Located in the heart of Hokkaido within Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo Gorge is a magnificent canyon formed by a massive eruption of Mount Daisetsu approximately 30,000 years ago. Stretching about 24 kilometers along the Ishikari River, the towering cliffs rise 100 to 200 meters high, overwhelming visitors with their sheer scale. The Ainu people called […]
Deep within the Shimokita Peninsula lies Mount Osore (Osorezan), one of “Japan’s Three Great Sacred Sites” alongside Mount Hiei and Mount Koya. Said to have been founded in 862 (Jogan 4) by the Buddhist monk Ennin (posthumously known as Jikaku Daishi), this spiritually powerful place boasts over 1,100 years of history. The temple grounds, permeated
Perched on a hilltop in Naha City, Shikina-gu is one of the prestigious “Ryukyu Eight Shrines” (Ryukyu Hassha) dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Legend holds it was founded following the successful prayer for a prince’s birth by King Sho Seni, son of King Sho En who established the Second Sho Dynasty, giving the
One of “Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines” alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasama Inari Shrine, Yutoku Inari Shrine is a magnificent sanctuary nestled in the mountains of Kashima City, Saga Prefecture. Approximately 3 million worshippers visit annually, making it second only to Dazaifu Tenmangu in Kyushu for visitor numbers. The vermillion-lacquered tower gate and main
Seimei Shrine, dedicated to Abe no Seimei—the most powerful onmyoji (yin-yang master) of the Heian period—is known as one of Kyoto’s premier power spots for warding off evil. Located beside Ichijo Modori Bridge on the site of Seimei’s former residence, this shrine attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually seeking protection from evil and misfortune. The grounds,
Located on Sado Island floating in the Sea of Japan, Sado Kinzan is one of the world’s most significant gold and silver mines, having supported Japan’s economy for approximately 400 years. During the Edo period, it boasted one of the world’s largest gold outputs and played a crucial role in financing the Tokugawa shogunate. Registered
Situated on Miyajima Island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, Itsukushima Shrine is a World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery—counted among Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views—and shrine buildings that preserve the Heian period shinden-zukuri architectural style. The vermillion torii gate standing in the sea, one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes, draws approximately 4
As one of Japan’s oldest shrines, Suwa Taisha serves as the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines throughout the nation. Its unique configuration of four sanctuaries—two upper and two lower shrines—positioned on opposite sides of Lake Suwa speaks to the profound faith maintained since ancient times. The “Onbashira Festival,” held once every seven years,
Standing as the sacred guardian of Mount Ishizuchi (1,982m)—Western Japan’s highest peak—Ishizuchi Shrine boasts over 1,300 years of history as one of Japan’s Seven Sacred Mountains. Legend holds that the mountain was first opened by En-no-Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo mountain asceticism. During the annual “Oyama-biraki” mountain opening ceremony in July, the pilgrimage routes are
Perched atop Mount Mitake (929m) in Ome City, Tokyo, Musashi Mitake Shrine stands as one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots with approximately 2,000 years of history. Said to have been founded during the era of Emperor Sujin, this venerable sanctuary has gathered faith since ancient times as a “Sacred Mountain of Kanto.” Despite