📍 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.
The enshrined deity is Hotakami-no-Mikoto, regarded as the ancestral god of a sea-faring clan, and his descendants, the Azumi clan, are said to have played a key role in developing the Shinano region. It is listed as a Myojin Taisha (shrine of high rank) in the Engishiki register of the Heian period, and has long continued the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, in which the main hall is rebuilt every twenty years.
The main shrine stands in the town of Azumino and enshrines Hotakami-no-Mikoto and other deities. At the Ofune Kaikan, you can see the boat-shaped floats pulled during the annual festival.
The inner shrine stands on the shore of Myojin Pond in Kamikochi. The pond, made up of the First and Second Ponds surrounded by conifer forest, is regarded as sacred ground, and many people visit it as a power spot.
A shrine on the summit of Mount Okuhotaka, the highest peak of the Northern Alps.
It is worshipped as a guardian of traffic safety and the growth of industry, and many visitors are said to come to pray for protection from misfortune and from bad luck in every direction (happo-yoke).
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are offered at both the main shrine and the Okumiya.
PR7.9Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Shosanbetsu, Tomamae District, Hokkaido
A shrine below Cape Konpira facing the Sea of Japan, symbolized by its vermilion "torii in the sea" standing at the water's edge. Hokkaido's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot where you can feel the energy of the sea breeze and rough waves.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Hakodate, Hokkaido
A shrine on high ground at the foot of Mount Hakodate, surrounded by a forest of Yezo spruce and other trees. Locals affectionately call it "Hachiman-san," and Hakodate's tourism guide introduces it as "one of Hakodate's leading power spots, filled with crisp, dignified air."
⛩️ 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 ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata
Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, Mount Haguro forms the "Dewa Sanzan" (Three Mountains of Dewa), a sacred site of mountain worship long known as a center of Shugendo ascetic practice. Tsuruoka City's tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and at the Sanjin Gosaiden hall on the summit you can pay respects to the deities of all three mountains at once.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Shiogama, Miyagi
Standing on Mount Ichimori overlooking the town of Shiogama, this shrine, affectionately known as "Shiogama-sama," is a guardian of the Tohoku region and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Mutsu Province. Miyagi Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as "one of Miyagi's top power spots," and Shiwahiko Shrine is enshrined on the same grounds.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
⛰️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ 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.
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.
