Dewa Sanzan

A Shugendo sacred site of three mountains. Mountain ascetic training in white yamabushi robes is popular with foreigners. A spiritual pilgrimage known as 'the journey of rebirth.'

Ancient pilgrimage tradition to Yoshino Mountain in southern Nara Prefecture. While famous for cherry blossoms, it served as a crucial center for Shugendo mountain asceticism since antiquity. Centered around Kinpu Shrine and Kinpusen-ji Temple. Pilgrims visit during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage in fall. Represents Japan's mountain worship tradition as a key training site for ascetic monks.

Ascetic training ground in the Omine Mountains of southern Nara Prefecture. A series of peaks over 1000m elevation where monks of Kinpusen-ji Temple undergo rigorous spiritual training. Historically a sacred site forbidden to women. The strict ascetic training tradition is preserved to this day. Symbolizes the depth of Japan's religious practice as the center of Shugendo culture.

Three mountains in Yamagata Prefecture—Gassan, Haguro, and Yudono—forming a sacred Shugendo training center with 1,400 years of history. Practitioners undergo rituals symbolizing death and rebirth, experiencing spiritual transformation. Features like Haguro's five-story pagoda and Yudono's secret rituals continue to attract pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal through rigorous ascetic practice.

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.