A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, spreading out right next to Harajuku Station in Tokyo. It is wrapped in a deep forest that is hard to believe exists in the city center, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) introduces Kiyomasa's Well (Kiyomasa-no-ido) in the Inner Garden as a power spot visited by people seeking energy to heal body and mind.
After the deaths of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine was founded in response to the wishes of the people, in Yoyogi, an area closely associated with the enshrined deities. The shrine forest is a man-made forest planted with trees donated from all over Japan with the aim of creating an "eternal forest," and it has now grown into a rich woodland.
A spring well in the Inner Garden that JNTO introduces as a power spot. Visitors come to quietly watch the water welling up.
A garden that Emperor Meiji is said to have had landscaped for the Empress, where he had irises planted.
A man-made forest created from trees donated from across Japan. Simply walking along the approach lets you feel the air of a deep forest.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are offered at the Chouden amulet office in front of the Kaguraden (the location may change on some days).
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PR8.9Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛰️ NatureHokkaido ・ Asahikawa, Hokkaido
A gorge where the Ishikari River flows out of the Kamikawa Basin onto the Ishikari Plain, a scenic spot shaped by strange rock formations and rushing rapids. Hokkaido's official tourism site lists it as a power spot to be visited with reverence, as a place long regarded as sacred by the Ainu.
⛰️ NatureHokkaido ・ Kiyosato, Shari District, Hokkaido
A small pond tucked away deep in a primeval forest north of Lake Mashu. Hokkaido's official tourism site lists it as a power spot, noting that the fallen trees on the bottom, which appear to form a pentagon, look like a sacred barrier protecting the pond.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Set in a vast forest next to Maruyama Park in Sapporo, this is the chief guardian shrine of Hokkaido. Hokkaido's official tourism site describes it as a place where the energy from Mount Moiwa and Mount Teine is said to meet, and introduces it as one of the leading power spots in Sapporo.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Chichibu, Saitama
One of the Three Shrines of Chichibu, standing on Mount Mitsumine deep in the Chichibu mountains. Saitama Prefecture's website introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in the Kanto region," and it is also known for its rare triple torii gate and mountaintop views of seas of clouds and sunrises.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ 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.
⛩️ 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 ・ 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.
⛩️ 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."
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Kashima, Ibaraki
A shrine dedicated to Takemikazuchi no Okami, known as a deity of the founding of Japan and of the martial arts. Ibaraki Prefecture's tourism feature "Power Spots of Ibaraki" describes it as a place where you can feel the strength of a warrior deity who drives away obstacles and moves forward, and as a place that can make a difference at life's turning points.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Katori, Chiba
The head shrine of the Katori shrines found across Japan, mainly in the Kanto region, and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Shimousa Province. Chiba Prefecture's official tourism site features it on a model "power spot tour" together with Kashima Jingu, and its highlights include the legendary Kanameishi stone and the Okumiya (inner shrine).
⛩️ 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.
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.
