Updates
News about new features, improvements, and new content on Kaminavi.
- New feature
Shrine and Temple Rankings Added (National & Prefecture)
You can now view the top 100 nationwide and the top 50 for each of the 47 prefectures, ranked by the number of reviews. You can also filter results to show only shrines or only temples.
Previously, you could only sort results from the map search screen, but now you can open pages like 'Popular Shrines in Tokyo' directly.
- Improvement
Menu Redesigned for Full Feature Access
On desktop, the full feature menu is now always displayed on the left side of the screen. On mobile, you can scroll the bottom menu left or right to access the almanac, power spots, and featured articles.
Previously, the almanac and power spots were not accessible from the menu, making them difficult to find.
- New feature
Added 'Shrines Enshrining the Same Deity' to Shrine Pages
Shrine pages now display nearby shrines that enshrine the same deities at the bottom of the page. You can find other shrines dedicated to Inari, Hachiman, or Tenjin that share the same lineage as the shrine you are visiting.
This feature is based on deity data for over 30,000 shrines nationwide.
- New content
Obon Festival Featured Article Published (17 Selected Nationwide)
We have published a featured article introducing 17 events from Hokkaido to Kyushu that you may want to visit during the 2026 Obon period. It includes a table of contents organized by region for easy navigation.
We have also expanded the August festival information to include 25 entries.
- New content
Significantly Expanded Shrine Explanations and Reviews
We have expanded summaries of enshrined deities, history, and reviews from hundreds to tens of thousands of shrines. Even for shrines that previously only had a name and map location, you can now see which deities are enshrined there.
We only include information that can be verified through sources such as shrine authorities, local governments, and Wikipedia.
- Improvement
Improved Navigation to Nearby Shrines and Pilgrimage Routes
Shrine pages now display 'Nearby Shrines and Temples' and 'Pilgrimage Routes Including This Shrine' at the bottom. Please use these features when planning your visits.
- Improvement
Cleaned Up Unnamed Locations on Maps
We have organized locations that were displayed as 'Name Unconfirmed' duplicates on the map, making search results easier to read.
- Improvement
Added Reporting Feature and Terms of Service
You can now report inappropriate content found in public diaries, pilgrimages, or groups directly from the screen. We have also established terms of service to aim for a community where everyone can enjoy using the app comfortably.
- Improvement
Clarified Photo Registration Rules
Rules for registering photos of diaries, goshuin, and stone monuments have been standardized: photos must be taken on-site or at a shrine where you have a check-in history (within a 300m radius). You can use food photography without distance restrictions.
- New feature
Added Group Feature
You can now create groups with like-minded companions to share experiences. Groups support internal conversations, sharing pilgrimage plans, a shared 'Wishlist,' and event creation. You can create public groups that anyone can join, as well as private groups that require an invitation.
- New content
Significantly Expanded AI Concierge Trivia
We have added over 200 new pieces of trivia about shrines and temples to the AI Concierge's daily delivery, bringing the total to over 240. It is packed with fascinating niche facts that you will want to share with others.
- Improvement
Refreshed Illustrations on Etiquette Page
We have redrawn all the diagrams explaining proper worship etiquette at shrines and temples (such as how to pass through the torii gate, the ritual of temizu, and how to walk on the approach path) with new illustrations.
- New feature
Added Pilgrimage Rewards and Titles
You can now earn bonus points and titles upon completing a pilgrimage. We have also prepared special titles for completing the pilgrimage of the Eighty-Eight Temples of Shikoku.
- New feature
Added Featured Page for the Eighty-Eight Temples of Shikoku (Ohenro)
We have added a featured page covering all 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It summarizes the history, benefits, and how to perform the pilgrimage, answering 'What is Ohenro?'. You can save your pilgrimage plan separately for each of the four courses: Hatsu Shin, Shugyo, Bodai, and Nehan.
- New feature
Added 'Classic Pilgrimage Routes' Nationwide
We have added classic pilgrimage routes from across Japan, such as the Seven Lucky Gods route and the Love Connection route, organized by region. Each route has an introduction page with history and highlight photos, and you can add it to your pilgrimage plan with one tap.
- New content
Expanded Data for Famous Shrines and Temples
We have enriched the information and photos for famous shrines and temples that previously had limited coverage, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Kumano Sanzan. They are now easily found through search.
- Improvement
Redesigned Pilgrimage Creation with Map-Centric UI
We have redesigned the new pilgrimage creation screen to be map-centric. You can select shrines from search, your wishlist, or visit history, and the app will automatically optimize the order to create and save a route. We also support sharing pilgrimages that are in planning or in progress.
- New feature
Added Featured Articles
We have added readable articles recommending shrines and temples by theme, such as 'Love Connections,' 'Financial Luck,' and 'Misfortune Removal.'
- New feature
Added Power Spot Feature
We have added list and detail pages summarizing power spots (shrine-related and nature-related) across Japan by region.
- New feature
Added 'Wishlist'
You can now bookmark shrines and temples you are interested in, so you can review them later or use them in your pilgrimage plans.
- New feature
Display of Festivals and Annual Events
Shrine pages and the almanac calendar now display festivals and annual events for each shrine.
- New feature
Added AI Concierge
We have added an AI Concierge in the bottom right corner of the screen, allowing you to casually ask questions via chat about how to use the app or terms related to shrines.
- New feature
Added Etiquette Page
We have added a page that clearly explains the correct worship etiquette for shrines and temples, complete with illustrations.
- New feature
Today's Fortune and Omikuji
The top page now displays 'Today's Fortune.' You can enjoy features such as recommended worship levels and lucky directions.
- Improvement
Enhanced Ratings and Review Display
We have consolidated the display of Google ratings and Kaminavi user ratings, and organized reviews to make them easier to read.
- New feature
Almanac Calendar, Rankings, and Stone Monument OCR
We have added an almanac calendar showing the Six Days and auspicious days, a ranking system where you earn points and titles for worship, and a feature to read text on stone monuments.
- New feature
Worship Diary and Blog Features
We have added a diary feature to record your worship experiences with photos. You can choose between a casual 'Diary Mode' and a public-facing 'Blog Mode.'
- New feature
Check-in and Worship Encyclopedia
We have added a 'Check-in' feature to record worship at your current location, and a Worship Encyclopedia that logs the shrines you have visited.
- New feature
Pilgrimage Mode and Goshuin Collection
We have added a 'Pilgrimage Mode' for visiting multiple shrines in one go, and a collection feature to record the goshuin you receive.
- New feature
Started Development of Kaminavi
We have started developing 'Kaminavi,' a service that allows you to search for shrines and temples and find them on a map. Our goal is to create an app for worship, where you can plan worship trips starting from finding shrines in lucky directions.