📍 Nagoya, Aichi
An ancient shrine in the leafy "Forest of Atsuta" in southern Nagoya, affectionately known to locals as "Atsuta-san." It enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, and Nagoya's official tourism site features it on a model power spot route. A deep forest spreads out here that feels far removed from the surrounding city.
The principal deity is Atsuta no Okami, meaning Amaterasu Omikami with the sacred Kusanagi sword as the vessel of her spirit. The shrine is said to have been founded when, after the death of Yamato Takeru, his consort Princess Miyasu enshrined the sacred sword here in Atsuta. Amaterasu, Susanoo, Yamato Takeru, Princess Miyasu and Takeinadane are also enshrined together in the main sanctuary.
A camphor tree said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and believed to be over a thousand years old. It stands north of the purification fountain.
A small shrine to Mizuhanome, the goddess of water, affectionately called "Oshimizu-sama." According to local lore, it is good to wash your eyes or skin with its spring water.
An earthen wall donated by Oda Nobunaga as thanks for his victory at the Battle of Okehazama, known as one of Japan's three great earthen walls.
The amulets listed on the official website cover wishes such as family safety, protection from misfortune, traffic safety and matchmaking, and people visit to pray for many different things.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
PR8.6
PR8.0
PR8.2
PR8.9
PR8.6
PR8.9Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hachinohe, Aomori
A shrine on the top of Kabushima Island, a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls designated a national Natural Monument. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot associated with blessings for good luck and wealth.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Towada, Aomori
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.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Nikko, Tochigi
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, representative of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" World Heritage Site. It is famous for its lavishly decorated buildings, and Tochigi Prefecture's tourism site notes that several powerful power spots are said to lie on the grounds and in the surrounding area, such as the path beyond the Sleeping Cat leading to the Okumiya (inner shrine) and the approach leading to Nikko Futarasan Shrine.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Takasaki, Gunma
A shrine on the slopes of Mount Haruna, its grounds surrounded by strange rock formations and ancient trees. Takasaki City's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot filled with a sacred atmosphere, and Gunma Prefecture's tourism site calls it "one of the leading power spots in the Kanto region."
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Kashima, Ibaraki
A shrine dedicated to Takemikazuchi no Okami, known as a deity of the founding of Japan and of the martial arts. Ibaraki Prefecture's tourism feature "Power Spots of Ibaraki" describes it as a place where you can feel the strength of a warrior deity who drives away obstacles and moves forward, and as a place that can make a difference at life's turning points.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Katori, Chiba
The head shrine of the Katori shrines found across Japan, mainly in the Kanto region, and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Shimousa Province. Chiba Prefecture's official tourism site features it on a model "power spot tour" together with Kashima Jingu, and its highlights include the legendary Kanameishi stone and the Okumiya (inner shrine).
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Yahiko Village, Niigata
The Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Echigo Province, standing in a deep forest with Mount Yahiko behind it, affectionately known as "Oyahiko-sama." Niigata Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "one of the prefecture's top power spots," and because it enshrines a married couple of deities, it is also popular as a power spot for love.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano, Nagano
A shrine made up of five shrines, Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha and Hinomikosha, scattered at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. Connected to the Ama-no-Iwato myth, it is introduced on the official tourism sites of Nagano City and Nagano Prefecture as "a power spot of myth and faith." The "Five Shrines Pilgrimage," walking along cedar-lined approaches to visit all five, is well known.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Hakusan, Ishikawa
The head shrine of some three thousand Hakusan shrines across Japan, worshipping the sacred Mount Hakusan as its sacred body. Locals affectionately call it "Shirayama-san," and Ishikawa Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it, together with the shrine town of Tsurugi, as "the most powerful power spot in Hokuriku." The pure air of the main approach, surrounded by giant trees, is a big part of its appeal.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Azumino, Nagano
Made up of the main shrine in Azumino, the Okumiya (inner shrine) on the shore of Myojin Pond in Kamikochi, and the Minemiya (summit shrine) on the peak of Mount Okuhotaka, this shrine is known as the "chief guardian of the Japan Alps." Nagano Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and the shrine's official website also describes the Myojin Pond area as a power spot. It is a place where the nature of the Northern Alps and faith are closely intertwined.
⛰️ NatureChubu & Hokuriku ・ Ina, Nagano
A mountain pass on the border between Ina City and Oshika Village, sitting directly on the Median Tectonic Line, one of Japan's largest fault lines. Known as a "zero magnetic field" spot, it is listed as a power spot on Nagano Prefecture's official tourism site as a place where the mind feels calm. Visitors come to spend quiet time at the "kiba" (energy spot) in the forest.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Standing at the foot of Mount Fuji, this is the head shrine of all Sengen shrines in Japan. It worships Mount Fuji itself as its sacred body, and Shizuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot. On the grounds, such as at Wakutama Pond where Fuji's spring water wells up, you can feel the blessings of the mountain up close.
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.
