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
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
Located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukubasan Shrine sits on the slopes of the sacred Mount Tsukuba, overlooking the Kanto Plain, and boasts approximately 3,000 years of history. Praised since ancient times as “Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East,” this venerable sanctuary enshrines the famous mountain—celebrated in the Man’yoshu poetry anthology—as its sacred
Standing at the eastern tip of the Shimane Peninsula in the port town of Mihonoseki, Miho Shrine serves as the head shrine of approximately 3,385 Ebisu shrines (those enshrining Kotoshironushi-no-Kami) throughout Japan, per the shrine’s official figures. The principal deities, Mihotsuhime-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, are revered as a goddess of agriculture and “Ebisu-sama” — the god
Nestled within Onoyama Park in Naha City, Okinogu Shrine stands as one of Okinawa’s most sacred and historically significant sanctuaries. As one of the “Ryukyu Hassya” (Eight Shrines of Ryukyu), this revered site traces its origins back approximately 1,400 years to the reign of Empress Suiko, making it among the oldest sacred places in Okinawa.
Nestled in the heart of Jozankei Onsen—known as “Sapporo’s inner parlor”—Jozankei Shrine has stood as the guardian deity of this hot spring village since its founding in 1905. Approximately 30,000 visitors come each year to this special power spot where the blessings of thermal waters meet the spiritual energy of the surrounding mountains. Surrounded by
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
Lake Akan (Hokkaido): Marimo Moss Balls, Ainu Kotan Village & Caldera Lake Guide (2026) Read More »