It’s time to recharge the soul!
A modern country who is able to preserve its rich culture and heritage, Japan celebrates various religious traditions, which coexist harmoniously. This is why the South Asian country is home to a variety of many magnificent temples and shrines. With their spectacular architectures matched with intricate designs, these temples and shrines became an inviting dwelling, not only for locals, but also for tourists who are in love with history, arts, and religion. If you are one of them, here are some majestic shrines and temples that you could visit when in Japan.
1. Kanda Myojin Shrine
The Kanda Myojin Shrine is a Shinto shrine built in 730 AD, and has been around for about 1,300 years already. This is where the Kanda Matsuri, one of Japan’s most popular festivals, is held during the month of May in every odd-numbered year. But of course, you could visit this shrine all-year round. There are different cultural activities found here, including learning about matcha, calligraphy, and origami. Likewise, there is a culture complex within the vicinity where you could check out souvenir items.
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Address: 2-16-2 Soto Kanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Contact information:+81 3-3254-0753
2. Ise Grand Shrine
Established in 4 BCE, the renowned Ise Grand Shrine is a huge complex that houses 125 Shinto shrines. As you walk around this historical and sacred establishment, you will come across shrines that honor sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami, as well as the goddess of agriculture and industry Toyo'uke-no-Omikami. Over 1,500 rituals and religious activities take place here as people pray for the Imperial family, world peace, and prosperity.
Ise Grand Shrine
Address: 1 Ujitachi-cho, Ise city, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Contact information:+81 596-24-1111
3. Byodoin Temple
If you would like to see a wide array of national treasures and artifacts, then you have to visit the Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto. From being a regent’s villa, it was converted into a Buddhist temple in 1052. The temple complex houses the popular Hoshokan Museum, which contains cultural and historical items. There is also a local teahouse in the area called Tea Room Toka where you could taste the city’s authentic and specialty green tea.
Byodoin Temple
Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact information:+81 774-21-2861
4. Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Many visitors come to this place to make a wish and take photos of the picturesque environment. Famous for over a hundred bright red vermilion shrine gates or torii that lead to the coast of the cerulean sea, the Motonosumi Inari Shrine has an interesting story. Legend has it that a fisherman dreamt of a white fox that told him to build a shrine in the area. As foxes are believed to be the messengers of rice cultivation deity Inari, the fisherman obliged and the rest is history. This is the reason why the fox became a key figure in the shrine, with its statues scattered across the vicinity.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Address: 498 Yuyatsuo, Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4712, Japan
Contact information:+81 837-26-0708
5. Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
Located in Kyoto, the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion is a well-loved tourist attraction. Lush greeneries and a peaceful lake surround this picturesque golden Zen Buddhist temple, which definitely adds to its old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was built in 1397 CE. Be in awe as you tour around the three floors of the temple, including a traditional tearoom.
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Contact information: +81 (0)75 461 0133
6. Naminoue Shrine
Get a stunning view of the ocean from the Naminoue Shrine, which sits atop of a cliff along the shores of Okinawa. The Naminoue Shrine is a key figure in the history of Okinawa as it was believed to have been established during the time when the Japanese prefecture was still the Ryukyu Kingdom. Many people come to the shrine to pray to the Nirai Kanai or land of gods, particularly for safe voyage and abundance.
Source: Naminoue Shrine Website
Naminoue Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-25-11 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan
Contact information:+81 98-868-3697
7. Kashima Shrine
Founded in 660 BC, join the many locals and tourists who come to visit the Kashima Shrine where different festivities and religious events take place. One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, this place honors the Shinto god of thunder and war Takemikazuchi-no-Okami. One of the popular festivals celebrated here is the Kashima Shrine JINKOSAI festival, which is held during the early days of September. Many visitors come to join the parades and try local goodies at various food stalls. Likewise, thousands of locals and tourists also join the anticipated New Year festival.
Source: Visit My Japan Facebook
Kashima Shrine
Address: 2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki 314-0031, Japan
Contact information:+81 299-82-1209
8. Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Take a stroll along a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A popular tourist destination, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex houses the remains of Japan’s important samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu who began the Edo shogunate or Japan’s military government. While you admire the sophisticated architecture and carvings in the shrine, you might come across the popular carvings of the three monkeys, which mean, “See no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil.” Further, aside from the shrine and mausoleum, you could also learn more about history at the local museum within the complex.
Source: Visit My Japan Facebook
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
Contact information:+81 288-54-0560
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
