20 recommended shrines and temples across Japan!
I have visited over 3,000 shrines and temples nationwide, and these are the ones I'm glad I visited...
There are many shrines and temples in Japan, each with its own history and charm. Below, I will introduce 20 representative shrines and temples, and provide detailed explanations and reasons why they are so important.
Shrine
1. Ise Shrine (Mie Prefecture)
Explanation
The most important shrine in Japan. There is an inner shrine that enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, and an outer shrine that enshrines Toyouke Omikami. It has a deep connection with the Japanese Imperial Family.
Reason
It is widely known as "Oise Mairi" and many worshippers visit.
2. Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)
Explanation
A shrine that enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, and is famous as the god of matchmaking.
Reason
Worshippers from all over the country visit in search of matchmaking blessings.
3. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)
Explanation
A shrine that enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and is characterized by a vast forest that spreads across the urban area of Tokyo.
Reason
Although it is located in Tokyo, it is surrounded by nature, and many people visit for the first shrine visit of the year.
4. Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto Prefecture)
Description
The head shrine of Inari shrines throughout Japan. Famous for its thousand torii gates.
Reason
Known for its blessings of prosperity in business and bountiful harvests, it attracts many tourists.
5. Kashima Jingu (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Description
A shrine dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the god of martial arts. It also appears in the Nihon Shoki.
Reason
Known for its blessings in martial arts and prayers for victory in battle.
6. Atsuta Jingu (Aichi Prefecture)
Description
A shrine dedicated to the Kusanagi Sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures.
Reason
Many people visit the shrine because it enshrines a historically important sacred treasure.
7. Nikko Toshogu (Tochigi Prefecture)
Description
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, characterized by gorgeous carvings.
Reason
High historical value, it is also registered as a World Heritage Site.
8. Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka Prefecture)
Explanation
He is worshipped as the god of maritime safety and the guardian of navigation.
Reason
He is deeply worshipped by people involved in overseas trade and fishing.
9. Matsuo Taisha (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
He is famous as the god of sake brewing. There is also a beautiful garden in the precincts.
Reason
He attracts worshippers from sake brewers and people who love sake.
10. Hakusan Hime Shrine (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Explanation
He is the center of Hakusan worship, and enshrines Kukurihime no Mikoto.
Reason
He is known as the center of worship of the sacred mountain Hakusan.
Buddhist temples
1. Todaiji Temple (Nara Prefecture)
Explanation
He is famous for the Great Buddha Hall, the world's largest wooden building. The Great Buddha of Nara is enshrined here.
Reason
He is registered as a World Heritage Site and is visited by many tourists.
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
He is famous for the view from the stage, and is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Reason
He is attractive for the beautiful scenery in every season.
3. Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
The official name is Rokuonji Temple. It is characterized by its reliquary hall covered in gold leaf.
Reason
It is registered as a World Heritage Site and is known for its beauty.
4. Ginkakuji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
The official name is Jisho-ji Temple. It is famous for its dry landscape garden.
Reason
It is famous for its beautiful garden that forms a pair with Kinkakuji Temple.
5. Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei (Shiga Prefecture)
Explanation
The head temple of the Tendai sect. This temple was founded by Saicho.
Reason
It is known as a historic training hall.
6. Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya (Wakayama Prefecture)
Explanation
The head temple of the Shingon sect, founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi).
Reason
It is a historic religious city that attracts many worshippers.
7. Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in) (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Explanation
It is famous for its 13-meter-tall Great Buddha.
Reason
Widely known as the symbol of Kamakura.
8. Zenkoji Temple (Nagano Prefecture)
Explanation
A non-sectarian temple, the principal image is Amida Nyorai.
Reason
It is believed to be a temple that you must visit at least once.
9. Nanzenji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
A major center of Zen Buddhism, famous for the scenery of the Sanmon Gate.
Reason
Beautiful gardens and historical architecture are attractive.
10. Kurama Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Explanation
A temple known as the training ground of Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune).
Reason
Popular as a place where you can feel the legend of Tengu and spiritual energy.
Each of the above shrines and temples has its own history, blessings, and beautiful scenery, attracting many worshippers and tourists. By visiting these places, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Please visit them when you have time.