Atsuta Shrine Kusanagi Sword Faith

The Kami-ari Festival held at Izumo Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture in November, believed to be when the eight million Shinto deities gather. Renowned for matchmaking rituals, this centuries-old pilgrimage tradition features a unique belief system where divine councils convene during the lunar October.

The Shikinen Sengu ceremony at Ise Grand Shrine in Mie occurs every 20 years, ceremonially rebuilding the inner sanctum. This ancient state ritual reflects 2,000 years of history and represents Japan's largest shrine pilgrimage culture. Visitors experience a comprehensive pilgrimage ecosystem including surrounding temple towns.

Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, houses the Grass-Cutting Sword, one of the Three Imperial Regalia. Emperors and nobles have visited since antiquity, making it the paramount pilgrimage site in the Owari region. Surrounded by extensive sacred forest, it provides profound spiritual fulfillment to visitors. Welcoming over 7 million pilgrims annually, it ranks among Japan's most significant pilgrimage destinations.

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.

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.

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.