Japanese Shugendo Sacred Site Pilgrimage

A volcanic mountain range straddling the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, revered since mythological times. Historically a site for ascetic Buddhist training (shugendo). Emerging as a spiritual tourism destination with scattered hot springs along its slopes. Offers unique integrated experiences combining mountain climbing, onsen bathing, and meditation practices.

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.

Ominesan, located on the Nara-Wakayama border, is the supreme training site in Shugendo practice. Long known for its women-exclusion tradition, it now permits pilgrimage via designated hiking routes. Blends sacred wilderness with mountain training heritage, functioning as a unique faith space where ascetics and pilgrims coexist.

An ancient temple on Mount Kurama in northern Kyoto, founded in 770. Known as the setting of Ushiwaka (Young Minamoto Yoshitsune) legend and center of tengu (mountain demon) worship. Functions as a Shugendo training ground with the entire mountain developed as a sacred site. Ancient cedar forests line pilgrimage paths, preserving natural environment and traditional monastic culture in this spiritual sanctuary.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.

One of Japan's oldest pilgrimage circuits, visiting 33 Kannon sacred sites mainly across the Kinki region. Said to have been established in 718, it is known alongside the Shikoku Pilgrimage as one of Japan's two great pilgrimage routes. It was designated a Japan Heritage in 2019.

The setting of 'Love Live! Sunshine!!' with shopping streets, schools, and beaches as pilgrimage sites. Deep fan-community cooperation makes it an exemplary regional partnership model.