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Miidera Temple (Onjoji)
Miidera (Onjoji), in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is the head temple of the Tendai Jimon school. On …
Miho no Matsubara
Miho no Matsubara is a pine-covered beach about 7 km long on the Miho Peninsula in Shimizu Ward, Shi…
Sanjusangendo Temple (Rengeo-in)
Sanjusangendo (officially the Main Hall of Rengeo-in) is a Tendai Buddhist hall founded in 1164 (the…
Sanzenin Temple
Sanzenin is a Tendai sect temple in Ohara, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. Its origin traces to Saicho establishi…
Mimurotoji Temple
Located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, this is a temple of the Honzan Shugen sect, formally named Myojoza…
Mitsumine Jinja
Located deep in the mountains of Okuchichibu in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, at an elevation of abo…
Mishima Taisha
The ichinomiya (primary shrine) of Izu Province, deeply revered by Minamoto no Yoritomo. It is also …
Kamigamo Jinja
Kamigamo Jinja (formally Kamowakeikazuchi Jinja) is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, registered a…
Kamikochi
Kamikochi, in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a scenic mountain area in the Northern Alps, a r…
Shimogamo Jinja
Shimogamo Jinja (formally Kamomioya Jinja) is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and a component of …
Chusonji Temple
An ancient Tendai temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, registered in 2011 as a component of the UN…
Nogi Shrine
Nogi Shrine stands in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, and enshrines General Nogi Maresuke, a renowned M…
Kunozan Toshogu
Standing at the summit of Mt. Kuno in Shizuoka, this shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu and was the fi…
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Kameido Tenjin Shrine is in Koto Ward, Tokyo, and enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of lear…
Ninnaji Temple
Ninnaji is the head temple of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, founded in 888 (the 4th year of …
Imamiya Jinja
Imamiya Jinja is a shrine with a long history in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto. It originated in the …
Imado Jinja
Imado Jinja is an ancient shrine in Imado, Taito Ward, Tokyo. It is said to have been founded in 106…
Isaniwa Jinja
Isaniwa Jinja is a Hachiman shrine in the Dogo district of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, long worship…
Ise Jingu
The head shrine of Shinto, made up of 125 shrines centered on the Naiku (Kotai Jingu), which enshrin…
Fushimi Inari Taisha
The head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, and one of the country's most be…
Sumiyoshi Taisha
The head shrine of approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan, this ancient sanctuary is…
Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)
Sumiyoshi Shrine stands in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, and is a prestigious shrine as the Ichinomiya (fore…
Yasaka Jinja
Yasaka Jinja stands in Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, and is an ancient shrine affectionately known …
Yaegaki Jinja
Yaegaki Jinja, in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is an ancient shrine with nationwide fame as a ma…
Engakuji Temple
Engakuji, in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is the head temple of the Engakuji bran…
Dewa Sanzan Jinja (Sanshin Gosaiden)
Dewa Sanzan Jinja (Sanshin Gosaiden) stands at the summit of Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata P…
Izumo Taisha
One of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines, drawing worshippers from across the country seeking …
Bungui Pass (Zero Magnetic Field)
Located directly on Japan's largest fault line—the Median Tectonic Line—Bungui Pass is celebrated as…
Mt. Tsurugi
Mt. Tsurugi is the highest peak in Tokushima Prefecture at 1,954 meters, the second highest in Shiko…
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine stands in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is a sacred plac…
Hokkaido Jingu
Founded in 1869 (the 2nd year of Meiji) as the guardian of Hokkaido's development, this shrine holds…
Kitano Tenmangu
Kitano Tenmangu stands in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, and enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learn…
Juniko Lakes (Aoike Pond)
Juniko is the collective name for a group of 33 lakes and ponds in the southwestern part of the Shir…
Lake Towada
Lake Towada is a caldera lake straddling Towada City in Aomori Prefecture and Kazuno County in Akita…
Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji is the head temple of the Nanzenji branch of the Rinzai school, founded in 1291 (the 4th ye…
Nanzoin Temple
