Yamabe Ancient Trail Pilgrimage

Established during the Edo period, the Tokaido's 53 stations served as the primary route for Ise Shrine pilgrims. Temple towns developed along the route, blending commoner faith with commerce to create distinctive townscapes. Important station towns like Hakone, Kawasaki, and Kyoto remain preserved today.

A World Heritage pilgrimage route to the Kumano Sanzan shrines. One of only two 'path' World Heritage sites alongside Spain's Santiago de Compostela. Moss-covered stone paths are mystical.

A pilgrimage route to Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) in Wakayama Prefecture. The approximately 100-kilometer path through dense Kii Mountains forests has served as a sacred route for imperial and noble pilgrims since the 16th century. The three primary contemporary routes—Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Kohechi—total approximately 70 kilometers. Stone-paved trails wind through groves of centuries-old cedar, connecting sacred sites including Takijiri Oji shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it represents Japan's foremost mountain pilgrimage tradition.

An extensive medieval pilgrimage network traversing the Kii Peninsula. As a sacred route to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, it has been walked by emperors and commoners alike for over 1,000 years. It forms the core of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' comprising 36 interconnected routes—Japan's largest pilgrimage network.

An urban pilgrimage route visiting shrines along Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line. Historically significant shrines like Kanda Myojin, Hie Shrine, and Akasaka Hikawa Shrine can be visited efficiently despite being in the city center. Paired with the stamp-collecting boom, it has gained popularity among younger generations.

A small pilgrimage village along the Kumano Kodo in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture. Since the Edo period, local homes have welcomed travelers, and the shukubo lodging culture continues today. Remnants of teahouses and hospitality stations used by Kumano pilgrims are scattered throughout, offering precious insights into historical pilgrimage practices.

Ancient pilgrimage route approximately 16km long from Omiva Shrine to Hinokara Shrine in northern Nara Prefecture. Considered one of Japan's oldest pilgrimage paths, walked by believers since antiquity. Dotted with historic shrines and temples along the route. Offers a harmonious blend of nature and historical pilgrimage experience. Today still visited by pilgrims and hikers seeking the spirit of ancient Japanese faith.