Atsuta Jingu Kusanagi Sword Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage tradition centered on the Kami-in Festival in autumn at Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. October attracts pilgrims from across Japan seeking blessings of divine connection, as Izumo is believed to host all kami during this season. Ancient mythological tradition seamlessly merges with contemporary pilgrimage culture, making it one of Japan's most significant sacred destinations.

A pilgrimage tradition surrounding the Shikinen Sengu (shrine relocation ceremony) held every 20 years at Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture. Millions of pilgrims visit for the ritual renewal and ceremonies attending the deity's transfer. This cyclical regeneration ceremony symbolizes Japanese cultural concepts of time and renewal, representing the largest continuous pilgrimage event in Japanese history.

The Kusanagi Sword enshrined at Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya, Aichi, is one of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures. Connected to the legend of Yamato Takeru and the myth of slaying a great serpent, it has been a pilgrimage destination for nearly 1,900 years. With over 4.5 million annual visitors, it serves as the guardian deity of the Owari region and symbolizes imperial authority.

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.

Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya, Aichi venerates the Kusanagi sword, one of Japan's three imperial regalia. An important pilgrimage site for imperial and samurai classes since antiquity. With over 7 million annual visitors and particularly crowded New Year periods, it has functioned as both political and spiritual center of Owari.

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.

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.

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.