A volcanic gorge carved by 100,000 years of flowing water. Basalt columns rising 80 meters like the pillars of a cathedral. A waterfall named after a vessel from which the sun goddess herself poured water from heaven. And a cave where she once hid, plunging the entire world into darkness. Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡) in Miyazaki […]
The iconic main hall and wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera (image) Have you ever heard the Japanese expression “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu”? This phrase, meaning to take a leap of faith, originates from this very temple. Standing on the famous wooden stage, gazing over the ancient capital of Kyoto, you will understand why
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto: The Wooden Stage, Otowa Waterfall & Visitor Guide (2026) Read More »
Located in central Sapporo, just a 5-minute walk from Odori subway station, Miyoshi Shrine (Miyoshi Jinja) is a historic shrine founded in 1878 (Meiji 11). With Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine in Akita Prefecture as its head shrine, it has been cherished as a spiritual anchor for settlers during Hokkaido’s pioneering era. The principal deity, Miyoshi-no-Okami, is
Rising on the border between Akita and Yamagata Prefectures, Mount Chokai stands at 2,236 meters as Tohoku’s second-highest peak. Its beautiful conical shape has earned it the name “Dewa Fuji,” and it has been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship since ancient times. At the summit sits the main hall of Omonoimi Shrine,
Saijo Inari, located in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s Three Great Inari sites alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha and Toyokawa Inari. This massive spiritual complex attracts over 3 million visitors annually, making it the largest religious site in the Chugoku region. Officially known as “Saijo Inariyama Myokyo-ji,” it is a Nichiren Buddhist temple
Located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots with approximately 1,250 years of history. Founded in 757 (Tenpyo-hoji 1) by the monk Mangan Shonin, it has long been revered as the “Guardian of All Kanto” by samurai warriors
Hakone Shrine: The Lake Ashi Torii Gate, Photo Tips & Visitor Guide (2026) Read More »
Located on Enoshima Island, the symbol of Shonan in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Enoshima Shrine is a venerable shrine known as one of Japan’s Three Great Benzaiten. Said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Kinmei approximately 1,500 years ago, this ancient shrine comprising three sanctuaries—Hetsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya, and Okutsu-miya—draws approximately 1.5 million worshippers
Located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Kawaguchi is a beautiful lake with the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes. At approximately 830 meters elevation, with a circumference of about 21 kilometers and maximum depth of about 15 meters, the “Inverted Fuji” (Sakasa Fuji) reflected on the lake surface is an iconic
Located in the heart of Chitose City, Hokkaido, on a verdant hill leading to Lake Shikotsu, Chitose Shrine (Chitose Jinja) is a venerable shrine with approximately 300 years of history. Just 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, stepping into the shrine grounds instantly envelops visitors in a serene atmosphere. The enshrined deities are
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