Looking for the gods. Shrines

Shrines are a familiar place for many Japanese people. There are many occasions to visit one of them during the year: for Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine to greet the New Year) or simply to pray for something in particular. However, there's more than one kind: from classical, ancient shrines that you can find in Kyoto to more modern ones which perfectly blend in the streets of the Tokyo metropolis. Inside their quiet precincts, you can purify yourself with water and incense and ask the gods to listen to your requests. These magnificent spaces are a breath of fresh air in our everyday life.

Today we collected some breathtaking illustrations portraying shrines. Enjoy!