Where 785 Stone Steps Lead to the Guardian of the Seas Stone lanterns line the traditional approach to the shrine Nestled on the slopes of Mount Zozu in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, Kotohira-gu Shrine—affectionately known as “Konpira-san” by locals—is one of Japan’s most beloved pilgrimage destinations. Famous for its remarkable 785 stone steps leading to […]
Japan’s Iconic Active Volcano: Magnificent Natural Energy Mount Aso sits at the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture—an active volcano boasting one of the world’s largest calderas, still sending white plumes into the sky. With Mount Takadake (1,592 meters) as its highest peak, the five peaks of Aso overwhelm visitors with their magnificent presence. White smoke rising
Mount Aso | Complete Guide to Kumamoto’s Sacred Power Spot【Access, Benefits & Area Info】 Read More »
Where Gods Gather: Japan’s Supreme Shrine for Connecting Destinies A shrine embraced by lush greenery In Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture—the mythological heartland of Japan—stands Izumo Taisha (formally read “Izumo Oyashiro,” commonly “Izumo Taisha”), one of the nation’s most ancient and revered shrines. Its origins are recorded in the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest historical chronicle, dating back
A Magnificent World Heritage Site Enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, stands as one of Japan’s most magnificent religious sites. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate, this shrine has attracted devoted visitors for over 400 years since its establishment in 1617. In 1999, it was inscribed
Sefa Utaki: The Supreme Sacred Site of the Ryukyu Kingdom Sefa Utaki (斎場御嶽), nestled in the lush forests of Nanjo City in southern Okinawa, stands as the most sacred site of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. So revered was this place that even kings approached it with fear and reverence. In 2000, it was inscribed as
The Thousand Vermilion Gates Leading to a Mystical World Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, is the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. The mesmerizing sight of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the sacred Mount Inari draws over 3 million visitors annually, making it one of
Experience the Spiritual Heart of Japan at Ise Grand Shrine Ise Grand Shrine, known as “Ise Jingu” in Japanese, is considered the most sacred and prestigious shrine in all of Japan—a place every Japanese person hopes to visit at least once in their lifetime. Nestled in the tranquil forests of Ise City, Mie Prefecture, this