Nestled atop Mount Mitsumine in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mitsumine Shrine stands as a testament to ancient Japanese spirituality and craftsmanship.
Nagoya, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, is home to numerous temples and shrines that offer visitors a glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions.
Nestled within the sprawling grounds of Todaiji Temple in Nara, the Nigatsudo and Sangatsudo temples stand as testaments to Japan's rich Buddhist heritage.
In the heart of Tokyo stands a temple steeped in history: the Sengakuji. This sacred site is home to the tombs of the legendary 47 rōnin, symbols of loyalty and honor in Japanese culture.
Nestled on the serene island of Awaji, the Honpukuji Temple, also known as the Water Temple, stands as a testament to modern Japanese architecture and spiritual innovation.
Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, Kotoku-in is a renowned Buddhist temple famous for its monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, commonly known as the Great Buddh
Nestled near the bustling tech hub of Akihabara, Kanda Myojin Shrine, also known as Kanda Shrine, stands as one of Tokyo's most historic and influential shrines.
Nestled in the serene mountains of Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Nanzoin Temple is a hidden gem that attracts visitors with its colossal reclining Buddha statue, t
Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest-established temple, dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.
Located in the south-east of Kyoto, Tofukuji is a large open temple complex, with 23 sub temples. The temple is famous for its stone and moss gardens and has the largest Zen temple gate in Japan.
Steeped in history, the Toji complex spans the years from its expansion in the ninth century to its current collaboration with the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in France.
The shrine is dedicated to the two most important Japanese emperors and built to celebrate the Kyoto 1100th anniversary and named Heian, the city's former name.
At the heart of an arrangement of memorial buildings for soldiers who died whilst fighting for the Emperor. The shrine seems so peaceful yet Yasukuni Jinja became very controversial.
Located in the heart of Tokyo in a wooded area of over 100,000 trees, Meiji-Jingu is one of Japan’s most famous shrines and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
South of Kyoto, the torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, traditional gates at the entrance to Shinto shrines, lined up in their thousands on the mountainside. This is a must-visit place in
Ryoanji Temple located in the northwest of Kyoto is home to Japan's best known stone garden. Now a World Heritage Site this a must see attraction in Kyoto.
Plants mark the passing of the seasons. Here, nearly 120 varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Kokedera Moss Temple.
Located in southeast Kyoto Daigoji Temple was founded by Shobo in 874. Now a World Heritage Site the temple is a great place to see the changing of the leaves.
Kamakura is often called "the city of the samurai" because the former political capital of Japan was established and then controlled by warlords for nearly three centuries.
Hokekyoji Temple near Tokyo is an important Nichiren-sect temple famous for its cherry blossom in season and several historical temple halls and pagoda.
In Ise, the Matsuo Kannon-ji dedicated to the goddess of mercy Kannon is the subject of several beliefs and legends that are particularly popular in Mie Prefecture.
Since the 8th century, the Hananoiwaya-jinja in Kumano has been recognized as a high place of Japanese cosmogony given the tombs it houses; that of Izanami, the co-creating deity of the world and o
Japanese shrines are places of worship for Shintoism, the original religion of Japan. During a trip to Japan, they are undoubtably among the most beautiful discoveries you'll make.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and is the head shrine of 10,000 Tenjin Shrines across Japan.
Located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, not far from the Sumida River, the Senso-ji Buddhist temple is particularly popular with the Japanese but also arouses the interest of tourists.
In the prefecture of Shiga, not far from the famous Kyoto, is the city of Otsu and the Hiyoshi-Taisha shrine. This Shinto shrine is the counterpart of the nearby Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei.
Jojakkoji Temple, in Arashiyama, western Kyoto is a Nichiren sect temple dating from the late 16th century. It is known for its tranquility and autumn leaves.
Arashiyama in west Kyoto has several temples of great beauty: Tenryuji, Jojakkoji, Nison-in, Gioji, Adashino Nembutsiji, Otagi Nembutsuji and Daikakuji.
With regard to the emblematic sites and monuments of the historic district of Higashiyama, literally "the mountain of the east", the Ryôzen Kannon temple is an outsider in the classic tourist itine
Ishiyama-dera Temple is one of the two major Buddhist temples in the coastal city of Otsu. It is the 13th temple of the Kannon pilgrimage in the Kansai region.
