Japan's Three Imperial Regalia

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.

A monk (774-835) who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Established Kongobuji temple atop Mount Koya, making him one of Japan's most significant Buddhist figures. Kobo Daishi veneration spread throughout Japan, with numerous temples and pilgrimage routes associated with him. The Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage represents his journey through his hometown. He holds central importance in Japanese spiritual culture and tourism.

Japan's indigenous religious tradition founded on nature and ancestor veneration. With approximately 80,000 shrines nationwide, Shinto is deeply woven into daily life through worship and prayer. It marks life's significant moments: New Year visits, rites of passage (Shichigosan), and weddings. As the most foundational element of Japanese culture, Shinto maintains supreme importance in tourism and cultural preservation.

Japan's indigenous mythology recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Depicting the creation of Japan by Izanagi and Izanami and the activities of deities like Amaterasu (sun goddess), it forms Shinto's foundational beliefs. Numerous sacred sites nationwide connect to mythological narratives. Tourist destinations like Takachiho, Izumo, and Ise gain prominence through mythological associations.

A religious tradition venerating three grand shrines of Kumano located deep within Kii Peninsula: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Revered for over 1,000 years, these shrines embody Shinbutsu-shugo (kami-buddha syncretism), creating a unique faith system integrating Shinto and Buddhism. Pilgrimage via Kumano Kodo traditionally functioned as folk practice seeking salvation from worldly suffering. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' it represents Japan's foremost spiritual destination.

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.