Enryaku-ji Temple

The collective name for pilgrimage routes leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano on the Kii Peninsula. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they share the distinction with Spain's Santiago de Compostela as one of only two pilgrimage routes with World Heritage status. Walking moss-covered stone paths through cedar forests captivates trekkers worldwide.

A sacred center of Shingon Buddhism located in Koya, Wakayama Prefecture. Established in the 9th century by Kobo Daishi Kukai, it serves as a spiritual hub. Approximately 120 temples are clustered here, with accommodations available for temple stays. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, it has gained worldwide attention as a unique religious city with distinctive spiritual culture. Attracting approximately one million visitors annually.

A Shingon Buddhism sacred site in a 900-meter highland basin in Koya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded by Kobo Daishi in 816. Approximately 120 temples line the area, known as a practice site with shukubo (temple lodging) culture for general visitors. Japan's prominent figures are buried in the cemetery. Approximately 1 million pilgrims visit annually, making it one of Japan's foremost sacred sites.

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.

Japan's oldest pilgrimage route visiting 33 Kannon temples across Kansai. Designated as Japan Heritage in 2019, it has gained popularity among young people alongside the goshuin stamp boom.