Chikurinji Temple in Kochi is the 31st temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and has a 5 story pagoda in the style of the Kamakura Period, though built in 1980.
Otatsu Inari Shrine (御辰稲荷神社) is a small Inari (fox) shrine just north of Heian Shrine in the Okazaki district of central Kyoto. It dates from the Edo Period.
Founded in the early 11th century, the Ushimado jinja shrine sits on top of a hill from where the view extends over the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding small islands.
Torigoe Shrine in Taito ward, Tokyo, is an ancient Shinto shrine over 1,300 years old, and a picturesque, photogenic spot to visit near Asakusabashi and Kuramae.
Shoshasan Engyoji Temple near Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture dates from 966 and has increased in popularity since being featured in the movie, The Last Samurai.
Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a picturesque Shinto shrine in Kameido, Tokyo, famous mainly for its beautiful landscaping, springtime wisteria and turtle pond.
Dainichiji Temple in Kochi Prefecture is the 28th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. According to legend it was founded by the priest Gyoki n the 8th century.
Nonomiya Shrine in Arashiyama, Kyoto is a small shrine associated with the purification of imperial princesses before becoming priestesses at Ise Shrine.
Main temple of the Nichiren School in the region, the Myôjô-ji monastery is made up of a set of remarkable buildings, including a 5-storey pagoda with a tochibuki structure roof, the only one in Ja
Choryuji Temple is a Buddhist temple located northeast of Shika City. Built in 1449, it is best known for its traditional Japanese garden, classified as a “cultural asset of the city”.
Hotsumisakiji Temple Kochi: Hotsumisakiji Temple in Kochi is the 24th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, overlooking Cape Muroto.
Over 1,200 years old, the Suwa-taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It consists of four building complexes, all located around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.
The largest ancient temple in the city of Saku, in Nagano prefecture, the Teisho temple is renowned for having spread Zazen meditation outside the archipelago, as far as Europe.
In Kaizu, Gifu prefecture, the Chiyobo Inari Jinja, founded more than 1,000 years ago, is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to worshiping the Inari deity.
Let yourself be told the story of Join Rin, a confectioner of Chinese origin who arrived in Nara in 1349 and whose destiny was completely changed thanks to the extraordinary powers of his manjû
During a visit to the Udo-jingu coastal sanctuary in Nichinan, immerse yourself in one of the founding myths of the archipelago. In addition, the landscape is exceptional.
The Imado-jinja shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Maneki-neko, the lucky cat. They also venerate Izanagi and Izanami supposed to bring good fortune to couples.
Yufuin Temples & Shrines: see a guide to the shrines and temples of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture. These include Tenso Shrine, Bussanji Temple, Rokusho-gu (Unagihime Shrine) and Ogosha Shrine.
Kyoto is known for its many temples, scattered throughout the city. Tentokuin Temple is one of a series of shrines near famous Tofukuji, southeast of Kyoto Station.
The Toyokawa Inari temple, located about fifty kilometers southeast of Nagoya in Aichi prefecture, is one of the three great Japanese temples (along with the Fushimi Inari temple in Kyoto and the Y
Nemichi Shrine (根道神社), known as Monet Shrine, is located in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan and has become a tourist destination over the last few years.
The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie has a unique architecture, far from our European Gothic cathedrals. Its construction dates back to 1964, but it could also come from the future!
Seitenkyu Temple in Sakado in Saitama Prefecture is Japan's largest Taoist temple. Seitenkyu Temple was part-financed and built by the Taiwanese businessman Kang Kuo Den.
Miidera Temple (aka Onjoji), near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture was founded in 672 during the Nara Period of Japanese history. There are over 40 buildings in this large Tendai temple complex.
Asuka was the capital of the country in the Yamato period, when Japan first discovered writing and Buddhism, whose introduction into Japan led to a clash between the great feudal clans.
Sôgen-ji is a very modern looking temple. However, any lover of legends must visit it: it is dedicated to Japan's most famous folkloric character, the kappa.
