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Ikushima Tarushima Shrine

4.2
·3k reviews·Ueda, Japan

A serene Shinto shrine on an island, featuring vibrant red torii gates and a picturesque pond, offering a unique spiritual and visual experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Bridge for God

Ikushima Tarushima Shrine

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Shinto shrine on an island, featuring vibrant red torii gates and a picturesque pond, offering a unique spiritual and visual experience.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"Absolutely gorgeous shrine with a unique bridge, a wonderful pond, and brilliantly colored buildings."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Beauty

The shrine's island setting and vibrant colors make for stunning photos. Early morning light is particularly beautiful. :camerawithflash:

🚶 Explore Beyond the Main Shrine

Don't miss the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall; there's also a large torii gate about 1km northeast. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Island Shrine

The Island Shrine

Main shrine complex

A stunning Shinto shrine set on a small island, accessible by a charming bridge, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

Instagram
Vibrant Red Torii Gates

Vibrant Red Torii Gates

Entrance and surrounding areas

Iconic red torii gates stand as striking landmarks, adding to the shrine's visual appeal and spiritual atmosphere.

Instagram
Peaceful Pond Setting

Peaceful Pond Setting

Surrounding the shrine

The shrine is beautifully encircled by a tranquil pond, reflecting the colorful buildings and creating a calming environment.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the Ikushima Tarushima Shrine's peaceful ambiance, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more contemplative visit. Instagram

Embrace the Island Charm

This shrine is known for its unique island setting and vibrant red torii gates. Take your time to explore the grounds, including the picturesque pond and various smaller buildings, to fully appreciate its beauty. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, serene end to day
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

生島足島神社。 神の依代は大地。 日本中央の要は上田と別所温泉の間。 山を越えれば諏訪。 縄文の聖地は生命力の地。 #生島足島神社 #上田 #塩田平 #日本中央 #太陽と大地の里 #安定 #ikushimatarushimashrine #jomon
chino88chino
16 likes • 128 views

📸 Capture the Beauty

The shrine's island setting and vibrant colors make for stunning photos. Early morning light is particularly beautiful. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🚶 Explore Beyond the Main Shrine

Don't miss the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall; there's also a large torii gate about 1km northeast. Reddit :walking:

We went to 生島足島神社(Ikushima Tarushima Shrine) ⛩️ It was so peaceful and beautiful… #japan #japantravel #japantrip #japao #viagem #ugctravel #travel #travelgram #travelblogger #contentcreator #japão
naamie_
74 likes • 1.3K views
▫️HAYAKU OKITA ASAWA▫️ 長野県上田市 / 生島足島神社 #長野 #上田 #生島足島神社 #神社 #パワースポット #nagano #ueda #ikushimatarushimashrine #shrine #はやく起きた朝は #旅 #旅行 #観光 #hayaku_okita_asawa #travel #travelgram #view #sightseeing #journey #experiences #vlog #instagood #discover #여행 #여행스타그램 #여행기록 #여행일기
tasq.w
24 likes • 405 views

🙏 Respectful Visit

While the shrine is beautiful, some visitors have noted indifferent or impolite staff. Maintain a respectful demeanor. Reddit :pray:

☀️ Sun Alignment

The shrine is known for its alignment with sun rays, especially during certain times of the year. Reddit :sun:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Beauty

The shrine's island setting and vibrant colors make for stunning photos. Early morning light is particularly beautiful. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🚶 Explore Beyond the Main Shrine

Don't miss the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall; there's also a large torii gate about 1km northeast. Reddit :walking:

🙏 Respectful Visit

While the shrine is beautiful, some visitors have noted indifferent or impolite staff. Maintain a respectful demeanor. Reddit :pray:

☀️ Sun Alignment

The shrine is known for its alignment with sun rays, especially during certain times of the year. Reddit :sun:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ikushima Tarushima Shrine for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unique island setting. The vibrant red torii gates and the picturesque pond are frequently highlighted as major attractions. However, some guests have reported negative experiences with staff attitudes, which detracted from an otherwise beautiful visit.

"Absolutely gorgeous shrine with a unique bridge a wonderful pond and several brilliantly colored buildings. A perfect example of making the most of a space. My favorite place in Ueda"

Shan Baker

"A beautiful shrine, with a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by a nice little lake. It is famous for being oriented within the sun rays together with other famous shrines in the area."

