Power Spots
From shrines and temples to nature and sacred sites — a curated guide to Japan's most notable power spots.
Shomyodaki Falls
A magnificent waterfall with a 350-meter drop, recognized as Japan's largest four-tiered great waterfall. It is a famous site where the Shomyo River plunges from the Midagahara plateau of the Tateyama mountain range.
Oyama Jinja (Oyama Shrine)
The first shrine of Etchū Province, which takes the sacred peak of Tateyama as its Goshintai (sacred body). It is the center of Tateyama faith.
Yamataka Jindai Sakura (Ancient Cherry Tree of the Age of the Gods)
A cherry tree estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old, considered the oldest cherry tree in Japan. It is a sacred tree (goshinboku) associated with the legends of Yamato Takeru.
Takeda Jinja (Takeda Shrine)
A shrine located on the site of the Tsutsujigasaki-yakata, enshrining the famous Sengoku period general Takeda Shingen. It is revered as a deity of victory.
Aokigahara Jukai (Aokigahara Forest)
A primeval forest that has spread over 1,200 years atop the lava flows of the Jōkan Great Eruption. Includes the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave.
Nangu Taisha (Nangu Grand Shrine)
One of the Ichinomiya (first shrines) of Mino Province. It serves as the head shrine for Kanayamahiko and the mining industry across Japan.
Neodani no Usuzumi Sakura (Pale Ink Cherry Blossom of Neodani)
A famous cherry blossom tree said to have been planted by Emperor Keitai, with an estimated age of over 1,500 years.
Yoro no Taki (Yoro Waterfall)
A famous waterfall with a 32-meter drop, known for the legend of the filial daughter who discovered the 'Waterfall of Sake'.
Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Grand Shrine)
A highly revered shrine, second only to Ise Jingu, which enshrines the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (the Sword of the Grass-Cutting), one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan.
Yahiko Jinja (Yahiko Shrine)
Known as "Oyahiko-sama," this is the Echigo Ichinomiya (the first of the provincial shrines of Echigo) with Mount Yahiko as its Goshintai (sacred body). It is an ancient shrine with a history of over 2,400 years.
Hakusan Hime Jinja (Hakusan Hime Shrine)
The head shrine of over 3,000 Hakusan shrines across Japan, with the sacred mountain of Hakusan as its Goshintai (sacred body).
Kehi-jingu (Kehi Grand Shrine)
The general guardian of the Hokuriku Road and the first shrine of Echizen Province. It is a famous site home to one of the three largest wooden torii gates in Japan.
Eiheiji (Eiheiji Temple)
The head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, founded by Zen Master Dogen. It serves as a fundamental dojo for Zazen (seated meditation) practice, nestled within a deep forest of cedar trees.
Bungui-toge (Bungui Pass)
A premier "zero magnetic field" spot located along the Median Tectonic Line.
Zenko-ji (Temple)
A famous saying says, "One must visit Zenko-ji at least once in a lifetime." It is an ancient temple that welcomes everyone regardless of sect.
Ontake-san (Mount Ontake)
Standing at an altitude of 3,067 meters, this active volcano is the second highest in Japan after Mount Fuji and serves as a sacred mountain for Ontake faith.
Togakushi-yama (Mount Togakushi)
Standing at an altitude of 1,904 meters, this is the mountain of the legend of Ama-no-Iwato, which was thrown away during the myth of the Hidden Rock.
Suwa Taisha Kamisha Honmiya (Suwa Grand Shrine, Upper Shrine, Main Sanctuary)
The head shrine of all Suwa shrines across Japan. A sacred site of Onbashira (sacred pillars) and primitive faith.
Lake Suwa
Covering an area of 12.81 square kilometers, it is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. It is the center of Suwa faith and is famous for the 'Omiwatari' phenomenon during the severe cold season.
Fujisan (Mount Fuji)
The highest peak in Japan at 3,776 meters. It is a symbol of mountain worship, revered since ancient times as a 'Reiho' (sacred peak).
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha (Fujisan Hongu Sengen Grand Shrine)
The head shrine of all Sengen shrines across Japan, which enshrines Mount Fuji as its sacred body (goshintai).
Kinomiya no Okusu (The Great Camphor Tree of Kinomiya Shrine)
The largest tree on Honshu with an estimated age of over 2,100 years. It is a sacred tree (goshinboku) said to extend one's lifespan if you walk around it once.
Joren-no-Taki (Joren Falls)
A representative vertical waterfall of the Izu region, where water flows over columnar jointing of basalt. It is the setting for the famous song 'Amagi-goe'.
Shiraito no Taki (Shiraito Falls)
A component of the Mount Fuji World Heritage site, where the subterranean water of Mount Fuji flows down like silk threads.
Coverage is expanding gradually starting with major power spots. Please check official sources before visiting, as details may change.