The Biggest Temple You've Never Heard Of
While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.
While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.
Mount Fuji is an object of faith for Japanese people, and a place their hearts draw support from, as expressed by the official name under which it's registered as a Cultural World Heritage Site: 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'
Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.
I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.
Kushihiki Hachiman-gu is a historical shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, dating back to 1166. It's considered the most prestigious shrine built by the Nambu Clan, a samurai clan originating in northern Japan.
Shinto shrines can be found just about everywhere in Japan. But shrines in Kyushu are special, because Kyushu is, according to legend, home to the first places where the Shinto gods descended to Earth.
Udo Shrine in Miyazaki features a fun way to gain some good fortune!
Winding through the Kii Peninsula, these are the only UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails in Japan.