Temples & Shrines

Mitsuishi Shrine Worship Hall Tadami Fukushima Japan

Mitsuishi Shrine: Fukushima’s Hidden Gem & Unique Rituals

May 24, 2026 / Fukushima Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region

Tucked away in the lush, nature-filled mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, Mitsuishi Shrine (三石神社) in Tadami offers a captivating escape from the typical tourist trail. Located just a short hike from Tadami Station along Japan’s picturesque Tadami Line, this historic 12th-century sanctuary is famous for its three sacred giant boulders, each carrying its own mystical blessings. […]

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Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata

January 30, 2025 / Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region, Temples & Shrines, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

If you are passionate about hiking and historical and cultural spots, you might want to have the Iimori Shrine (飯盛神社), south of Hakata, on your itinerary. The shrine has three sub-shrines scattered in Mt. Iimori. There are things to do and see across the precinct, so you surely won’t be bored during your hike. In

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Shoboji Temple Henjoto Pagoda Kyoto Japan

Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove

January 29, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the weeping cherry blossom, Shōbō-ji (西山正法寺) is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only a few know about. The temple is nicknamed a Rock Temple (石の寺) because unique rocks were collected from all over the country. Many of them are placed in its

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Kinyūji: The Plum Blossom Temple Close to the Kansai Airport

January 29, 2025 / Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

If you land at the Kansai Airport between late February and early March, don’t jump on the train straightaway for Osaka’s city center. The plum blossoms close to Kinyūji might be blooming beautifully upon your arrival. How about starting your trip by detouring to the small temple for the plum blossoms up the hill?

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Momiji Hachimangū Shrine and the Stunning Fall Foliage

January 19, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region, Temples & Shrines

There are a couple of cherry blossom destinations in Fukuoka’s city center, but what about fall foliage in Fukuoka? The autumn foliage in the precinct of Momiji Hachimangū Shrine (紅葉八幡宮) in the city center makes its name worthy. From late November to early December each year, the maple trees (or Momiji in Japanese) from the

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Washio Atago Shrine – One of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrines

January 16, 2025 / Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region, Temples & Shrines

The Washio Atago Shrine (鷲尾愛宕神社) in Fukuoka is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrine. Located on the top of a 68-meter-tall hill, the shrine is famous for its incredible sunrises, cherry blossoms, and night views. Although there is a range of things that you can pray for at Atago Shrine, the most unique thing

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Haruna Shrine: The Most Powerful Shrine in Gunma Prefecture

March 10, 2025 / Gunma Prefecture, Kantō Region, Temples & Shrines

On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been looking after the region since the late 6th century. The 30-minute walk on the approach from the torii gate to the main worship hall is so mysterious that some sort of sacred power is gained just by taking a short journey! This is especially

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