Power Spots
From shrines and temples to nature and sacred sites — a curated guide to Japan's most notable power spots.
Kotai-jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku)
The spiritual home of the Japanese people, where Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined.
Yutoku Inari Jinja (Yutoku Inari Shrine)
The vermilion-painted Kiyomizu-zukuri style stage built against the mountainside is breathtaking. It is recognized as one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan.
Izanagi-jingu (Izanagi Grand Shrine)
One of Japan's oldest shrines, where the deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto resides after completing the creation of the islands of Japan.
Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Grand Shrine)
The general guardian shrine of Hokkaido, enshrined in the Maruyama forest, dedicated to the guardian deities of Hokkaido's development.
Katori Jingu (Katori Grand Shrine)
The head shrine of all Katori shrines across Japan. This is an ancient shrine enshrining the deity of military fortune, Futsunushi no Okami.
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja (Hikawa Shrine)
The chief guardian shrine of Musashi Province with over 2,400 years of history. It is the origin of the place name "Omiya".
Usa Jingu (Usa Grand Shrine)
The head shrine of the Hachiman shrines, of which there are approximately 44,000 across Japan. Since ancient times, it has been one of the two primary ancestral shrines of the Imperial Court.
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
The head shrine of approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan. It is the first shrine of Settsu Province and is affectionately known as "Sumiyossan".
Shiogama Jinja (Shiogama Shrine)
A guardian of the Tohoku region and the first of the Mutsu Province shrines. It enshrines the deity of salt production and serves as a protector of the sea and daily life.
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.
Akama-jingu (Akama Grand Shrine)
A shrine located at the Kanmon Straits, the site of the downfall of the Taira clan, enshrining Emperor Antoku who entered the waters of Dan-no-ura.
Dewasanzan Jinja (Dewasanzan Shrines)
A sacred site for the faith of the three mountains: Haguro-san, Gassan, and Yudono-san. It is a central location for Shugendo (ascetic mountain worship).
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.
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.
Kibitsu Jinja (Kibitsu Shrine)
The model for the Momotaro legend. This site is the first shrine of the Bitchu Province, featuring a beautiful main hall (honden) built in the National Treasure-designated Hiyoku-irimoya style.
Rikuchu Ichinomiya Komagata Jinja (Komagata Shrine)
The first of the eight shrines of the Rikuchu Province. This ancient shrine is said to have been founded during the era of Emperor Yuryaku and serves as the center of mountain worship for Mount Komagatake.
Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)
A representative power spot in Japan for matchmaking, enshrining the deity of destiny.
Itsukushima Jinja (Itsukushima Shrine)
A World Heritage site and sea shrine famous for its grand torii gate standing in the ocean.
Oasahiko Jinja (Oasahiko Shrine)
The first of the Awa Province shrines (Awa no Ichinomiya). This ancient shrine is renowned for its sacred tree (mikimi) over a thousand years old and the German Bridge.
Oyamazumi Jinja (Oyamazumi Shrine)
The head shrine of the national Yamazumi and Mishima shrines. It is known as the Iyo Province Ichinomiya (the first of the three most important shrines in Iyo Province) and is referred to as the "Nihon So-chinju" (the General Guardian of Japan).
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.
Meiji Jingu (Meiji Grand Shrine)
A Grand Shrine nestled in a forest in the heart of the city, enshrining Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Nikko Toshogu (Nikko Toshogu Shrine)
A magnificent Grand Shrine and UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Naminoue-gu (Naminoue Shrine)
The highest-ranking shrine among the Ryukyu Hassha (Eight Shrines of Ryukyu) and the general guardian deity of the Ryukyu Kingdom, situated atop a cliff.
Taga Taisha (Taga Grand Shrine)
Affectionately known as "O-Taga-san," this shrine enshrines the two deities, Izanagi and Izanami. It is a Grand Shrine renowned for longevity and matchmaking.
Aso Jinja (Aso Shrine)
One of Japan's three great tower gates (Romon), this site considers the crater of Mount Aso as its sacred body. It is the first shrine of Higo Province with a history spanning over 2,000 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).
Enoshima Jinja (Enoshima Shrine)
One of the three major Benzaiten (deities of music, wealth, and knowledge) in Japan, located on Enoshima. It is an island of matchmaking where three goddesses reside.
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.
Dazaifu Tenmangu (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine)
The head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, enshrining the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane.
Isasumi Jinja (Isasumi Shrine)
The site is the Iwashiro Province Ichinomiya (First Shrine) and the General Guardian of Aizu, serving as the origin of the place name "Aizu".
Taiheizan Miyoshi Jinja (Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine)
The head shrine of the Miyoshi shrines nationwide, enshrining the 'God of Power,' Miyoshi Reishin.
Haruna Jinja (Haruna Shrine)
A famous shrine on Mount Haruna that preserves the legacy of Shugendo (ascetic mountain worship), featuring a path lined with unique rock formations and waterfalls, as well as the Osugata Iwa.
Kashima Jingu (Kashima Grand Shrine)
The head shrine of all Kashima shrines across Japan, enshrining the deity of nation-building and martial arts, Takemikazuchi no Okami.
Chinzei Taisha Suwa Jinja (Chinzei Grand Shrine Suwa Shrine)
The guardian deity of the entire Nagasaki region. Chinzei Taisha is widely known for the 'Nagasaki Kunchi' festival.
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.
Iwakiyama Jinja (Iwakiyama Shrine)
The first of the three great shrines of Tsugaru Province, this site features the sacred mountain of Tsugaru, Iwakiyama, as its Goshintai (sacred body). It is a renowned shrine often referred to as 'Oku-Nikko'.
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).
Kotohira-gu (Kotohira-san)
Known affectionately as "Kotohira-san," this shrine is nestled on the slopes of Zoto-san. It serves as the guardian deity of the sea, situated at the end of 785 stone steps.
Tosa Jinja (Tosa Shrine)
The first of the Tosa Province shrines (Tosa-no-Kuni Ichinomiya). This is an ancient shrine featuring a beautiful main hall (honden) built in the unique 'Iritonbo-gata' (dragonfly-wing) style by Chosokabe Motochika.
Hakuto Jinja (Hakuto Shrine)
The setting of the "Inaba no Shirousagi" (White Rabbit of Inaba) myth. It is considered the birthplace of Japan's oldest love story and the origin of medical practice.
Kirishima Jingu (Kirishima Grand Shrine)
The largest Jingu (Grand Shrine) in southern Kyushu, situated in the Kirishima mountain range—the land where the heavenly grandson descended.
Coverage is expanding gradually starting with major power spots. Please check official sources before visiting, as details may change.