📍 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.
The gorge was formed when pyroclastic flows from the volcanic activity of Mount Aso cooled and hardened and were then eroded by the Gokase River, and it is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Manai Falls is said to be fed by the water of "Ama-no-Manai," which, according to legend, Amenomurakumo-no-Mikoto brought here at the time of the descent of the heavenly grandson.
The symbol of Takachiho Gorge, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, which can be viewed from the waterfall viewing platform.
From the walking trail along the gorge, you can see three arch bridges, each with its own character, spanning a single gorge all at once.
A powerful cliff formed by columnar jointing, letting you sense up close how the gorge was formed.
A large stone said in Takachiho legend to have been thrown by Kihachi.
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⛰️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Shibuya, Tokyo
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.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ 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.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