Kannonji Temple in Tokushima is the 16th temple on the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. There is a second temple on the pilgrimage named Kannonji, number 69 in Kagawa.
Hakuto Shrine (白兎神社) in Tottori is associated with two famous stories: the White Rabbit of Inaba and the wani and the Yasogami brothers and the White Rabbit.
Nestled at altitude, in the heart of the Kii peninsula, in the south of Nara prefecture, the Tamaki-jinja sanctuary is part of a site of more than 500 hectares classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Shinganji Temple, in the free and easy youth hangout that is Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, is a four-century year old temple dominated by a giant ginkgo tree dating from its founding.
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine is a large Shinto shrine in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, that has numerous small shrines on its grounds, and a big festival every September.
Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is the largest Hachiman Shrine in Tokyo, and is adjacent to the the most famous Buddhist temple in the Fukagawa district of Tokyo.
Tanzan Shrine, located in the mountains bordering the historic town of Sakurai, east of Asuka in Nara Prefecture, is famous for its beauty and autumn foliage.
Ujigami Shrine in Uji, south of Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Shrine, and has the oldest shrine building in Japan dating from the 11th century.
Saishoji Temple (西生寺) in Niigata is home to a 600 year-old mummified priest who put himself on a fat-eliminating diet of nuts and limited his water intake for years to prevent natural decay after d
Kumano Sanzan is the collective name of the three shrines of the Kii Peninsula, one of the most sacred places in Japan and an unmissable place of pilgrimage.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine) in Shingu is one of the hree Kumano Sanzan shrines along with Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
Mimurotoji Temple, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 三室戸寺: In the wide garden of Mimurotoji Temple in Uji there are 30 different kinds of hydrangea some of which seem to have the shape of a heart.
Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachi is one of the three Kumano Sanzan shrines and sits in beautiful scenery near Nachi Falls, Japan's highest waterfall.
Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple in Okayama is the venue for the annual Hadaka matsuri (Naked Festival) in February when 10,000 men compete to catch two wooden charms thrown into the throng.
Toyokuni Shrine in Nakamura Park in Nagoya was built in 1885 at the birthplace of Hideyoshi Toyotomi and enshrines the spirits of Hideyoshi and his general Kato Kiyomasa.
Jakko-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto has been a nunnery since 1186 and is associated with the classic feud between the rival Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) clans.
Raigo-in Temple Ohara 来迎院: Raigo-in Temple is one of several Tendai-sect temples in the pretty, farming village of Ohara in the hills north east of Kyoto.Raigo-in like its more famous neighbor, San
Anrakuji Temple (安楽寺) is number six on the 88 temple, 1400 kilometer Shikoku Pilgrimage. The current main hall was built in 1966, replacing the one that burned down in 1955.
Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto near the south west corner of the Gosho is believed to be the birthplace and home of Michizane Sugawara, the noted Heian era poet and court official.
Oharano Shrine in the Oharano district of south west Kyoto is an ancient shrine connected with the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan and mentioned in the Tale of Genji.
Shogoin Temple in Kyoto is monzeki temple with priceless fusuma paintings by the Kano School of artists. A monzeki temple it served as a temporary residence for two emperors.
Dojoji Temple, in the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, is a very old temple, founded in the early 8th century, with some highly ranked statues and artworks connected with the Anchin and K
Yoshiminedera is a Tendai sect temple located in the mountains south west of central known for its superb autumn leaves and historic, elongated pine tree.
Bukkoji is a Jodo Shinshu sect temple in the Gion district of central Kyoto and was founded by the priest Ryogen (1295-1336), a disciple of Shinran in 1324.
Koetsuji Temple in the Takagamine district of north west Kyoto was once the artist colony of the noted Edo period artists and tea master, Honami Koetsu (1558-1637).
Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine in Gion, Kyoto is known for its power stone said to end bad relationships or initiate good ones as well as an annual comb festival.
Tranquil Yanagimori Shrine near Akihabara in Tokyo is a fascinating mixture of Japanese history and folklore, and home to no less than seven Japanese gods.
Komagatado Hall is a tiny Buddhist temple on a street corner, a short walk from the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is intimately connected with Sensoji's history.