A special head temple (Betsukaku Honzan) of Koyasan Shingon in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is k…
Itsukushima Jinja
Itsukushima Jinja is a World Heritage Site shrine (registered in 1996) on Miyajima in the Seto Inlan…
Kibitsuhiko Jinja
The ichinomiya (primary shrine) of Bizen Province, enshrining Oikibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto—the legendary …
Kibitsu Jinja
Kibitsu Jinja is a historic shrine in Kita Ward, Okayama, and the Ichinomiya of Bitchu Province. It …
Yoshida Shrine
Yoshida Shrine stands on Mt. Yoshida in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and is a historic shrine founded in 859 (…
Fukiware Falls
Fukiware Falls is a waterfall on the upper Katashina River in Numata, Gunma Prefecture, about 30 m w…
Shinagawa Shrine
Shinagawa Shrine stands in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, and is a prestigious shrine counted among the Toky…
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji, in Nagano, Nagano Prefecture, is known as a non-denominational sacred site that welcomes ev…
Zentsuji Temple
Zentsuji, in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the head temple of the Zentsuji branch of Shingon …
Shitennoji Temple
The head temple of the Wa sect in Tennoji Ward, Osaka, said to have been built by Prince Shotoku in …
Kunisaki Peninsula and Rokugo Manzan
Rokugo Manzan is the collective name for about 100 Buddhist temples and rock-cave sites scattered ac…
Tosa Jinja
Tosa Jinja, in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, is an ancient shrine that has been revered since antiqu…
Jishu Jinja
Jishu Jinja is a shrine for good relationships located within the grounds of Kiyomizudera, a World H…
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park, in Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, is a park where visit…
Mibudera Temple
Located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, this is a temple of the Ritsu sect, known simply as Mibudera. Founde…
Tado Taisha
Tado Taisha, in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, is an ancient shrine also called 'Kita-Ise Daijingu' and ran…
Taga Taisha
Taga Taisha stands in Taga, Shiga Prefecture, and its main deities are Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami…
Mt. Daisen
Mt. Daisen is a sacred mountain 1,729 m high in western Tottori Prefecture, the highest peak in the …
Oyamazumi Jinja
Oyamazumi Jinja, on Omishima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is the head shrine of the rou…
Oyama Afuri Jinja
Oyama Afuri Jinja stands on Mt. Oyama (1,252 m) in Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is an ancient s…
Mt. Omine (Sanjogatake)
Mt. Omine (Sanjogatake) is a sacred peak 1,719 meters high in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nar…
Daitokuji Temple
Daitokuji is the head temple of the Rinzai Daitoku-ji school, in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto. It wa…
Oarai Isosaki Jinja
Oarai Isosaki Jinja stands in Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture, a majestic shri…
Omiwa Jinja
One of Japan's oldest shrines, unique in that it has no main hall—Mt. Miwa itself is the sacred obje…
Daishoin Temple
A temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism on Miyajima (Itsukushima) in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima…
Daisetsuzan
Daisetsuzan is Japan's largest national park, spreading across central Hokkaido with an area of abou…
Osu Kannon (Hoshoin Temple)
Osu Kannon (formal name: Hoshoin) is a Shingon Chizan sect temple in Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefec…
Oasahiko Jinja
Oasahiko Jinja, in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, is the Ichinomiya of Awa Province, revered as the c…
Amano Iwato Jinja
The mythological setting of the legend of the 'Rock-Cave of Heaven' (Amano Iwato), where the sun god…
Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate, in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a sandbar about 3.6 km long running north to so…
Tenryuji
The head temple of the Rinzai Zen Tenryuji school, set in the scenic Arashiyama and Sagano area of K…
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the 'god of learning', and is the head sh…
Taikodani Inari Shrine
Taikodani Inari Shrine stands in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, and is counted as one of Japan's Five …
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks, Futami Okitama Shrine)
Meoto Iwa are two rocks standing at Futamigaura in Futami Town, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, located wi…
Oirase Gorge
A 14-km stream flowing from Lake Towada, celebrated as a 'power spot of Tohoku.' Its moss-draped bou…
Mt. Myoko
Mt. Myoko is a stratovolcano 2,454 meters high in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, counted among the 100 F…
