All About Japan

A Day Out at Ise Shrine

How to enjoy Ise Shrine in one day.

6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines

I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.

How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine

Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!

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.

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.

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.

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.'

A Guide to the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails

Winding through the Kii Peninsula, these are the only UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails in Japan.

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!

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.

Throw 'Undama' at This Seaside Shrine

Udo Shrine in Miyazaki features a fun way to gain some good fortune!

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take the Path of Faith to Discover Nature

Rediscover yourself in mystical places deep in the mountains.

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.

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!

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