📍 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.
The enshrined deities are Omononushi-no-Kami and Emperor Sutoku, long revered as guardians of agriculture, industry, medicine and safety at sea. The inner shrine, called Izutama Shrine, is dedicated to Izutamahiko-no-Mikoto, who is said to have devoted himself to reviving the worship of Konpira Daigongen.
From the approach lined with souvenir shops, the stone steps lead up to the Omon (Great Gate), donated by Matsudaira Yorishige, lord of the Takamatsu domain in Sanuki, where you enter the sacred precincts.
An imposing shrine building partway up the steps, which is said to be often mistaken for the main shrine.
From the main shrine at the 785th step, you can look out over the Sanuki Plain, and on clear days even see the Seto Ohashi Bridge and Sanuki Fuji.
Located further up mountain paths and stone steps beyond the main shrine. It offers a tengu (long-nosed goblin) amulet that is available only here.
It is introduced as being worshipped as a deity of safety at sea, as well as of bountiful harvests, good catches, business prosperity and medicine.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
According to the official website, goshuin (shrine stamps) for Shiramine Shrine are offered at the amulet office of the main shrine, and for Izutama Shrine at the amulet office of the Okusha, as pre-written stamp sheets.
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⛩️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo, Shimane
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.
⛩️ 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."
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.
