Power Spots
From shrines and temples to nature and sacred sites — a curated guide to Japan's most notable power spots.
Meoto Iwa (Futami Okitama Taisha)
Two rocks bound together by a large Shimenawa (sacred rice-straw rope) over the sea. They are symbols of marital harmony and the tying of fate.
Hana-no-Iwaya Jinja (Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine)
The Goshintai (sacred object of worship) is a massive rock standing 45 meters high. It is said to be the tomb of Izanami, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
Kasagi-dera (Temple)
Home to a massive Miroku Rock-carved Buddha and a cluster of megaliths. It is a sacred site of Shugendo (ascetic training) where mountain worship and megalith worship are intertwined.
Ishi no Hoden (Ishi Shrine)
A mysterious giant stone structure measuring 6.4 meters wide, 5.7 meters high, and 7.2 meters deep. It is one of the Three Wonders of Japan.
Kamui Misaki (Kamui Cape) and Kamui Iwa
Kamui Iwa is a 41-meter-high rock standing tall from the sea of Shakotan Blue. It is a cape associated with the legends of an Ainu goddess.
Kamikura Jinja (Gotobiki Iwa)
The Goshintai (sacred object) is the massive rock known as 'Gotobiki Iwa' located on the mountain. It is considered the origin of Kumano faith, where Kumano Gongen first descended.
Iwafune Jinja (Iwafune Shrine)
The Goshintai (sacred object) is a massive 12-meter-high boat-shaped rock known as 'Ten-Iwafune.' This is the site where Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto descended to earth.
Okinoshima (Munakata Taisha Okitsumiya)
The entire island is considered a Goshintai (sacred body of the deity). It is a World Heritage site and a sanctuary of ancient rituals where landing by the general public is prohibited.
Kamiiso no Torii (Oarai Isosaki Jinja)
A vermilion torii gate (shrine gate) standing on a reef in the sea. A sacred site of breathtaking scenery where it is said that the deity Ōmikimi descended.
Kamafuta Jinja (Imatate Hyoshu Jinja)
A coastal shrine on the Satsuma Peninsula overlooking Mount Kaimon, famous for a unique worship ritual where visitors carry a pot lid on their heads from the torii gate to the main hall (honden).
Coverage is expanding gradually starting with major power spots. Please check official sources before visiting, as details may change.