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Most famous pilgrimage destinations in Asia

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Ise
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine city
7.8
Every 20 years the shrine buildings are rebuilt from fresh cypress wood. The last rebuilding was in 2013 and the next is planned for 2033. Pilgrims walk over Uji Bridge and through a forest of tall cedars. The inner shrine honors Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Photos are not allowed past the inner gate.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore Naiku and Geku, the inner and outer shrine complexes
  • 🍡 Walk the charming old streets of Okage Yokocho and taste local snacks
  • ⛩️ Visit the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto site
Miyajima
Torii in the sea, deer and Mount Misen
8.6
A giant red torii gate stands in the water off Itsukushima Island. At high tide the shrine and gate seem to float. At low tide you can walk out across the sand to touch its base. For centuries no one was allowed to give birth or be buried on the island.
Highlights:
  • 🍁 Stroll through Momijidani Park’s maple trees in autumn
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
  • ⛩️ Admire the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Thousands of red torii gates form a glowing tunnel up the hillside. This is Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to the god of rice. Hikers walk about two hours to the summit on a forest path. Each gate was donated by a person or business seeking luck. Stone fox statues guard the paths.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
Todaiji's Great Buddha is as tall as a five story building. The bronze statue was cast in the 700s. It sits inside one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Friendly deer wander the park outside and bow for crackers. Kasuga Taisha shrine nearby has thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Toshogu Shrine is the lavish resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Gold leaf and bright carvings cover its gates and halls. Look for the three wise monkeys carved above a stable door. A cedar lined path leads up to his quiet tomb. The shrine complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Mount Fuji
Japan's highest peak and sacred volcano
Loose volcanic gravel crunches underfoot on the long climb up Mount Fuji. Pilgrims have climbed it for centuries because they see it as a sacred peak. Many hikers start at night to reach the summit by sunrise. The climbing season runs from early July to early September.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♀️ Explore Lake Kawaguchi with stunning views of Mount Fuji
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
  • 🌄 Climb to the summit for sunrise views and achievement
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