Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi The Six Jizo statues, erected at the entrance to what was once a pilgrimage route to Mount Dogatake, are a historic site that speaks to the faith of rural communities from long ago. Even today, this is a place where local residents pray for safety. A part of "Toyota Rural Space Development Project"(according to the on-site information board) Six Zizo statues are standing in a row, looking at Lake Toyota.

Otemachi, Tokyo Taira no Masakado was a military commander active in the mid-Heian period. He worked hard to reform politics in the Kanto region and is said to have earned the deep trust of the people. However, in an attempt to further reform politics, he rebelled against the Imperial Court of the time. He started a large-scale rebellion known as the Tengyo Rebellion (Taira no Masakado Rebellion), and was killed in battle in 940. Having lost the battle, Taira no Masakado was

Komagome, Tokyo Myogi Shrine in Komagome, Tokyo, was founded in 651 (the second year of the Hakuchi era). Considered one of the oldest shrines in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, legend holds that Yamato Takeru no Mikoto established his camp here during his eastern campaign in 651 and built a shrine, marking its origins. Originally named Shirotori Shrine, it appears that Shigeyoshi, a descendant of Nitta Yoshisada, later constructed it after inviting the deity from his ancestral home shr

Sugamo, Tokyo Sugamo (巣鴨) is a shopping district along Tokyo 's Yamanote Line that famously caters to the elderly. The district's popular, 800 meter long Jizo Dori shopping street is also affectionately known as the "Old Ladies' Harajuku" in lighthearted comparison to the Harajuku district's status as one of Japan's foremost youthful shopping and fashion destinations. The original reason for Sugamo's popularity is found at Koganji Temple halfway down the shopping street. Th

Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Established in the 8th century, it is dedicated to the deity of the mountain, making it a spiritual focal point for pilgrims and tourists alike. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds that feature traditional architecture, serene gardens, and seasonal flowers. Mihashira Torii (三柱鳥居・Three Pillared Gate) - At the top of the stairs, in the middle of the triangle created by the Three Pillared Gate there was a little platform you can stand on that cleans

Karuizawa, Nagano A shrine located on the border between prefectures, a rarity in Japan.Located 1,200 meters above sea level at the top of Usui Pass, this ancient shrine is called "Kumano Koutai Shrine" on the Nagano Prefecture side and "Kumano Shrine" on the Gunma Prefecture side, and was built by Yamatotakeru. It is designated as a special shrine in Shinano-kuni.The shina tree, more than 1,000 years old, has long been worshipped as a sacred tree for good luck and matchmakin

Suwa, Nagano The 800 meters of road that runs directly to the shrine was originally built specifically for access to the Harumiya. Many warriors competed here in contests of Yabusame, ritual competitions of horsemanship. The bridge that crosses the small river in front of the shrine is known as the "Dismounting Bridge" (Geba- bashi) because all visiting warriors and aristocrats had to dismount from their horses here before proceeding to the shrine. It was built in the Muromac

Suwa, Nagano The main shrine is located in Suwa City and has two entrances, the north and east approaches, the east being the main gate. The "Shikyakumon" donated by Ieyasu Tokugawa stands on the left side of the corridor, and the "Hoden" (treasure hall), which is rebuilt for each Gobashira Festival, and the "Yotsushimon" (four-legged gate) on the right side. The present building was rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1868), and many of the pavilions on the shrine grounds are de

Chino, Nagano Kamisha Maemiya is considered the birthplace of the Suwa faith as it is where the deity (Suwa Myojin) first arrived. Suwa Myojin is widely worshipped as a guardian deity of agriculture, industry, victory, and military fortune.

Izu Oshima, Tokyo The shrine is located in the Izumizu district in the northwestern part of Izu Oshima, surrounded by a grove of cedar trees and moss-covered stone steps that create a serene and peaceful atmosphere whenever you visit. The present shrine was built in the Showa period (1926-1989), and there is a legend of Hiimi-sama in the Izumitsu district where the shrine is located. The legend tells of 25 young islanders who killed a bad government official, built a boat out

Shimoda, Shizuoka Ryosenji was the site of historic talks between the United States and the Tokugawa Shogunate in the mid-nineteenth century. The talks were part of larger negotiations which effectively ended Japan's policy of national seclusion, or sakoku. The talks at Ryosenji led to the Shimoda Treaty and were conducted between Commodore Perry and Hayashi Daigaku, the shogunate's chief negotiator. History remebers Hayashi as a skillful negotiator who concluded treaties wit

Atami, Shizuoka Onsen manju, geyser, Yuzenn Jinja, ashi yu (outdoor public foot bath) cafe "Ki-ito" chestnut dessert https://www.waguri-kiito.com/ Japanese confectionery Tokiwagi Yokan ten https://tokiwagi-yohkanten.com/

Yakushima, Kagoshima Taking a side road off the path leading to Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge, you'll find yourself in a sacred place: Ushidoko Shrine. Every spring and autumn, a pilgrimage to Mount Miyanoura takes place, and in the past, because women were forbidden from participating, the women of the village would greet the men returning from the pilgrimage at Ushidoko Shrine. The two moss-covered Nio statues (guardian deities) are designated as historical sites by Yakushima

Ise, Mie 1/31/2024 This is a ritual to purify the chief priest and other priests and musicians prior to the Niinamesai festival in February. https://www.isejingu.or.jp/ritual/annual/

Mie ken, Ise shi 古殿地（Kodenchi) さざれ石、たから石 (Sazare ishi, Takara ishi) 佐瑠女(さるめ)神社（Sarume jinja) Sarutahiko Shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko...

Mie ken, Ise shi Futami Okitama Shrine is dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko Okami, known for blessings in matchmaking, marital harmony,...

Takihara, Mie ken January, 2024 This is one of the most impressive places I visited. Takiharamiya Shrine is an important shrine that...

Hikoshima, Shimonoseki shi, Yamaguchi ken Rented a car to find this place in the middle of nowhere in Hikoshima. From the sign; In 1183,...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi According to some research, there are petrograph ( geometric carvings carved into rocks and boulders）...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi This shrine was built to commemorate the spirit of the six-year-old Emperor Antoku, who died here during...