Fuji Sengen Shrine

Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Its distinctive conical shape has symbolized Japanese culture for centuries, featuring prominently in art, literature, and national identity. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, it attracts approximately 300,000 climbers annually, with the official climbing season from July to September.

A sacred site of mountain worship comprising Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. With over 1,400 years of history as a training ground for Shugendo asceticism, the mountain monks in white robes and their austere practices preserve Japan's mountain ascetic traditions.

Three major Shinto shrines in southern Wakayama: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi. Considered one of Japan's holiest pilgrimage destinations with over 1,000 years of devotional history. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

A grand shrine complex in Ise, Mie Prefecture, consisting of the Inner Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu and the Outer Shrine dedicated to Toyouke. Considered the highest shrine in Shintoism, its Shikinen Sengu (20-year reconstruction ceremony) is Japan's most significant Shinto ritual. The nation's holiest site, attracting approximately 6 million pilgrims annually.

Three sacred mountains in Yamagata—Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. A center of mountain worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage route to Haguro is known for its cedar trees over 300 years old. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, representing Japan's mountain worship traditions alongside the sacred Yudono Mountain.

Japan's highest-ranked shrine located in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Comprising the Inner and Outer Shrines, it enshrines Amaterasu, the supreme sun goddess. Traditionally dated to the 4th century BCE, it maintains the unique tradition of Shikinen Sengu (shrine rebuilding) every 20 years. Attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually, it is Japan's most sacred pilgrimage site.

Traditional Japanese culture of mountain worship and veneration. Sacred mountains like Fuji, Hakusan, and Tateyama serve as pilgrimage sites, with mountain ascents functioning as spiritual practice. Blending shamanism and Buddhism, it creates a unique faith system. Contemporary mountaineering maintains cultural importance as outdoor recreation. Rooted in the deepest layers of Japanese nature philosophy.