📍 Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki
This shrine is set in the landscape of the Ama-no-Iwato myth, and its object of worship is the Ama-no-Iwato, the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself. Miyazaki Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as one of Japan's leading power spots, and the Amano-Yasugawara cave along the Iwato River is also a popular stop.
The shrine consists of the Nishi Hongu (West Shrine) and Higashi Hongu (East Shrine), which face each other across the Iwato River, and both enshrine Amaterasu Omikami. The West Shrine's object of worship is the Ama-no-Iwato cave where Amaterasu hid, while the East Shrine is said to stand where she first lived after emerging from the cave.
The most sacred spot at the shrine, where you can pay respects from afar to the Ama-no-Iwato cave across the river. Visits are guided by a Shinto priest.
Standing on the opposite bank of the Iwato River, it is home to the sacred "Seven Cedars" (Nanahon-sugi).
A large cave where the myriad gods are said to have gathered to discuss how to bring Amaterasu out. Also called Gyobo-kutsu, it has a distinctive atmosphere created by countless small stacked stones.
A small bridge on the way to Amano-Yasugawara, also listed among Takachiho Town's power spots.
Amano-Yasugawara is described as a place long believed to answer all kinds of wishes.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
PR8.9Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
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A gorge where the Ishikari River flows out of the Kamikawa Basin onto the Ishikari Plain, a scenic spot shaped by strange rock formations and rushing rapids. Hokkaido's official tourism site lists it as a power spot to be visited with reverence, as a place long regarded as sacred by the Ainu.
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An ancient shrine standing among cedar trees at the base of the Nakayama Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Towada. It was once worshipped as a sacred site on a par with Osorezan, and Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as one of the leading power spots in Tohoku.
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One of the Three Shrines of Chichibu, standing on Mount Mitsumine deep in the Chichibu mountains. Saitama Prefecture's website introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in the Kanto region," and it is also known for its rare triple torii gate and mountaintop views of seas of clouds and sunrises.
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A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, spreading out right next to Harajuku Station in Tokyo. It is wrapped in a deep forest that is hard to believe exists in the city center, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) introduces Kiyomasa's Well (Kiyomasa-no-ido) in the Inner Garden as a power spot visited by people seeking energy to heal body and mind.
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A shrine in Fukutsu, famous across Japan for the "Path of Light," when the setting sun sinks into the sea straight ahead of the approach. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a Fukuoka power spot that invites happiness.
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Considered the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning, culture and the arts. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a must-visit power spot in Fukuoka.
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A gorge lined with cliffs of columnar basalt, representative of Takachiho, the land of myths. Takachiho Town's official website introduces Manai Falls, which plunges into the gorge, as a power spot.
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A shrine with beautiful vermilion buildings at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains, where the myth of the descent of the grandson of the sun goddess (Tenson Korin) is told. Kagoshima Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in Kirishima."
History and what each place is known for are based on the shrine or temple’s official site and on local government and tourism association information. Opening hours, fees and limited-time items are not listed — please check the official site before you go.
