Photo Gallery
Nagata Shrine : Things to See & Do
Nagata Shrine is one of Kobe's Three Great Shrines, known affectionately to locals as Nagata-san for generations. Its founding is traditionally dated to AD 201 — long before the city of Kobe existed — and it has watched over this community through centuries of change. The principal deity is Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, also known as the god Ebisu, revered for blessings in commerce, industry, and protection from misfortune. For the craftsmen and manufacturers of Nagata Ward who powered Kobe's industrial backbone, this shrine was the spiritual anchor of their working lives. Entering the grounds, the first thing that commands attention is the sacred camphor tree — five meters in trunk circumference, thirty meters tall, and thought to be several centuries old. The ancient Tsuina Ceremony held each February at Setsubun traces its roots to the Muromachi period: demons swing torches to burn away misfortune, and worshippers receive sacred ash for purification. It is one of Kobe's most distinctive traditional rituals. In 2025, the shrine drew attention as a filming location for Netflix's Alice in Borderland Season 3. The shrine was used as a filming location for Alice in Borderland Season 3. The rōmon gate resembles what you see in the drama, though the overall atmosphere of the grounds feels quite different. Multiple goshuin (shrine stamp) designs are available for collectors. Among Kobe's Three Great Shrines, Nagata has the most grounded, neighbourhood feel — a place of genuine local faith rather than a tourist stage.
Giant Sacred Camphor Tree
With a trunk circumference of ~5 m and height around 30 m, this camphor tree is an iconic object of reverence at the shrine.
Alice in Borderland Filming Location
A filming location for Netflix's Alice in Borderland Season 3. The rōmon gate resembles what appears in the drama, though the overall grounds feel quite different.
Traditional Tsuina Ceremony (Setsubun)
A Tsuina ritual dating from the Muromachi period: demons swing torches to burn away misfortune, and worshippers receive the ash for purification.
Nagata Shrine : Photo Spots & Tips
Best Shots
- — Frontal shot of the red torii and main hall
- — Looking up at the giant camphor tree
- — Evening view of the gate and shrine atmosphere from outside
Best Timing
- — During the Tsuina ceremony in early February (Setsubun)
- — Autumn evenings, when the light filters through the trees
- — Nighttime, especially if there are special events
Access
About a 5‑minute walk from Nagata Station (subway) or Kosoku‑Nagata Station.
City buses (lines 3, 4, 17) stop at “Nagata Shrine‑mae.”
