Shinto, or kami-no-michi, is the native religion of Japan and japanese people. Shinto Shrines are structures whose main purpose is to house one or more Shinto kami (gods,spirits). These Shinto Shrines are characterised by the presence of honden (these are the most sacred buildings in one Shinto Shrine, intended purely for the use of the enshrined kami. Hondens are the heart of the shrine complex.) or sanctuary. For more information about Shinto Shrines you can go on wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto or wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto_shrine.

In Japan there are more than 100,000 Shinto Shrines. Here are just 6 of those endless number of Shinto Shrines, but these for sure will blow your mind with their extraordinary and amazing look.

Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)

This amazing shrine is located in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by Pasha C via Flickr

Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社)

Itsukushima Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by Joe deSousa via Flickr

Nishinomiya Jinja (西宮神社)

Location: Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by jpellgen via Flickr

Isaniwa Jinja (伊佐爾波神社)

You can find Isaniwa Jinja in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by Maarten Heerlien via Flickr

Shirayama Hime Shrine (白山比咩神社)

The home of this amazing Shinto Shrine is Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by Ryan Poplin via Flickr

Izumo Grand Shrine (出雲大社)

If you ever get to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, do not miss to visit Izumo Grand Shrine.

6 Extraordinary Shinto Shrines That Blow Minds

Image by Christian Kaden via Flickr