As part of our resource guide for visitors to Kobe, Japan, below is a list of Japanese temples and shrines in Kobe City.
At the end of this article, we discuss the role of omikuji and omamori at temples and shrines.
List of Shrines and Temples in Kobe City, Japan
A temple is a place where Buddhist deities are enshrined and where monks reside to teach the teachings of Buddhism. A shrine, on the other hand, is focused on the gods of Shintoism.
Here is the list of Buddhism temples and Shinto shrines in Kobe, Japan.
Himuro Shrine
Himuro Shrine, with a history of approximately 1,800 years, is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Okami, the god of matchmaking, also known as “Renai Benten,” the Love Benten, the deity of love.
— Address: 2-15-1 Himuro-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe,
— Website: https://himurojinja.or.jp/
Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1,800 years. The name “Kobe” originated from the “Kanbe,” the families who protected the deity of Ikuta. The word “Ikuta” originally came from “Ikuta” meaning a place brimming with vibrant life force.
— Address: 1-2-1 Shimoyamate-dori Chuo-ku Kobe
— Website: https://ikutajinja.or.jp/
Kanteibyo
This temple, constructed in the traditional Japanese architectural style with Chinese influences, is a Taoist place of worship where practices differ from those at Japanese shrines and temples. The deity enshrined here is believed to grant blessings for prosperous business and academic success.
— Address: 7-3-2 Nakayamate-dori Chuo-ku Kobe
— Website: https://zhonghua-huiguan.com/mausoleum
Kitano Shrine
Kitano Shrine, built in 1180, is the origin of the place name “Kitano.” Kitano Shrine’s deity is Sugawara no Michizane, a god associated with academic achievement.
— Address: 3-12 Kitanocho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe
— Website: https://www.kobe-kitano.net/
Minatoghawa Temple
Minatogawa Shrine, known as “Nanko-san,” is one of Hyogo Prefecture’s most prominent shrines for prayers for safe childbirth, newborn blessings, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and protection from misfortune, attracting many visitors during important family milestones.
— Address: 3-1-1 Tamon-dori Chuo-ku Kobe
— Website: https://www.minatogawajinja.or.jp/
Mt. Mayasan Tenjoji Temple
Tenjo Temple, the only temple in Japan dedicated to the Goddess Maya (the mother of the Buddha and revered as a protector of women), was founded in 646 by the Indian high priest Hodo Sennin at the request of Emperor Kotoku. The enshrinement of Maya at this temple is the origin of the modern name Mount Maya.
— Address: 2-12 Mayasan-cho Nada-ku Kobe
— Website: https://shinbutsureijou.com/reijou/mayasantenjouji/
Nagata Shrine
The shrine is affectionately known as “Nagata-san” and highly respected by the citizens of Kobe. Kotoshironushi no Kami, widely revered as “Ebisu-sama” and the god of fortune, is regarded as the guardian deity of commerce, industry, and various other sectors, as well as a deity who brings good luck, happiness, and protection from misfortune in daily life.
— Address: 3-1-1 Nagata-cho Nagata-ku Kobe
— Website: https://nagatajinja.jp/
Nofukuji Temple
The Great Buddha of Nofukuji Temple is considered one of Japan’s three great Buddhas, alongside those in Nara and Kamakura. The original statue, completed in 1891, was dismantled for metal collection during World War II, and the current statue is its successor, rebuilt in 1991.
— Address: 1 KitaSakasegawa-cho Hyogo-ku Kobe
— Website: http://nofukuji.jp/
Shakubuji Temple
This temple features a three-storied pagoda, which is one of the tallest among the country’s Important Cultural Properties. The temple grounds also include Buddhist statues from the Shakubuji 88 Temple Pilgrimage and are renowned for their stunning autumn foliage.
— Address: 110-1 Ogocho Mikage, Kita Ward, Kobe
— Website: http://13butsu.com/temple/007.php
Sumadera Temple
The temple is nationally renowned as an ancient site connected to the Genpei War, featuring numerous treasures and historical landmarks. It also contains many sites associated with The Tale of Genji, making it a destination rich in historical significance and cultural heritage.
— Address: 4-6-8 Sumadera-cho Suma-ku Kobe
— Website: https://sumadera.or.jp/english/
Suma Tsunashiki Tenmangu
Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine is the home of Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship, and is affectionately known locally as the “Tenjin-sama of Suma.” According to legend, during his journey to Kyushu, he stopped at Suma Bay, where local fishermen crafted a circular seat from a large fishing net for him to rest upon. The shrine was later founded on this site to commemorate the event after his death.
— Address: 2-1-11 Tenjin-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe
— Website: https://www.tsunashikitenmangu.or.jp/
Taisanji Temple
Taisanji Temple in Kobe is the only temple in the city designated as a National Treasure.
— Address: 224 Zenkai Ikawadani-cho Nishi-ku Kobe
— Website: https://do-main.co.jp/taisanji/
Takatori Shrine
Takatori Shrine honors more than 300 deities on its grounds, including the inner shrine and numerous subsidiary shrines. Renowned for blessings of protection from misfortune and household safety, the shrine is also a popular destination for hiking and enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.
— Address: 103-7 Takatorisancho, Nagata Ward, Kobe
— Website: https://www.hyogo-jinjacho.com/data/6301161.html
Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangū
Taihata Yakuyoke Hachiman Shrine, locally known as “Taihata Yakujin-san,” is one of Kobe’s most revered sites for protection against misfortune and one of the oldest spiritual centers for warding off evil.
— Address: 1 Miyawaki aza Tainohata Suma-ku, Kobe
— Website: https://www.tainohatayakuyokehachimangu.or.jp/
Yuzuruha Shrine
The shrine is renowned for granting blessings such as protection from misfortune, good fortune, household and traffic safety, and the fulfillment of various wishes. It is also well known as a soccer-related shrine, as Japan’s first soccer team was formed nearby at Mikage Normal School.
— Address: 2-9-27 Mikagegunke, Higashinada-ku, Kobe
— Website: https://yuzuruha-jinja.jp/
Luck and Fortunes at Japanese Temples and Shrines
Visitors to shrines and temples in Kobe often notice some local artifacts of Japanese culture in those locations, including omikuji and omamori.
Omikuji and Omamori
Omikuji are paper fortunes drawn at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Visitors shake a box or draw a stick to receive a slip of paper revealing a fortune that may relate to areas such as health, love, studies, work, or travel. Omamori are small, decorative charms containing prayers or blessings, believed to offer protection or bring good luck in specific aspects of life.
Many people enjoy drawing omikuji with friends or family as a fun tradition, while omamori are often purchased to carry luck for particular hopes or wishes, such as passing exams or ensuring safe travels.
See Also
— Population of Kobe
— Neighborhoods in Kobe, Japan
— Shopping places in Kobe, Japan
— Department stores in Kobe, Japan
— Major train Stations in Kobe, Japan
— Kobe Airport in Kobe, Japan
— Train Lines, Shinkansen and Subway in Kobe, Japan
— Popular museums in Kobe, Japan
— Japanese language schools in Kobe, Japan
— Colleges and Universities in Kobe, Japan
— International schools in Kobe
— Co-working spaces in Kobe
— English speaking immigration lawyers in Kobe
— Tax specialists that speak English in Kobe