📍 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.
Hachiman Okami is enshrined in the First Hall, Himeokami in the Second Hall and Empress Jingu in the Third Hall. As the "Second Ancestral Shrine" after Ise Jingu, it has deep ties to the Imperial family, and its vermilion main hall is designated a National Treasure.
After praying at the National Treasure main hall of the Upper Shrine, visit the Lower Shrine too. As the saying goes, "if you skip the Lower Shrine, your pilgrimage is only half done."
A pair of stones on the approach, which some people step on while praying for a good match or a happy marriage.
A great camphor tree estimated to be about 800 years old. Some worshippers touch its trunk while making a wish.
A covered bridge with a cypress-bark roof spanning the Yorimo River. It normally cannot be crossed, so it is admired from outside.
It is introduced as offering amulets for academic success, financial fortune and matchmaking, and as a place where people pray for a good match or make wishes at the Meoto-ishi and the camphor tree.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
According to Oita Prefecture's tourism site, goshuin (shrine stamps) are offered, and there is also an original goshuin book.
🛕 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.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano, Nagano
A shrine made up of five shrines, Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha and Hinomikosha, scattered at the foot of the sacred Mount Togakushi. Connected to the Ama-no-Iwato myth, it is introduced on the official tourism sites of Nagano City and Nagano Prefecture as "a power spot of myth and faith." The "Five Shrines Pilgrimage," walking along cedar-lined approaches to visit all five, is well known.
⛩️ 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 ・ 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 ・ 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.