Usa Jingu
The head shrine of approximately 44,000 Hachimangu shrines in Japan and—alongside Ise Jingu—consider…
Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine
Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine stands in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, and is known for its power to cut off bad…
Abe Monjuin Temple
An old temple of the Kegon sect in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have originated as the cl…
Munakata Taisha
Munakata Taisha stands in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is among Japan's oldest shrines, enshrin…
Hodosan Jinja
Hodosan Jinja stands at the foot of Mt. Hodo (497 m) in Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefect…
Muroji Temple
Muroji, in the mountains of Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Muroji branch of Sh…
Muro Ryuketsu Jinja
An ancient shrine dedicated to the water deity Ryujin (the Dragon God). Deep within the precincts li…
Mt. Fuji
Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters and the nation's most enduring symbol. Mt. Fuji has been an obj…
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha
The head shrine of approximately 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan, with Mt. Fuji itself as its sacr…
Tomioka Hachimangu
Tomioka Hachimangu, in Koto Ward, Tokyo, is known as 'Fukagawa no Hachiman-sama' and is the largest …
Samukawa Jinja
Ichinomiya of Sagami Province, located in Samukawa, Koza District, Kanagawa Prefecture, this shrine …
Oyama Jinja
Oyama Jinja, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, enshrines Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga domain, …
Oze
Oze is Japan's largest mountain wetland, spanning the four prefectures of Gunma, Fukushima, Tochigi,…
Yakushima Island
A primeval island covered in ancient Yakusugi cedar trees, some estimated to be 7,200 years old, inc…
Okadera Temple (Ryugaiji)
An old temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, formally na…
Iwakiyama Jinja
Iwakiyama Jinja stands in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, a shrine whose sacred body is Mt. Iwaki …
Kawasaki Daishi (Heikenji Temple)
Kawasaki Daishi, in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a head temple of the Chizan branch of Shi…
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is an inlet on the northwest coast of Ishigaki Island, a scenic spot selected among the 1…
Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja
Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja stands in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, an ancient shrine with a history of…
Heian Jingu
Heian Jingu stands in Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and was founded in 1895 (the 28th year of Meiji) t…
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin was founded in 1052 (the 7th year of Eisho) when Fujiwara no Yorimichi converted his villa i…
Hirano Shrine
Hirano Shrine stands in Kita Ward, Kyoto, and is an ancient shrine founded by Emperor Kanmu during t…
Hirota Jinja
Hirota Jinja is a shrine of high standing in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrining the aramitama…
Kenchoji Temple
Kenchoji, in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is the head temple of the Kenchoji bran…
Oiwa Jinja
Known as one of Japan's most potent power spots, this ancient shrine carries the legend that NASA as…
Mt. Ontake
Mt. Ontake is a stratovolcano 3,067 m high (main peak: Kengamine), the second highest volcano in Jap…
Mikane Jinja
Mikane Jinja is an unusual shrine whose main deity is Kanayamahiko no Mikoto, god of metals, mineral…
Osorezan (Bodaiji Temple)
Osorezan, in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, is a sacred site where Osorezan Bodaiji (Soto school) st…
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
One of Japan's most prominent sacred sites, welcoming over 10 million worshippers annually. Though a…
Togakushi Mountain & Forest
A sacred mountain said to be the place where the great door of the Rock-Cave of Heaven was hurled. T…
Togakushi Jinja
A complex of five shrines nestled in the sacred Mt. Togakushi area northwest of Nagano City. This si…
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu is a caldera lake in Teshikaga Town, Kawakami County, Hokkaido, located within Akan-Mashu…
Sefa-Utaki
The highest sacred utaki (grove) of the Ryukyu Kingdom, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. T…
Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
Arakurayama Sengen Shrine stands on the slope of Mt. Arakura in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, a…
Nikko Kegon Falls
A magnificent waterfall plunging 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji into the valley below—one of Japan's '…
Nikko Futarasan Jinja (Main Shrine)
