The Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Echigo Province, standing in a deep forest with Mount Yahiko behind it, affectionately known as "Oyahiko-sama." Niigata Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "one of the prefecture's top power spots," and because it enshrines a married couple of deities, it is also popular as a power spot for love.
The enshrined deity is Amenokagoyama-no-Mikoto, who is said to have developed the land of Koshi and taught people salt-making, fishing, rice cultivation and more. According to shrine tradition, it was founded when he was buried on Mount Yahiko, and in the Heian period it was the only Myojin Taisha (shrine of high rank) in Echigo. The current buildings were rebuilt in the Taisho period after a great fire at the end of the Meiji era.
A stone you lift while making a wish; how heavy it feels is used to divine whether your wish will come true.
The inner shrine on the summit of Mount Yahiko, dedicated to Iyahiko no Okami and Tsumado no Okami. On clear days you can see as far as Sado Island.
A small bridge on the grounds said to be crossed by the gods.
The spacious grounds, thick with old cedars and zelkovas, are home to the main hall and many other buildings.
Because the enshrined deity and his consort are said to be on good terms, the shrine is known for blessings of matchmaking and finding a good partner.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at the shrine office.
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ 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 ・ 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.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, this shrine has long been revered as "Kanto Soumoju Hakone Daigongen," the guardian deity of the Kanto region. Kanagawa Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as "Hakone's foremost power spot," surrounded by Lake Ashi, an avenue of old cedars and a pure stand of Japanese stewartia trees designated a Natural Monument.
⛩️ 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.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Hakusan, Ishikawa
The head shrine of some three thousand Hakusan shrines across Japan, worshipping the sacred Mount Hakusan as its sacred body. Locals affectionately call it "Shirayama-san," and Ishikawa Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it, together with the shrine town of Tsurugi, as "the most powerful power spot in Hokuriku." The pure air of the main approach, surrounded by giant trees, is a big part of its appeal.
⛩️ 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.
⛰️ NatureChubu & Hokuriku ・ Ina, Nagano
A mountain pass on the border between Ina City and Oshika Village, sitting directly on the Median Tectonic Line, one of Japan's largest fault lines. Known as a "zero magnetic field" spot, it is listed as a power spot on Nagano Prefecture's official tourism site as a place where the mind feels calm. Visitors come to spend quiet time at the "kiba" (energy spot) in the forest.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Standing at the foot of Mount Fuji, this is the head shrine of all Sengen shrines in Japan. It worships Mount Fuji itself as its sacred body, and Shizuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot. On the grounds, such as at Wakutama Pond where Fuji's spring water wells up, you can feel the blessings of the mountain up close.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya, Aichi
An ancient shrine in the leafy "Forest of Atsuta" in southern Nagoya, affectionately known to locals as "Atsuta-san." It enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, and Nagoya's official tourism site features it on a model power spot route. A deep forest spreads out here that feels far removed from the surrounding city.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Atami, Shizuoka
A shrine long worshipped as the guardian deity of the land of Atami, known as a "deity of incoming fortune and good omens." Beside the main hall towers a sacred giant camphor tree designated a national Natural Monument, and the Atami City Tourism Association introduces the shrine as a power spot.
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.
