Japan’s Top Shrines: A Traveler’s Guide

Japan is well-known for its ancient and vibrant culture – a culture that has been heavily influenced by its Shinto and Buddhist religions. In fact, Japan’s shrines and temples serve not only as places of worship, but also as unique cultural landmarks, attracting millions of visitors from around the world every year. To help you plan your pilgrimage, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the top shrines in Japan – from the well-known to the lesser-known – that will take you on a journey of spirituality, history, and tradition.

Top 3 Shrines in Kyoto: History and Highlights

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital city, is home to some of the country’s most impressive shrines. In fact, Kyoto has over 1,600 temples and shrines, so it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve selected three of the most iconic shrines in Kyoto.

The first of these is Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that line the winding path up the mountain. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, hiking all the way to the top will reveal a stunning view of the city below. Second is the Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to 778 AD. Its striking wooden architecture and beautiful gardens make it one of the most photographed shrines in Japan. And last but not least, the golden pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, is a must-see. The pavilion, covered in gold leaf, is set against a tranquil pond and surrounded by a picturesque landscape of trees and gardens.

Exploring the Sacred Grounds of Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine, located in Tokyo, is one of the country’s most important Shinto shrines. Built in honor of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, this massive complex covers over 170 acres of prime real estate in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district. The shrine’s main buildings are made of Japanese cypress wood and copper, and are surrounded by a dense forest of over 100,000 trees, making it a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city.

Visitors can explore the shrine’s many buildings, including the main hall, treasure house, and museum, and participate in traditional Shinto rituals, such as writing wishes on wooden votive tablets and offering prayers at the main altar. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a traditional Japanese wedding procession – Meiji Shrine is a popular spot for weddings, and it’s not uncommon to see couples dressed in traditional attire posing for photos.

Get Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Shrines

While Japan’s top shrines are certainly worth visiting, there are also many lesser-known shrines that offer a more intimate and authentic experience. One such shrine is Togakushi Shrine, located in Nagano Prefecture. This shrine is famous for its ancient cedar trees, some of which are over 800 years old, and for the Togakushi soba noodles that are made by local artisans using water from a nearby spring. Visitors can hike the 2.5-mile path to the shrine, passing through tunnels of towering cedars and stopping at the three smaller shrines along the way.

Another hidden gem is Kurama-dera, located in the mountains north of Kyoto. This temple is known for its stunning autumn foliage and for being the birthplace of the practice of reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing. Visitors can take a cable car up to the temple, which sits at the top of a steep flight of stairs. Once there, you can explore the temple grounds and enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

Kamakura: A Coastal Pilgrimage to Hachimangu

Kamakura, located just south of Tokyo, was once the political capital of Japan and is now home to some of the country’s most historic and sacred sites. One of these is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine that dates back to the 12th century. This shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and for the annual yabusame festival, in which horseback archers shoot targets while galloping down a track.

But Hachimangu isn’t the only shrine worth visiting in Kamakura. You can also explore Kotoku-in, home to the famous Great Buddha statue, and Hasedera, known for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and its 9-meter-tall wooden statue of the goddess Kannon.

Beyond Tokyo: Discovering Spiritual Japan

While Tokyo and Kyoto are certainly the most popular destinations for shrine-hopping, there are many other regions of Japan that offer unique and unforgettable spiritual experiences. One such region is Shikoku, an island off the coast of Honshu that is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage that takes visitors to all 88 temples on the island. The pilgrimage can take up to two months to complete, but visitors can also choose to visit a few select temples along the way.

Another region worth exploring is Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Okinawa has its own unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions, as well as its own indigenous religion, called Ryukyuan. Visitors can explore the many shrines and temples on the island, as well as learn about the history and culture of the Ryukyu people at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.

In conclusion, Japan’s shrines are not just places of worship, but also cultural landmarks that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and tradition. Whether you’re looking to visit the most iconic shrines or explore lesser-known gems, there’s no shortage of spiritual experiences to be had in Japan.