Must Visit Religious Places in Honshu

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Shinto shrine with a history of over 1300 years, renowned for thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up a sacred mountain. It serves as the head shrine of Inari worship and features traditional Japanese architecture.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Historic Buddhist temple known for its large wooden stage and scenic views, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ginkakuji Temple

A Zen temple from the 15th century AD. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with famous decorative sand patterns, trees, and ponds, said…

Yushima Tenmangū

One of Tokyo's many beautiful shrines. This one's history reaches back to the 5th century AD.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryū-ji, formally known as Tenryū Shiseizen-ji, is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, located in…

Shitennoji

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was completely rebuilt in 1963, but it still retains its former charm.

Zojo-ji temple

This Buddhist temple served as the family shrine to the Tokugawas - one of Japan's most famous families.

Arakura sengen (Chureito pagoda)

Those 400 steps you have to climb are definitely worth the effort as you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyō ward of Tokyo, Japan.

Ueno Tōshō-gū Shrine

Built in 1627, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the most famous shogun of the Tokugawa clan and one of Japan's most prominent…

Mitaki-dera

Set on a hill surrounded by a forested valley, this stunning temple and its surroundings make for a great escape from the city.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

This large and beautiful Shinto shrine was originally built in 1869 at a different location but just like the rest of Hiroshima, it was…

Peace Pagoda

This Buddhist stupa is set on Mt Futabayama. Take a hike up there and marvel at the outstanding view!

Niukanshofu-jinja Shrine

Niukanshōfu Shrine or Niukanshōbu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kudoyama, Ito district, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

Chūson-ji

Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

Jison-in

Though this temple may look quite ordinary, be sure it is one of the most unusual places of worship you can visit in Japan.

Ominesanji Temple

Ōminesan-ji is an important temple of the Shugendō religion in the village of Tenkawa, Yoshino district, Nara prefecture, Japan.

Shirakami-sha

The shrine was built on the spot of a lighthouse. Although it was damaged in 1945, it was quickly restored.

Enpuku-ji

Enpuku-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Chōshi in Chiba Prefecture.

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