Sumo Shrine is an ancient shrine that is claimed to be the birthplace of sumo in Japan after the first bout between Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kuehaya.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas (magaibutsu) are a collection of ancient Buddhist statues that are carved directly into exposed rock, in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu.
Kinosaki is an ancient water town that was already active during the Edo period. Among its prestigious onsen are ancient streets and temples, including Gokurakuji temple.
With its mossy steps, thatched roof, and pennants, the oldest temple in Kamakura is reminiscent of the temples lost in the countryside or in the Japanese mountains.
In the shadow of the brilliant Toshogu shrine lies Taiyuin temple, mausoleum of shogun Iemitsu. A discreet temple hiding architectural treasures that have nothing to envy of its grandfather.
Futarasan is not the most impressive shrine in Nikko, but is the source of its religious importance. Futarasan, a place where the religions of Japan meet ...
Chuguji Temple, a nunnery, next door to Horyuji Temple in Nara, contains two National Treasures: a sitting image of Buddha and an historic, embroidered mandala.
Saidaiji Temple (西大寺) in Nara was one of the original Seven Great Temples of Nara and is the headquarters of the Shingon Risshu sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Hokkeji Temple in Nara was converted into a nunnery in 782 by the Empress Komyo (701-760) on the grounds of the residence of her father, Fujiwara Fubito.
North of Kyoto is the Enryakuji temple of Mount Hiei, which was one of the most powerful temples of Japan. A visit to one of the great places of Japanese Buddhism.
Hiroshima has its dome, survivor of the atomic bomb. Nagasaki has Urakami Cathedral, tragic testimony of an entire segment of the history of this multicultural city.
Among the many temples of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ninna-ji Temple is one of the largest. It has become famous throughout Japan for its cherry blossoms.
Eko-in Temple in the Ryogoku area of Tokyo is the spiritual home of sumo and a place where the victims of disasters, criminals and animals are laid to rest.
Fudo-in Temple in Hiroshima survived the atomic bomb in 1945 and is an historic Shingon sect temple with its buildings dating back to the 16th century.
Hidden in the wooded area around the Great Buddha , accessible by one of the many hiking paths of Kamakura , is Zeniarai Benzaiten, the temple of the miraculous source and carrier of wealth.
Among all Japanese temples, Sofukuji temple holds a particularly special place. It is considered a national treasure, and is among Nagasaki's major attractions.
The island of Shikoku is a land of pilgrimage. One of them ends in the locality of Kotohira, in direction of Kotohiragu Kompirasan shrine. A popular pilgrimage despite its difficult walk.
Also nicknamed Takedera (bamboo temple), Hokokuji is one of the many Zen temples of Kamakura. A temple rarely visited by foreign tourists, but rich in wonder.
The paved route from Daimonzaka winds through a cedar forest before reaching Nachi, culminating in an encounter between Buddhism, Shintoism, and nature.
Inside the Shiroyama Park is a small temple, which seems to have been put there by chance. After having traveled in the area, the Shorenji settled in the city of Takayama.
Built in 746 by the Emperor Shomu (701-756), the oldest temple in Takayama proudly at the heart of its enclosure an imposing tree, old thousand two hundred years.
Trees tower over the entrance, towering trees, some over seven hundred years old, guarding the temple. The sound of birds calling, wind in the leaves, silence.
The headquarters of the Obaku branch of zen, the third school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, smaller and less known than the Rinzai and Soto schools, the Ôbakusan Manpukuji remains one of the few enclos
The Todasu-no-mori forest embraces and encercles the Shimogamo Jinja like a treasure. The latter is close to another shrine like a brother, the Kamigamo Jinja.
Around a street corner in Gion, the Kenninji invites you to meditate. A temple with beautiful gardens, in April it hosts a celebration in in honor of a Zen master.
What a strange paradox that this place dedicated to Kamo Wake-Ikazuchi, the Shinto god of thunder, is so peaceful. Yet the nearby town seems to be so far away.
Surrounded by greenery, nestled in the Higashiyama district, this temple, dating from 1264, which had originally served as a secondary villa to the Emperor Kameyama (1249-1305) is now c