The main shrine of Nikko Futarasan Jinja is an ancient shrine standing within the Sannai area of Nik…
Rinnoji Temple (Nikko)
Nikko-san Rinnoji, in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a large Tendai temple said to have been ope…
Nikko Tosho-gu
A UNESCO World Heritage shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate. Its lav…
Hie Jinja
Located in Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, this distinguished shrine was the guardian shrine of Edo Castl…
Mt. Hayachine
Mt. Hayachine is the highest peak of the Kitakami Mountains in Iwate Prefecture, at 1,917 meters. It…
Shosenkyo Gorge
Shosenkyo is a gorge about 5 km long on the upper Arakawa River in northern Kofu, Yamanashi Prefectu…
Meiji Jingu Shrine
This serene shrine stands amid a vast forest of approximately 700,000 square meters in the heart of …
Kasuga Taisha
Founded in 768 (the 2nd year of Jingo-keiun) in the Nara period, Kasuga Taisha is the head shrine of…
Seimei Shrine
Seimei Shrine stands in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, and enshrines Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (master of yin-…
Mt. Gassan
Mt. Gassan is the main peak of the Three Mountains of Dewa, at an altitude of 1,984 meters. It is de…
Kinomiya Jinja
Located in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, this is the head shrine of the 44 Kinomiya shrines across Jap…
Tokyo Daijingu
Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, this shrine was founded in 1880 (the 13th year of Meiji) as a place to wo…
Todaiji
The internationally famous home of the Great Buddha of Nara (Rushanabutsu, approximately 15 meters t…
Toji Temple (Kyoogokokuji)
Toji (Kyoogokokuji) is the head temple of Toji Shingon Buddhism, founded in 796. Known as the temple…
Tojinbo
Tojinbo is a sea cliff facing the Sea of Japan in Ajima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai, Fukui Prefecture. It is …
Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji (Shinshu Honbyo) is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha, founded in 1602 (the 7…
Tofukuji
A grand Zen Buddhist temple boasting Kyoto's most expansive monastic complex. Its autumn foliage is …
Matsunoo Taisha
Matsunoo Taisha, in Arashiyama in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, is one of the most ancient shrines in the co…
Matsushima
Matsushima is a scenic area of more than 260 islands floating in Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture…
Hiraoka Shrine
Hiraoka Shrine stands in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, and is the Ichinomiya (foremost shrine) of …
Shibamata Taishakuten (Daikyoji Temple)
Located in Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, this is a temple of the Nichiren sect, formally named …
Nezu Jinja
Nezu Jinja is an ancient shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, said to have been founded about 1,900 years a…
Tsubaki Okami Yashiro
This shrine in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, is the head shrine of about 2,000 shrines across Japan dedica…
Haruna Jinja
Located on the slopes of Mt. Haruna in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, this shrine has long been known a…
Kashihara Jingu
Kashihara Jingu stands in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, and enshrines Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor…
Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine stands in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, and is affectionately known to the people of Hakata a…
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja stands in Omiya Ward, Saitama, and is a distinguished ancient shrine…
Musashi Mitake Jinja
Musashi Mitake Jinja is an ancient shrine at the summit of Mt. Mitake (929 m) in Ome, Tokyo. It is f…
Enryakuji
The head temple of the Tendai school of Buddhism, founded by Saicho on Mt. Hiei. Called 'the Mother …
Motsuji Temple
Motsuji, in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is an old Tendai temple said to have been opened in 85…
Keta Taisha (Grand Shrine of Noto)
The Grand Shrine of Noto (Keta Taisha), the ichinomiya of Noto Province. Its inner grove—the 'Irazu-…
Kehi Jingu
Kehi Jingu, in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, is a prestigious shrine that has served as the Ichino…
Eiheiji
The head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, founded by the monk Dogen. Some 200 trainee monk…
Eikando (Zenrinji Temple)
Eikando (formal name: Zenrinji) is the head temple of the Jodo-shu Seizan Zenrin-ji school, in Sakyo…
Enoshima Jinja
Located on Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, this shrine has a distinctive form of w…
Horyuji
The oldest wooden structures in the world, built by Prince Shotoku. The precincts are divided into t…
Naminoue-gu
