections of red gates shimmer across the water. A small shrine to the Dragon God [Ryūjin, 龍神] stands nearby, symbolizing safe travels and good harvests. Whether ascending the stone steps or taking the gentler slope, visitors are invited to move slowly, soaking in the quiet beauty and timeless energy that defines this unique site in Aomori.

Rising from the shifting tides of the Ariake Sea, the three torii gates of Ōuo Shrine create a surreal coastal landscape, sometimes surrounded by gentle waves, other times accessible by foot when the tide recedes. Their vivid vermilion color contrasts with the muted tones of sea and sky, forming a path that points directly toward Okinoshima, a sacred island offshore. Built in 1693, the gates honor a local legend of a magistrate saved by a giant fish, a story that gave the shrine its name, Ōuo, or “big fish.”

Beyond their visual appeal, the gates serve a spiritual purpose, offering protection and prosperity to the local fishing community. The Yukino Lantern Festival in August transforms the site into a glowing spectacle, with hundreds of lanterns illuminating the water around the torii. Though it’s a popular photo spot, visitors are asked to be respectful of ongoing fishery work, especially during seaweed harvesting seasons.

Stretching dramatically along the cliffs of Yamaguchi’s coast, Motonosumi Shrine features a tunnel of 123 vivid vermilion torii gates [鳥居] guiding visitors toward the Sea of Japan. Built in 1955 after a white fox spirit appeared in a dream, the shrine began with a single gate and gradually became one of Japan’s most visually striking modern spiritual sites. As you walk the sloping path, the contrast between red gates, deep blue ocean, and crashing waves creates a powerful sensory experience.

At the path’s end stands a towering torii with a coin offering box perched atop, said to be one of the hardest in Japan to hit, yet tradition promises that a successful toss brings good fortune. Below the cliffs, you may witness Ryūgū no Shiofuki, a natural seawater geyser erupting into the air. Despite its recent origins, Motonosumi Shrine feels timeless, blending playful ritual with stunning coastal beauty and a sense of quiet reverence.

Perched atop Mount Kuratake, the tallest peak in the Amakusa Islands, Kuratake Shrine offers a spiritual experience defined by wind, sky, and sweeping sea views. The shrine’s lone stone torii gate stands boldly at the summit, appearing to float between ocean and clouds. Though the climb involves a narrow, winding 7-8 km mountain road, the reward is breathtaking: 360-degree vistas of the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, with distant silhouettes of Mount Kaimondake and Unzen on clear days.

The shrine itself is minimal, just a gate, altar, and a few markers carved into the rocky summit. A self-service goshuin stamp station offers a quiet ritual moment for those who make the climb. With no shops or vending machines nearby, it’s best to come prepared and early, especially if you want to park near the top. Despite its simplicity, the site’s vast openness and calm make it both a sacred retreat and a dramatic photo destination.

Standing off the coast of Ehime along the Iyonada Sea, Tsunakake Rock is a sacred coastal site marked by a vivid red torii gate rising from the water. Believed to date back to 740 AD, its origins are linked to Lord Ochi Tamasumi, who anchored here during stormy seas on his way to quell a rebellion in Kyushu. Today, the torii and the shimenawa [sacred rope, しめ縄] wrapped around the rock symbolize protection and reverence, set against the ever-changing sea.

At sunset, the scene becomes especially ethereal as golden light shines directly through the gate, drawing photographers eager to capture its glowing silhouette. While the site is open at all hours, it sits along a narrow stretch of National Route 378, so caution is essential, especially during low light. A small evacuation space nearby fits a few vehicles, making early arrival and safety gear a wise choice for those seeking the perfect shot.

Perched on the Pacific coast of Ibaraki, Oarai Isosaki Shrine blends spiritual tradition with the raw energy of sea and sky. Founded in 856, it honors the deities Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, who are said to have descended here to bless the land. The shrine’s forested approach, red gate Zuishinmon [随神門], and thatched halls reflect a quiet, enduring presence shaped by centuries of devotion.

The most iconic sight lies beyond the shrine’s edge, Kamiiso Torii [神磯の鳥居], a lone torii gate rising from ocean-swept rocks. It’s believed to mark the divine landing point, and at sunrise, the scene becomes otherworldly: crashing waves, golden light, and the torii standing firm against the elements. Whether seeking peace, reflection, or a striking view, this coastal shrine invites visitors into a space where mythology and nature still feel alive.

Rising from the still waters of Lake Kitaura, the Kashima Shrine West Torii is both a spiritual monument and an architectural marvel. At 18.5 meters tall and 22.5 meters wide, it holds the distinction of being Japan’s largest torii built over water. Though the current steel structure was completed in 2013, it continues a legacy that once guided pilgrims arriving by boat to Kashima Jingū [鹿島神宮], one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Its historical significance is immortalized in Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e print series, where it appeared as a symbol of sacred arrival.

The torii’s atmosphere shifts with the elements, glowing gold at sunset, silhouetted at dawn, and shrouded in mist on quiet mornings. Despite its scale, the site remains relatively undeveloped, offering a rare sense of solitude. For those visiting in October, the annual fireworks display creates an unforgettable scene, with bursts of color reflected in the lake behind the torii’s bold silhouette.

Tucked high on the forested slopes of Mount Kushigata in Yamanashi Prefecture, Himuro Shrine offers a deeply atmospheric escape into nature and tradition. Set at an elevation of 1,000 meters, its approach begins with a 519-step moss-covered stone stairway, winding steeply through towering cedar trees. This secluded path, paired with the scent of earth and the filtered light through dense foliage, sets a contemplative tone long before you reach the shrine.

Originally founded in 770 as a Shingon Buddhist temple, the site transitioned into a Shinto shrine during the Meiji-era religious reforms. Today, it honors deities of agriculture and abundance, echoing the region’s rural roots. Highlights include a striking red torii gate, historic shrine buildings rich with detail, and a revered sacred cedar tree over 1,200 years old. Misty mornings reveal the shrine at its most ethereal, making it a favorite for quiet pilgrims, forest bathers, and photographers seeking a sense of timeless Japan.