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Pilgrimage destinations and sacred sites

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Ise
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine city
7.8
Ise Grand Shrine ranks among Shinto's most sacred sites, rebuilt every twenty years by tradition. Priests have reconstructed the shrine using the same techniques for over a millennium. Pilgrims can walk through cedar forest to reach the shrine's inner sanctuary. Nearby, a sacred bridge marks the crossing into the shrine's purified grounds.
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 vermilion torii gate appears to float on the water off Itsukushima at high tide. Shinto tradition considers the entire island sacred, historically restricting births and deaths there. Pilgrims can walk out to the gate at low tide or view it by boat. Nearby wild deer wander freely through the island's small town.
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
Kyoto holds thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines built across more than a millennium. Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermilion gates form one of the city's most photographed pilgrimage paths. Pilgrims can walk the gate-lined trail up the sacred mountain behind the shrine. Nearby temples host seasonal ceremonies tied to Japan's Buddhist calendar.
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
Nara's Todai-ji temple houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Buddhist monks completed the temple and statue in the 8th century during Nara's era as capital. Pilgrims can view the towering statue within the temple's massive wooden hall. Nearby, tame deer roam freely, considered messengers of the gods in local belief.
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
Nikko's shrines honor a shogun who unified Japan in the early 1600s. Craftsmen spent over a decade building the elaborate carvings and gold leaf details. Pilgrims can walk beneath ancient cedar trees lining the approach to the shrines. Nearby waterfalls and mountains hold their own significance in Shinto tradition.
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
Mount Fuji has drawn religious pilgrims for centuries as a sacred site in Shinto and Buddhist tradition. Climbers historically wore white to symbolize purity while ascending the mountain. Pilgrims can hike overnight to reach the summit in time for sunrise. Nearby shrines at the mountain's base mark traditional starting points for the climb.
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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