📍 Fukutsu, Fukuoka
A shrine in Fukutsu, famous across Japan for the "Path of Light," when the setting sun sinks into the sea straight ahead of the approach. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a Fukuoka power spot that invites happiness.
The principal deity is Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto (Empress Jingu), worshipped together with Katsumura no Okami and Katsuyori no Okami as the "Three Great Deities of Miyajidake." According to tradition, Empress Jingu worshipped the gods of heaven and earth on the summit of the mountain here and prayed for good fortune before setting sail.
When the sun sets over Ainoshima Island, in line with the approach, the approach turns into a shining path of light. It can be seen only in certain seasons.
A shimenawa (sacred straw rope) of overwhelming size hanging at the worship hall. Together with the great bell and the great drum, it is counted among the shrine's "three things that are the largest in Japan."
Eight shrines line up behind the main hall, and there is a belief that visiting each of them in turn will bring a great wish to fulfillment.
It is introduced as being worshipped as "the deity of good fortune who overcomes anything," known for prayers for good luck and business prosperity.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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).
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Usa, Oita
Regarded as the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan, this is Oita Prefecture's most representative shrine. Oita Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and spots associated with blessings are scattered across its spacious grounds.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Considered the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning, culture and the arts. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a must-visit power spot in Fukuoka.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki
This shrine is set in the landscape of the Ama-no-Iwato myth, and its object of worship is the Ama-no-Iwato, the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself. Miyazaki Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as one of Japan's leading power spots, and the Amano-Yasugawara cave along the Iwato River is also a popular stop.
⛰️ NatureKyushu ・ Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki
A gorge lined with cliffs of columnar basalt, representative of Takachiho, the land of myths. Takachiho Town's official website introduces Manai Falls, which plunges into the gorge, as a power spot.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Kirishima, Kagoshima
A shrine with beautiful vermilion buildings at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains, where the myth of the descent of the grandson of the sun goddess (Tenson Korin) is told. Kagoshima Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in Kirishima."
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.
