A shrine centered on two main sanctuaries, the Naiku (Kotai Jingu, the Inner Shrine) and the Geku (Toyouke Daijingu, the Outer Shrine), long famous as the destination of the "Oise-mairi" pilgrimage. Mie Prefecture's official tourism site presents the Geku and Naiku, standing in vast and mystical forests, as the heart of a power spot tour.
The Naiku enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, regarded as the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, and the Geku enshrines Toyouke Omikami, the deity in charge of Amaterasu's sacred meals. Ise Jingu is made up of many shrines centered on these two main sanctuaries.
The main sanctuary dedicated to Toyouke Omikami. Sunlight filters through the trees onto the gravel approach, giving the grounds a refreshing atmosphere.
The main sanctuary dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. Cross the Uji Bridge and follow the long approach into the sacred precincts, sometimes called "the spiritual home of the Japanese heart."
Streets that stretch out in front of the Naiku, where you can enjoy food and souvenir shopping before or after your visit.
Toyouke Omikami of the Geku is introduced as being revered as a guardian of food, clothing, shelter and industry.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Prices 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.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hirosaki, Aomori
A shrine at the foot of Mount Iwaki, known as "Tsugaru Fuji," affectionately called "Oiwaki-sama" or "Oyama" by locals. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot rooted in mountain worship.
⛩️ 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 ・ 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."
🛕 TempleKansai ・ Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
A temple spread across Mount Kurama in northern Kyoto, famous as the setting of the legend in which the young Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) trained with tengu (mountain goblins). The official site of the Kyoto City Tourism Association introduces the "Kinone-michi" (tree-root path), the mountain trail running from Kurama-dera to Kifune Shrine, as a popular power spot.
⛩️ ShrineKansai ・ Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
An ancient shrine in the heart of Sannomiya, Kobe, said to be the origin of the name "Kobe." Hyogo Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "Kobe's foremost power spot," and many people visit it as a shrine for matchmaking (enmusubi).
⛩️ ShrineKansai ・ Sakurai, Nara
A shrine that worships Mount Miwa itself as its sacred body, regarded as one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Nara Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it with phrases such as "Power Spot Miwa" and "all of Mount Miwa is a power spot."
⛩️ ShrineKansai ・ Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama
One of the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano), regarded as the head shrine of all Kumano shrines in Japan. Wakayama Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a destination on a "power spot tour" from Ise Jingu to the Kumano Sanzan, and notes that Oyunohara, the shrine's former site, is also popular as a power spot.
⛩️ ShrineKansai ・ Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama
One of the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano), which can be visited together with its separate shrine, Hiro Shrine, whose sacred body is Nachi Falls, one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls. Wakayama Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a destination on a "power spot tour" of the Kumano Sanzan.
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.
