📍 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.
It is said to have been founded at the start of the Heian period when Sakanoue no Tamuramaro enshrined Yamato Takeru here. It is the center of Towada worship (water deity worship), and a legend tells of an ascetic monk who fought the great serpent of the Lake Towada legend, became a dragon, and was enshrined as Seiryu Daigongen.
An approach lined with cedars leads from a large torii gate to a majestic shrine building standing atop moss-covered stone walls.
A small path along the approach where six deities are enshrined in hollows in the lava rock.
A rocky area beneath a cliff at the back of the grounds, long revered as a place for divining fortune. It is said that if the "oyori-gami" paper you receive sinks when thrown into the lake, your wish will come true.
It is said that a great wish will be fulfilled if the "oyori-gami" paper sinks when thrown into the lake, and people visit to try this divination with their wishes in mind.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at the shrine office.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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.
🛕 TempleTohoku ・ Yamagata, Yamagata
An ancient Tendai Buddhist temple with halls dotted across a steep rocky mountain, affectionately known as "Yamadera" (Mountain Temple). Yamagata Prefecture's official tourism site lists it first among places to visit on a spiritual journey, and a superb view awaits at the top of its 1,015 stone steps.
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.
