A Guide to the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails
Winding through the Kii Peninsula, these are the only UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails in Japan.
Take the Path of Faith to Discover Nature
Temples & Shrines The Wonder 500
Rediscover yourself in mystical places deep in the mountains.
Visiting the Cradle of Japan
Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.
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.
See Kyoto Mapped as it Once Was
So long as you have this map, you can feel as though you've slipped back into the Heian Period of Kyoto.
Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan
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.
Kibitsu Shrine in Okayama
Kibitsu Shrine is a short drive from Okayama and Kurashiki Cities. The shrine is associated with the story of Momotaro, otherwise known as Peach Boy, who was said to have been born here.
Japan's Most Beautiful Armor Rests in Aomori
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.
Two Can't-Miss Shrines in Shizuoka
Shizuoka Prefecture houses the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, where shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was laid to rest before being moved to Nikko. The shrine still contains part of his spirit.
3 Ways to Worship Mount Fuji
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.'
Throw 'Undama' at This Seaside Shrine
Udo Shrine in Miyazaki features a fun way to gain some good fortune!
The Secret, Sacred Path to the Sea
One of Japan's best kept secrets, Motonosumi Inari Shrine, has over 100 'torii' gates. After going through them all, you can get a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan!
6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines
I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.
The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
5 Kyushu Shrines You Can't Miss
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.
Kicking It Old School
If you happen to be in Kyoto around the turn of the New Year, you won't want to miss this spectacle of men and women dressed in Heian-style robes playing their version of soccer.
Photos from Japan to You
Ranging from skin care and shoes to kimono and charms from shrines, blogger and model Matsu-you* introduces her favorite aspects of Japan for the G7 Japan 2016 Ise-Shima Photography Contest.
48 Hours in Kyoto on a Budget
This isn’t Kyoto for the faint-hearted. So lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to hit the pavement!
How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine
Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!
