In the heart of Nagoya lies a sacred forest spanning 190,000 square meters. Atsuta Jingu Shrine enshrines one of Japan’s Three Imperial Regalia—the legendary Kusanagi no Mitsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword)—making it one of the nation’s most revered and powerful spiritual sites. With a history spanning over 1,900 years, this shrine commands a level of veneration second […]
In the heart of Sapporo lies a sacred realm encompassed by 60 hectares of primeval forest. Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, established in 1869 alongside the colonization of Hokkaido, serves as the grand guardian shrine of Japan’s northern frontier. Approximately 1.8 million visitors make pilgrimages here annually, making it the most revered shrine in all of Hokkaido.
Perched on a plateau 300 meters above sea level overlooking Lake Shikotsu, one of Hokkaido’s most powerful spiritual sites awaits. Tarumaesan Jinja Shrine venerates the active volcano Mount Tarumae as its sacred deity, drawing approximately 400,000 visitors annually to this revered sanctuary of the Dooh region. Upon entering the shrine grounds, visitors are enveloped by
In eastern Hokkaido, surrounded by primeval forest, lies the mystical Lake Akan—a caldera lake formed approximately 150,000 years ago through volcanic activity. With a circumference of about 26 kilometers and maximum depth of 45 meters, this lake is world-renowned as the habitat of the nationally designated Special Natural Monument “Marimo” (moss balls), attracting approximately 1.5
As morning mist rises over Matsushima Bay, more than 260 islands emerge from the water like a mystical painting come to life. This breathtaking scenery, celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Views (Nihon Sankei), has captivated visitors for over a millennium. Matsushima is far more than a scenic destination—it is a profound spiritual
The historic architecture of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi (image) The Golden Hall: Paradise on Earth from Japan’s Medieval Golden Age Chusonji Konjikido (Golden Hall) in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture stands as one of Japan’s most extraordinary Buddhist treasures—a small Amida hall entirely covered in gold leaf, adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay and intricate lacquerwork. Built during the
2,446 Stone Steps Lead to the Sacred Mountain of Shugendo Haguro-san, located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most revered sacred mountains. Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, it forms the “Dewa Sanzan” (Three Mountains of Dewa), a pilgrimage site that has drawn devotees for over 1,400 years. The Dewa Shrine
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
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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