The Shrine Built Over the Sea — And How the Tide Changes Everything The Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine standing in the Seto Inland Sea, with the mountains behind (the photo shows the base surrounded by a white enclosure; the torii’s repair work was completed in December 2022) “Can I walk to the torii gate?” […]
A five-minute drive from Suwa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, deep within a grove of towering cedars, stands the Ichi-no-Onbashira (First Sacred Pillar)—pointing straight toward the heavens. This is the symbol of Suwa faith: a total of 16 sacred pillars, four placed at the four corners of each of the four shrines. Suwa Taisha is
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 has 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 being accessible in about 2 hours from central Tokyo, visitors
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
Oyamazumi Shrine holds a staggering record: approximately 80% of nationally designated armor and weapons (National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties combined) are preserved here, on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. Legendary warriors including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Yoshitsune dedicated their battle gear at this shrine — making the treasure hall an unrivaled
Oyamazumi Shrine: Japan’s Greatest Samurai Treasure Hall on a Seto Inland Sea Island Read More »
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.
Standing majestically in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Ward, Sumiyoshi Taisha serves as the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. With over 1,800 years of history, this beloved sanctuary—affectionately called “Sumiyossan” by locals—welcomes approximately 2.3 million visitors annually. During the first three days of the New Year alone, nearly 2 million worshippers pass through its
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