Naminoue-gu stands on a coastal cliff in Naha and is the foremost of the eight Ryukyu shrines and th…
Sensoji
Tokyo's oldest temple and its most visited tourist attraction, drawing over 30 million visitors annu…
Awaji Izanagi Jingu
Japan's oldest shrine, enshrining Izanagi and Izanami—the divine creators of Japan itself. Located o…
Kiyomizudera
This iconic Kyoto temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the origin of the Japanese expression 'ju…
Minatogawa Jinja
Minatogawa Jinja is a shrine in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrining Kusunoki Masashige, a loyal retai…
Yushima Tenmangu (Yushima Tenjin)
Yushima Tenmangu is a shrine in Yushima, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, widely known as 'Yushima Tenjin.' It en…
Mt. Yudono
Mt. Yudono is one of the Three Mountains of Dewa (Haguro, Gassan and Yudono), on the border of Tsuru…
Terukuni Shrine
Terukuni Shrine stands in Kagoshima and enshrines Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th lord of the Satsuma do…
Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo is the collective name for the pilgrimage routes leading to the Three Grand Shrines …
Kumano Taisha (Izumo)
Kumano Taisha stands in Yakumo-cho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, and is the Ichinomiya (foremost shri…
Kumano Hongu Taisha
The spiritual heart of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Moun…
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha, in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a sacred site counted among the thre…
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha, on Mt. Nachi in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a World Heritage sa…
Atsuta Jingu
A shrine of the highest prestige, enshrining the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi—one of Japan's Three Sacred Imp…
Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei is a gorge about 2 kilometers long along the Satetsu River in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture.…
Tamaki Jinja
Tamaki Jinja is a shrine near the summit of Mt. Tamaki (about 1,078 m) in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino…
Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine
Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine stands in Chuo Ward, Osaka, and is known for blessings of business prosperi…
Zuiganji Temple
A Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, and the …
Ikushima Tarushima Shrine
Ikushima Tarushima Shrine stands in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, and is an ancient shrine enshrining two…
Ikuta Jinja
Ikuta Jinja stands in Chuo Ward, Kobe, and is an ancient shrine whose main deity is Wakahirume no Mi…
Mt. Nantai (Nikko Futarasan Jinja Oku-miya)
Mt. Nantai (2,486 m), the sacred body of Nikko Futarasan Jinja, has been venerated as a holy peak si…
Taimadera Temple
An old temple in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture, unusual in being jointly maintained by Koyasan Shingon …
Mt. Haku
Mt. Haku is a sacred mountain 2,702 m high spanning Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures, counted as one of…
Shirayama Hime Jinja
Shirayama Hime Jinja stands in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is the head shrine of about 2,000 H…
Shirakami-Sanchi
A remote wilderness containing one of the world's largest pristine beech forests. These ancient, unt…
Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls, in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a fan-shaped waterfall about 200 m wide …
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
Shiratani Unsuikyo is a ravine along the Shiratani River in northern Yakushima, within the Yakushima…
Masumida Jinja
Masumida Jinja stands in the center of Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, an ancient shrine that has…
Shiretoko
Shiretoko is an untouched wilderness area spreading across the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkai…
Chion-in Temple
Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo school, the base from which Honen Shonin spread his teaching…
Isonokami Jingu
Isonokami Jingu, in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, is a prestigious shrine known as one of the oldest …
Ishiyamadera Temple
Ishiyamadera, in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is a head temple of Toji Shingon Buddhism, said to hav…
Ishiteji Temple
Ishiteji is a Shingon Buzan sect temple near Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and Temple N…
Iwashimizu Hachimangu
Iwashimizu Hachimangu stands on the summit of Mt. Otoko in Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture, and is one of t…
Ishizuchi Shrine
Ishizuchi Shrine has its main shrine in Saijo, Ehime Prefecture, and worships Mt. Ishizuchi (1,974 m…
Yutoku Inari Jinja
