Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture has long thrived as an international port city. This rich cultural background is reflected in its unique and diverse shrines. From matchmaking and business prosperity to victory prayers, each shrine offers different blessings. Whether nestled in the mountains or located in the city center, each shrine has its own distinctive atmosphere. Be sure to enjoy not only the spiritual experience but also the natural beauty and history of Kobe as you go shrine-hopping.

Located in Sannomiya, Kobe’s busiest downtown area, Ikuta Shrine is one of the city’s oldest, with a history spanning over 1,800 years. Alongside Minatogawa Shrine and Nagata Shrine, it is considered one of the “Three Great Shrines of Kobe,” and many locals make it a tradition to visit all three for hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visits).

On the north side of the shrine grounds lies the lush “Ikuta Forest,” filled with trees that are hundreds of years old. It’s a serene, refreshing space that feels completely detached from the city’s bustle. Placing your hand on one of the large tree trunks to feel its energy is a recommended experience.

The shrine’s main deity, Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, is associated with weaving, and by extension, the weaving together of good relationships. This makes the shrine especially popular for love and matchmaking blessings. Ikuta Shrine offers a variety of charms, but one of the most beloved is the “Water Fortune Slip (Mizu-mikuji).” When dipped into the sacred water of “Kinryūsen” in the forest, hidden words appear on the slip, which is a magical experience said to be highly accurate.

 If you’re harboring secret feelings for someone, don’t miss it! You’ll also find adorable heart-shaped ema (wooden votive plaques) for your wishes.

Established in 1872, Minatogawa Shrine is one of Kobe’s most iconic shrines, drawing over a million visitors for hatsumode each year. It’s known for a wide range of blessings, including good fortune, family safety, traffic safety, academic success, and protection from misfortune. The shrine enshrines Kusunoki Masashige, a legendary warrior known for his loyalty and sense of justice, affectionately known by locals as “Nanko-san.”

The spacious grounds—over 7,600 tsubo (roughly 25,000 square meters)—are filled with greenery, offering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

As you pass through the prominent stone lanterns at the front gate and walk down the main path, you’ll come upon the main hall. Look up at the ceiling and you’ll be captivated by the 164 beautifully painted panels donated by renowned artists from across Japan. Among them, the “Great Azure Dragon” by Fukuda Baisen, an artist born in Hyogo Prefecture, is especially breathtaking. Take your time to admire the artistry that captures the essence of Japanese beauty.

Also within the shrine grounds is Kusumoto Inari Shrine, said to offer blessings for business prosperity and bountiful harvests. Its row of vibrant red torii gates makes it not only spiritually significant but also a great photo spot!

Nagata Shrine, dedicated to the deity Kotoshironushi-no-Okami—the guardian of commerce and industry—boasts a history of over 1,800 years. The shrine is believed to bestow blessings of business prosperity, happiness, good fortune, and protection from misfortune.

As Kotoshironushi-no-Okami is said to have the power to foresee the future, the shrine also performs memorial services for old eyeglasses—an unusual yet meaningful tradition.

Within the grounds, you’ll find Kusunomiya Inari Shrine, known for its charming ema (votive plaques) featuring illustrations of fish and red stingrays. According to local legend, after a typhoon caused a nearby river to overflow, a red stingray found its way into the shrine’s grounds. It’s believed that the sacred 800-year-old camphor tree towering behind the shrine is now home to the spirit of that stingray. Offering one of these ema is said to help cure swelling ailments, especially hemorrhoids.

Nagata Shrine is also renowned for its February Setsubun Festival and the traditional Oni-Shinji Ritual. Unlike typical Setsubun festivals where beans are scattered to drive away demons, here the “oni” (demons) are seen as divine messengers and are warmly welcomed. During the event, seven costumed “oni” perform a dance on a stage set within the shrine grounds, purifying the area of misfortune. If your visit coincides with this rare and heartwarming ritual, it’s a chance to meet a “good demon”—an experience not to be missed!

Nestled in the charming and exotic Kitano Ijinkan district, Kitano Tenman Shrine was founded in 1180 by enshrining Kyoto’s Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This historic shrine gave the area its name and is deeply connected to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. Students and exam-takers flock here year-round to pray for academic success.

The shrine also offers stunning panoramic views. Located at the top of Kitanozaka slope, it overlooks the picturesque Kitano district and, on clear days, even Kobe Port. But it’s not just students who visit—Kitano Tenman Shrine is also known as a romantic power spot.

A beloved ritual here is the “Wish-Carp” (Kanai Koi). By pouring water over a statue of a carp at the chozuya (purification fountain) while making a wish, it’s believed your romantic dreams will come true. You can double your luck by writing your wishes on the adorable pink paper-mâché Koi-Koi charms, shaped like little carp, and offering them at the shrine.

Other fun and unique experiences include the “Sensu Mikuji”, a mini folding fan containing your fortune, and the quirky “Ishihara Hiroko Love Mikuji”, a collaboration with a contemporary Japanese artist. These creative takes on traditional omikuji (fortune slips) make the shrine a delightful stop whether you’re seeking love, academic success, or simply an unforgettable memory.

