神明神社, Shinto shrine in Japan

Shinmei Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kuki, Saitama Prefecture. Its main hall (honden) was built in 1835. The shrine grounds include a 550-metre-long approach grove and precinct woodland, together designated a Saitama Prefectural Natural Monument as the 'Shinmei Shrine Grove'.

The shrine's main hall (honden) was built in 1835, and the lords of the area during the Edo period are said to have worshipped there devoutly. The shrine forest, a 550-metre stretch of approach and precinct woodland, is a Saitama Prefecture-designated natural monument.

The shrine's name, Shinmei, refers to Amaterasu Omikami, one of its two enshrined deities, alongside Toyouke-hime. On 15 January the Chin-ka-sai, a fire-quenching rite, is held at the shrine. The 550-metre approach grove and precinct woodland are registered as a prefectural natural monument.

The shrine forest stretches 550 metres along the approach and around the precinct, so allow time to walk its length. The grounds are a designated prefectural natural monument; stay on the paths and do not remove plants. The Shinto rite Shinkasai is held on 15 January.

The shrine forest extends about 550 meters and is designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, preserving diverse plant life. Walking through these wooded areas reveals how different tree species change with the seasons in ways visitors often overlook.