I wasn't searching for this shrine, and in fact almost walked right by it on my way to see the famous Narabi Jizo statues. But something caught my eye - perhaps the gorgeous green moss covering almost the entire grounds. It's quite small, and is tucked in among a few houses. The shrine building itself is small and not outstandingly beautiful, but the combination of old statues, and lovely colors made me very happy that I stopped and saw it. Keep your eyes open in Nikko - there's a lot to see that is not at all famous!
- 1 min read
Iwasaku Jinja Shrine, Nikko
Beautiful little shrine in the middle of a neighborhood

Community writer

The shrine itself is simple - a nice match for the beauty of the grounds

One of the beautiful old statues here

Photo: L

Looking back and down towards the street

The mix of green and red is beautiful

Everything here is covered in moss

That's a neighborhood house right behind the dragon

Statue, tree, house - this shrine is tucked in amongst a lot of houses

Gorgeous green moss everywhere - this was at 7AM and all was fresh and beautiful

Another great statue

The moss was flat and smooth, like a billiard table

You can see a cemetary behind the houses and cars
Join the discussion

Anonymous
12 years ago
Love the dragon shot, with the moss-oovered pond. Totally beautiful and Japanese.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Tokyo Ranks 12th on Vegan-friendly Cities List
Food -
4
Ushikoi: Lean Meat Yakiniku Specialist
Tokyo -
5
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
6
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
7
Pokémon Center Fukuoka Reopens This June
Fukuoka -
8
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
9
Nintendo Store in Fukuoka to Open in Late 2025
Fukuoka -
10
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo -
10
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide