Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a World Heritage Site renowned for its beauty and historical importance. It is located in Nikko, Tochigi, and was built in the early Edo period to honor Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu is Japan’s most important shrine, located in Ise, Mie, and features an Inner Shrine for Amaterasu Omikami and an Outer Shrine for Toyouke Omikami, with 125 associated shrines.
Omiwa Shrine
Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai, Nara, is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, enshrining Mount Miwa and celebrated for its integration of nature and spirituality.
Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu offers a deep insight into Japan’s ancient spirituality and culture through its Inner and Outer Shrines.
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a serene retreat within a vast forest.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is a UNESCO site famous for its sea-floating shrine and iconic torii gate.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, established in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, is famed for its sacred deer and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo honors Japan’s war dead and is a key cultural symbol for peace.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is renowned for its thousands of torii gates and is the head shrine of Inari shrines, offering blessings for harvest and business.
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple in Uji is a historic UNESCO site famed for its Phoenix Hall.
Sanjusangen-do
Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto houses 1,001 Thousand-Armed Kannon statues and is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship.
Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama, Kyoto, founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, is famous for its Sogenchi Garden.
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji in Sakyo, Kyoto, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is famed for its national treasure Kannon Hall.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, established in 211 by Empress Jingu, enshrines the sea gods known as the Sumiyoshi deities.
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha in Izumo, Shimane, enshrines Okuninushi no Okami and is venerated as the god of matchmaking.
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, making it a cherished site for academic success.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of Japan’s emperors for over a thousand years, from the Heian period to the early Meiji era. Its elegant architecture and gardens remain, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture.
Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine is a sacred site where Saio (imperial princesses) purified themselves before traveling to Ise Shrine during the Heian period. Featured in The Tale of Genji, it holds significant historical and cultural value.