Alain Riedacker

"beautiful💖Nice💐
beautiful💖💖Nice💐JAPAN💐💖🤗"

うっかり八平衛

What People Like

Gorgeous shrine beauty
Peaceful pond setting
Vibrant torii gates

What People Dislike

Indifferent staff attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. It's accessible by public transport, often involving a train ride to Ueda Station followed by a local bus or taxi. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Instagram

While specific parking details can vary, many shrines in Japan offer parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check the shrine's official website or local information for the most accurate parking availability and any associated fees. Instagram

Ueda City is best explored using its local bus network or by taxi. For those arriving by Shinkansen, renting a car might offer more flexibility, but public transport is generally efficient for reaching key attractions like the shrine. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, access to the grounds of Shinto shrines in Japan is free. However, there might be fees for specific buildings or special exhibitions. It's always a good idea to check for any admission fees upon arrival. Reddit

Shrine grounds are typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific building hours or any event schedules may vary, so it's recommended to check for any posted hours on-site or online. Instagram

Yes, Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is open year-round. The shrine also hosts festivals throughout the year, which can be a special time to visit, though potentially more crowded. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, especially for capturing the scenic beauty of the island, pond, and torii gates. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding photography restrictions in specific areas, particularly inside prayer halls. Instagram

The island shrine itself, the red torii gates, and the reflections in the surrounding pond are prime photography locations. The kagura dance stage also offers unique architectural details. Instagram

Early mornings offer soft, beautiful light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere. Late afternoons can provide a warm, golden glow. Instagram

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the unique island shrine, walk across the bridge, explore the pond, and view the vibrant torii gates. You can also see the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall. Reddit

Yes, the shrine is known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially during off-peak hours. The surrounding pond and natural setting contribute to a tranquil experience. Instagram

The shrine is famous for its orientation within sun rays, alongside other significant shrines in the region. Its island setting and the presence of a kagura dance stage and kabuki hall are also notable. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ikushima Tarushima Shrine offers a visually engaging experience for families. The island setting and the bright red torii gates are captivating for children. The surrounding pond provides a scenic backdrop for a gentle walk, and the various buildings can spark curiosity about traditional Japanese architecture. Instagram

While the shrine is generally peaceful, it's advisable to keep an eye on younger children near the water. The shrine's historical elements, like the kagura dance stage, can also be a point of interest for older children interested in culture and performance. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is a dream destination. The iconic red torii gates and the island shrine itself are prime subjects, especially when framed by the tranquil pond. The architectural details of the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall offer further photographic opportunities. Instagram

Aim for early morning visits to capture the serene atmosphere with soft, natural light and minimal crowds. Late afternoons also provide beautiful lighting conditions. Be sure to explore different angles to capture the shrine's unique charm and its reflections in the water. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance and History

Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is a Shinto complex steeped in history and spiritual significance. The shrine's unique layout, featuring an island sanctuary, is a testament to traditional Japanese architectural and spiritual design principles. It's believed to be a place of life force and stability, with connections to ancient Jomon period beliefs. TikTok

The shrine is also noted for its celestial alignment, being oriented with the sun's rays in conjunction with other prominent shrines in the area. This astronomical aspect highlights the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and ancient practices in Japanese culture. Exploring the various buildings, such as the kagura dance stage and kabuki hall, offers a glimpse into the shrine's historical role in cultural performances and rituals. Reddit

While the shrine itself might not be massive, its rich history and unique spiritual positioning make it a compelling destination for those interested in Japanese heritage and religious sites. The blend of natural beauty and historical depth provides a contemplative experience for visitors. Reddit

Experiencing the Atmosphere and Scenery

The visual appeal of Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is a major draw for visitors. The iconic red torii gates create a striking contrast against the natural landscape, leading visitors towards the serene island shrine. The surrounding pond acts as a mirror, reflecting the vibrant colors of the shrine buildings and the sky, enhancing the picturesque quality of the location. Instagram

Many visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful and beautiful, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or a leisurely stroll. The combination of the water, the traditional architecture, and the carefully maintained grounds contributes to a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. InstagramReddit

For photographers, the shrine offers numerous opportunities to capture stunning shots, especially during the soft light of early mornings or the warm hues of late afternoons. The unique island setting and the architectural details provide a rich subject matter for both amateur and professional photographers. Instagram

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