📍 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.
It is said to have begun about 1,200 years ago when a shrine was built on the summit of Mount Iwaki, and it originates in the worship of the mountain itself. The two-story gate (Romon) was originally built as the main gate of the former Hyakutaku-ji temple, and the gate, worship hall, main hall and other buildings are designated national Important Cultural Properties.
A lavish hall finished in black lacquer with gold leaf and richly colored carvings, nicknamed "Oku no Nikko" (the Nikko of the north).
Pass through the vermilion Romon gate and the approach continues straight ahead toward Mount Iwaki.
Two guardian lion-dog statues at the top of the stone steps. The one looking up is said to be linked to financial luck, and the one looking down to luck in love.
A temizu fountain fed by spring water from Mount Iwaki, where you purify your hands and mouth before praying.
The shrine is known for prayers for success in love, and its komainu statues are popular with people wishing for financial luck or luck in love.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Nikko, Tochigi
An ancient shrine that marks the beginning of worship on Mount Nikko, with Mount Nantai (Mount Futara) as its sacred body. It is one of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" World Heritage Site. Tochigi Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as a power spot where the deity of "victory" grants strength, and a Nikko City Tourism Association feature calls it a power spot popular with people hoping for a good match.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Chiyoda, Tokyo
A shrine near Iidabashi Station that enshrines the deities of Ise Jingu. It is known for blessings of matchmaking, and the official website of the Chiyoda City Tourism Association introduces it as a "Chiyoda power spot" bustling with visitors hoping for a good match.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, this shrine has long been revered as "Kanto Soumoju Hakone Daigongen," the guardian deity of the Kanto region. Kanagawa Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as "Hakone's foremost power spot," surrounded by Lake Ashi, an avenue of old cedars and a pure stand of Japanese stewartia trees designated a Natural Monument.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
🛕 TempleTohoku ・ Yamagata, Yamagata
An ancient Tendai Buddhist temple with halls dotted across a steep rocky mountain, affectionately known as "Yamadera" (Mountain Temple). Yamagata Prefecture's official tourism site lists it first among places to visit on a spiritual journey, and a superb view awaits at the top of its 1,015 stone steps.
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.
