Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Temples & Shrines

Saijo-Inari-Torii-Gate-Okayama-Japan

Saijō Inari – One of the Top Three Inari Shrine in Japan

Saijō Inari (最上稲荷山妙教寺) in Okayama City is a special place as it is one of the only few spots in Japan that combine Buddhism and Shintoism. It is also one of the major Inari Shrines in the country (the other two are Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari (豊川稲荷) in Aichi).

Kibitsu-Shrine-Narukama-Ritual-Okayama-Japan

Kibitsu Shrine – The Shrine that Represents Okayama

For those who know a bit about Japanese folktales, you most likely have come across the story of Momotarō (桃太郎, “Peach Boy”). And if you haven’t, familiarise yourself with Momotarō’s heroic life before you come to Okayama, especially if you are paying a visit to Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社)!

Iwakisan-Shrine-Torii-Gate-Hirosaki-Aomori-Japan

Iwakiyama Shrine – The Symbol of Mt. Iwaki

Mt. Iwaki (岩木山), the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture is known as Tsugaru Region’s Mt. Fuji. While it is certainly a favorite to hiking enthusiasts, you can get to the summit of the mountain with as little as a 30-minute hike!