Kobo Daishi (Kukai)

A pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 temples scattered across Shikoku island. With approximately 1,200 years of history, it honors Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The full circuit spans about 1,400 kilometers. Tens of thousands of pilgrims walk the route annually, seeking spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

Japan's indigenous religious tradition founded on nature and ancestor veneration. With approximately 80,000 shrines nationwide, Shinto is deeply woven into daily life through worship and prayer. It marks life's significant moments: New Year visits, rites of passage (Shichigosan), and weddings. As the most foundational element of Japanese culture, Shinto maintains supreme importance in tourism and cultural preservation.

A religious tradition venerating three grand shrines of Kumano located deep within Kii Peninsula: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Revered for over 1,000 years, these shrines embody Shinbutsu-shugo (kami-buddha syncretism), creating a unique faith system integrating Shinto and Buddhism. Pilgrimage via Kumano Kodo traditionally functioned as folk practice seeking salvation from worldly suffering. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' it represents Japan's foremost spiritual destination.

Pilgrimage tradition to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto's Fushimi Ward. Center of Inari faith (rice god worship) and sacred site for worshippers nationwide. Characterized by thousands of red vermillion torii gates. Among Japan's shrines, it receives particularly high visitor numbers. Embodies popular faith for wish fulfillment. With millions of annual visitors, it represents one of Japan's largest pilgrimage destinations today.

Faith centered on the Kusanagi Sword enshrined at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture—one of the three imperial regalia. Venerated since ancient times as a symbol of imperial authority, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually (over 7 million yearly). Functions as a sacred site preserving Japan's oldest forms of worship.

Ancient pilgrimage routes leading to Kumano's three shrines in Wakayama. Traveled by nobility and commoners since the Heian period, these routes are known as Kumano Kodo and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. They represent the fusion of nature and faith in Japan's sacred geography.

Ancient pilgrimage route approximately 16km long from Omiva Shrine to Hinokara Shrine in northern Nara Prefecture. Considered one of Japan's oldest pilgrimage paths, walked by believers since antiquity. Dotted with historic shrines and temples along the route. Offers a harmonious blend of nature and historical pilgrimage experience. Today still visited by pilgrims and hikers seeking the spirit of ancient Japanese faith.