Sannomiya Shrine, dedicated to the sea goddess Tachibana Hime no Mikoto, has long been revered by the people of Kobe as a guardian of maritime safety and commerce. Located in what is now central Kobe, this shrine has been deeply connected to the city’s identity as a port town since ancient times.

One of the most notable historical episodes associated with Sannomiya Shrine is the Kobe Incident of 1868. Shortly after the opening of the port, a conflict broke out between foreign soldiers and samurai from Okayama Prefecture, escalating into a skirmish involving gunfire and naval ships. The incident took place on the grounds of Sannomiya Shrine, and remnants of this moment in history can still be seen today. A cannon from the same era is also on display, offering a rare chance to explore the international tensions and dramatic moments that shaped Kobe’s early modern history.

Adding to the shrine’s unique charm is a stained-glass window behind the purification fountain—a rare sight in Shinto architecture. Its elegant, Western-style design is yet another example of Kobe’s fusion of tradition and cosmopolitan flair.

Sannomiya Shrine is also part of the Kobe Eight Shrine Pilgrimage, which includes shrines numbered one through eight across the city. While traditionally done on Setsubun Day to ward off evil and bring good fortune, you can embark on this spiritual journey anytime. Be sure to bring a goshuincho (stamp book), as each of the eight shrines offers a special seal to commemorate your visit. It’s a meaningful way to connect with Kobe’s heritage—both spiritually and culturally—while enjoying the city’s diverse landscapes.

Yuzuruha Shrine is a historic shrine that enshrines Kumano Okami, a deity associated with protection and victory. Its symbol, the Yatagarasu—a mythical three-legged crow said to lead people to success—makes this shrine especially popular for those seeking to pray for victory or triumph in personal endeavors.

Located in Mikage, the birthplace of Japan’s first soccer team, Yuzuruha Shrine has a special connection to the sport. Interestingly, the Japan Football Association also uses the Yatagarasu as its emblem, adding a layer of spiritual significance. Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find a stone soccer ball monument made of Mikage-ishi, the locally sourced granite that gives the area its name. You can also pick up soccer-themed ema (votive plaques) and charms, making this a must-visit for soccer fans.

Don’t miss the intriguing “Chikaraishi” (power stones)—massive stones once used in feats of strength from the Edo to Meiji periods. The stones bear inscriptions detailing their weight and the names of those who lifted them. You’ll likely find yourself wondering, “Did someone really lift this?”

Another unique feature is the Tamaharai purification ritual. You blow your breath onto a sacred stone called Saitama, transferring your misfortunes to it. Then, you throw it against a harae-ishi (purification stone) to cast away bad luck. This cathartic ritual is said to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed—definitely worth a try during your visit.

About 15 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya by Hanshin Railway, you’ll find Nishinomiya Shrine, famous for bringing good fortune in business and wealth.

Passing through the gate, you’ll walk along a long 230-meter approach that leads to a vividly vermilion worship hall radiating a solemn atmosphere. Behind it stands the main hall, built in the rare Sangen Kasuga-zukuri architectural style, found only in a few places across Japan. Start by offering your prayers here, then take a leisurely stroll through the grounds, where seasonal flowers and plants bloom throughout the year.

Take a relaxing break at Okame Chaya, where you can enjoy a warm cup of amazake (sweet rice drink). You can also try your luck with a unique omikuji that contains a “Daifuku” fortune—considered even luckier than a “Daikichi” (great blessing)!

While Nishinomiya Shrine hosts various festivals throughout the year, the most famous is Tōka Ebisu in January, the largest festival in the Hanshin area for praying for business prosperity. In July, the summer festival Natsu Ebisu takes place over four days, during which the shrine grounds are beautifully lit up at night, offering a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.

The area surrounding Nishinomiya Shrine is also home to top sake-producing districts like Nadagogo and the iconic Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Be sure to explore these local highlights as well.

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Located in a coastal town in Akashi City, next to Kobe, Uozumi Sumiyoshi Shrine is a historic shrine founded in the year 464 and is known as a guardian of sea routes.

Although it is a bit removed from the center of Kobe, it offers breathtaking scenic views like this.

Known as “Meisho Nishikigaura,” the area offers a stunning view—during the day, the calm sea stretches out beyond the torii gate, while at sunset, the combination of the setting sun in the west, pine trees, and stone lanterns creates a scene that looks like a painting.

In late April, the shrine’s sacred wisteria tree blooms, and its flower clusters sway gracefully in the gentle sea breeze. Around June, hydrangeas color the shrine grounds.

A visit to a shrine isn’t just about offering prayers—simply spending time in the peaceful grounds can mysteriously fill you with renewed energy. When you go, don’t forget to show gratitude to the deities and be mindful of proper etiquette. May your shrine visits bring you moments of healing and serenity.

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