Yutoku Inari Jinja stands in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, and is counted as one of the 'Three Great Ina…
Kanda Myojin (Kanda Jinja)
Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Kanda Myojin (Kanda Jinja) is an ancient shrine said to have been founded…
Akiyoshido Cave
Akiyoshido is a limestone cave spreading 100 to 200 m underground beneath the Akiyoshidai limestone …
Chichibu Jinja
Chichibu Jinja stands in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, and is an ancient shrine counted among the 'C…
Hotaka Jinja
Hotaka Jinja, in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, is an ancient shrine widely worshipped as the 'chief gu…
Ana Hachimangu
Ana Hachimangu is a Hachiman shrine in Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. It enshrines Emperor Ojin…
Mt. Tateyama (Mt. Oyama)
Tateyama is a sacred mountain in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa County, Toyama Prefecture, whose main pe…
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Risshakuji, familiarly known as 'Yamadera,' is an old Tendai temple spread across the hillside in no…
Takekoma Shrine
Takekoma Shrine stands in Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture, and is a prestigious shrine counted among Japa…
Mt. Kasagi (Kasagiyama)
Mt. Kasagi (288 meters high) is in Kasagi Town, Soraku District, Kyoto Prefecture, with Kasagidera T…
Kasama Inari Shrine
Kasama Inari Shrine is in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is a shrine of high standing counted as on…
Mt. Tsukuba
Mt. Tsukuba is an 877 m mountain in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, made up of twin peaks: Mt. Nan…
Hakozaki-gu
Hakozaki-gu, in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an ancient shrine counted as one …
Hakone Jinja
Renowned as the Guardian Shrine of the Kanto Region, Hakone Jinja stands on the shores of Lake Ashin…
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
Located in Tsukiji, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, this is a temple of the Hongwanji school of Jodo Shinshu. It w…
Kimiidera Temple
The head temple of the Kyuse Kannon sect, on the slope of Mt. Nagusa in Wakayama. It is known as Tem…
Jomon Sugi (Yakushima)
The Jomon Sugi cedar, estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old, is the oldest and most mass…
Kofukuji Temple
Kofukuji, in Nara City, is a head temple of the Hosso school and the family temple of the Fujiwara c…
Zao Okama
Zao Okama is a crater lake (caldera lake) on the west slope of Mt. Goshiki in the Zao mountain range…
Yakushiji Temple
Yakushiji, in Nishinokyo, Nara City, is a head temple of the Hosso school, an ancient temple that Em…
Saidaiji Temple
Saidaiji is the head temple of the Shingon Risshu sect, located in Nara City. It was founded in 765 …
Nishinomiya Jinja
Nishinomiya Jinja stands in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and as the 'head shrine of Ebisu shrines'…
Nishi Honganji Temple
Nishi Honganji (Ryukokuzan Hongwanji) is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, and moved…
Suwa Taisha
The head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines nationwide, comprising four individual shrines …
Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji Temple)
Toyokawa Inari (formal name: Myogonji) is a Soto Zen temple in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture. Because o…
Gotokuji Temple
Located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, this is a temple of the Soto sect, formally named Daikeizan Gotokuj…
Kifune Jinja
Kifune Jinja is the head shrine of about 450 shrines across Japan that enshrine water deities. It en…
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine stands in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, and is deeply revered as a shrine for m…
Nachi Falls
Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters, Nachi Falls has been revered as a deity in its …
Daigoji Temple
Daigoji is the head temple of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism, founded in 874 (the 16th year of…
Nonomiya Jinja
Nonomiya Jinja is a quiet shrine surrounded by the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and Sagano. It enshri…
Kotohiragu
Kotohiragu is a shrine on the slopes of Mt. Zozu that draws nationwide devotion as a deity of safe s…
Mt. Kongo
Mt. Kongo is a 1,125 m mountain on the border between Gose City in Nara Prefecture and Chihayaakasak…
Kongobuji
The head temple of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism, effectively the center of all Mt. Koya. …
Kinpusenji Temple
Kinpusenji, in Yoshinoyama, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Kinpusen Shugen sect and is k…
Kinkakuji (Rokuonji Temple)
Kinkakuji (formal name: Rokuonji) is a Zen temple of the Shokokuji school of Rinzai Zen, originating…
Ginkakuji (Jishoji Temple)
