Shrines and Temples of Fukushima

Fukushima’s spiritual landscape is defined by historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that serve as cultural anchors for the region. This collection includes the "Ise of Tohoku," architectural marvels like the pillar-supported Nagatoko worship hall, and the birthplace of the iconic Akabeko legend at Enzouji. From remote mountain pilgrimage sites on the Bando circuit to urban shrines hosting centuries-old festivals, these sites showcase National Treasures, intricate woodwork, and the resilient heritage of the Asaka and Aizu regions.

Shrines and Temples of Fukushima — Mapa

藍原あおい / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

開成山大神宮

Established in 1876 during the development of the Asaka Plain, this shrine is known as the "Ise of Tohoku" for its architectural style and spiritual significance. It is a prominent site for cherry blossom viewing in Koriyama.

Qwert1234 / Public domain

B

新宮熊野神社

Home to the Nagatoko, a worship hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The structure features 44 massive pillars without walls and sits beside a giant 800-year-old ginkgo tree.

くろふね / CC BY 3.0

C

Reiganzan Enzouji Temple

A Shingon Buddhist temple perched on a cliff over the Tadami River. It is the legendary birthplace of the Akabeko (red cow) and houses a significant statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, attracting pilgrims for over 1,200 years.

Kochizufan / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

普門寺

A Rinzai temple serving as the first station of the Iwaki 33 Kannon pilgrimage. The Kannon-do hall houses a wooden Nyoirin Kannon statue, recognized as an important city tangible cultural property.

Fumiaki JIMBO / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Bando No.21 Nichirin-ji

The 21st temple of the Bando Sanjusankasho pilgrimage circuit. Situated near the 1,022-meter summit of Mount Yamizo, it offers a remote spiritual retreat on the border of Fukushima and Ibaraki.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

F

安積国造神社

Dedicated to the ancestral deity of the Asaka region, this shrine dates back to the 4th century. It is central to Koriyama’s history and hosts a major autumn festival featuring traditional floats and kagura performances.

Haruhiko Okumura / CC BY 2.0

G

虎捕　山津見神社

Situated on Mount Toratori, this shrine is famous for its association with wolf worship. It preserves local legends of the mountain god's messenger and features unique ceiling paintings of wolves.

Sugikats / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

采女神社

This shrine honors the legend of a court lady (uneme) from the Nara period who sacrificed herself for the local people. It is the focal point of Koriyama’s annual Uneme Festival.

Fk / CC BY-SA 2.5

I

福島稲荷神社

Founded in 987 by the famous onmyoji Abe no Seimei, this shrine is a central spiritual site in Fukushima City. It is dedicated to the deity of harvest and commerce.

Bachstelze / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

苕野神社

An ancient shrine in Namie known for its connection to the Soma Nomaoi festival. It houses traditional kagura masks and remains a significant site for the coastal region's cultural preservation.

Bachstelze / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

日鷲神社

Located in the Odaka district, this shrine is dedicated to the deity of industrial development and weaving. It serves as a local protector for the agricultural and textile heritage of Minamisoma.

Sugikats / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

善導寺

A Jodo sect temple located in central Koriyama. The grounds feature traditional Buddhist architecture and historical grave sites within a quiet urban setting.