An ancient shrine representative of Izumo, dedicated to Okuninushi no Okami, known as the deity of matchmaking (enmusubi). Shimane Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as the top stop on a tour of the prefecture's good-fortune and power spots.
The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, affectionately known as "Daikoku-sama." The main hall is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, considered the oldest style of shrine architecture in Japan, and is designated a National Treasure. In Izumo, the tenth month of the old lunar calendar is called "Kamiarizuki" (the month when the gods are present), and it is said that gods from all over Japan gather here to hold a council on binding people's destinies together.
A hall built in the ancient Taisha-zukuri style and designated a National Treasure.
Considered one of the largest shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) in Japan. Unlike typical shimenawa, it is twisted starting from the left.
An auxiliary shrine behind the main hall dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the parent deity of Okuninushi.
A shrine where worshippers first purify their body and mind. There are two, one on the approach and one in front of the Kaguraden.
Widely known as the shrine of the deity of matchmaking, it is also said to draw visitors who pray for many descendants and for blessings from the god of good fortune.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
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⛩️ 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 ・ 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.
⛩️ ShrineChugoku & Shikoku ・ Sada, Izumo, Shimane
An ancient shrine in the mountains of Izumo dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, famous for slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. It is featured on Shimane Prefecture's official tourism site in its good fortune and power spot tours, and the great cedar behind the main hall is especially well known.
⛩️ ShrineChugoku & Shikoku ・ Nagato, Yamaguchi
A seaside shrine in Nagato where red torii gates line up with the Sea of Japan behind them. Yamaguchi Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as one of the power spots associated with "fuku" (happiness), for those praying for good fortune.
⛩️ ShrineChugoku & Shikoku ・ Hatsukaichi (Miyajima), Hiroshima
A World Heritage shrine on Miyajima whose vermilion buildings and Grand Torii Gate appear to float on the sea. Hiroshima Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "a power spot that brings balance to the mind."
⛩️ ShrineChugoku & Shikoku ・ Kotohira, Nakatado District, Kagawa
A shrine to the deity of the sea on the slopes of Mount Zozu, affectionately known as "Konpira-san." It is famous as a shrine you reach by climbing a long flight of stone steps one by one, and the official site of the Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association introduces it as one of Kagawa's power spots.
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.