Ginkakuji (formal name: Jishoji) is a Zen temple of the Shokokuji school of Rinzai Zen, originating …
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja
Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, this shrine is famous for the belief that washing coins an…
Hasedera Temple (Nara)
Hasedera, in Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shing…
Hasedera Temple (Kamakura)
Hasedera, in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is an independent temple of the Jodo school said to…
Hofu Tenmangu
Hofu Tenmangu, in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is known as Japan's first Tenmangu shrine, founde…
Mt. Aso
An active volcano housing one of the world's largest calderas. The sight of actively steaming crater…
Ryozenji Temple
Ryozenji is a Koyasan Shingon sect temple in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, and Temple No. 1 of the S…
Kirishima Jingu
One of southern Kyushu's most powerful spiritual sites, nestled amid the Kirishima mountain range at…
Aoshima Jinja
Aoshima Jinja stands on Aoshima, a small island about 1.5 km in circumference covered in subtropical…
Kurama-dera Temple
The head temple of Kurama Kokyo, standing on Mt. Kurama, a sacred peak in northern Kyoto. It is said…
Asuka Ishibutai Kofun
Japan's largest exposed burial mound with a horizontal stone chamber. Said to be the tomb of the pow…
Asukadera Temple
Asukadera, in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, is known as the first Buddhist temple in Japan with a …
Katori Jingu
Located in Katori, Chiba Prefecture, this shrine enshrines Futsunushi no Okami, a god of martial art…
Kashii-gu
Kashii-gu, in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an ancient shrine enshrining Empero…
Takachiho Gorge
A nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument steeped in Japan's oldest mythol…
Takachiho Jinja
Takachiho Jinja, in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, is an ancient shrine near Takachiho Gorge, …
Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji is a Rinzai Kennin-ji sect temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, founded in 1606 (the 11th year…
Takamagahara Koshikiiwa Jinja
An ancient shrine in the hills behind Nishinomiya City, enshrining a massive 30-meter-tall sacred bo…
Takaosan Yakuoin Temple
An ancient temple of the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism on Mt. Takao (599 m) in Hachioji, Tokyo. …
Kozanji Temple
Located in Toganoo, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, this is an independent temple of the Shingon tradition, formal…
Takahata Fudo (Kongoji Temple)
Located in Hino, Tokyo, this is a special head temple (Betsukaku Honzan) of the Chizan school of Shi…
Kotokuin Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)
Kotokuin, in Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Jodo school temple whose principal image…
Takase Shrine
Takase Shrine stands in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, and is a prestigious shrine that has long been rev…
Koyasan Okunoin
The holiest ground on Mt. Koya, where the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) is said to remain in eternal medi…
Tottori Sand Dunes
Japan's only desert-like landscape, a quasi-national park stretching 2.4 km north to south and 16 km…
Mt. Chokai
Mt. Chokai is a sacred mountain 2,236 m high on the border of Yamagata and Akita prefectures, and th…
Naruko Gorge
Naruko Gorge is a gorge formed by the Otani River in the Naruko Onsen area of Osaki, Miyagi Prefectu…
Naruto Whirlpools
The Naruto whirlpools are a natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait, between Naruto City in Tokushim…
Udo Jingu
Udo Jingu stands on a seaside cliff in Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture, and is a rare 'kudari-miya' (s…
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, this shrine has been deeply revered as the guardian deity …
Shiogama Jinja
Shiogama Jinja stands on Mt. Ichimori in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, and as the Ichinomiya of Mutsu…
Kashima Jingu
One of Japan's oldest shrines and the spiritual home of the martial arts. Deeply venerated by samura…
Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge is a gorge formed by the Kurobe River, flowing between the Tateyama range and the Ushir…
Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school, founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Ka…
Ryugado Cave
Ryugado is one of Japan's Three Great Limestone Caves, in Kami, Kochi Prefecture, with a total lengt…
Ryusendo Cave
Ryusendo, in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan's three great limestone caves and a de…
Tatsuta Taisha
Tatsuta Taisha is an ancient shrine in Sango Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, dedicated to the…