Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage route visiting 33 Kannon temples across the Kanto region. One of Japan's three major Kannon pilgrimage circuits, alongside Saigoku 33 and Chichibu 34. Continuing from the Heian period, it spans from Tochigi to Kanagawa Prefecture. Modern pilgrims are especially drawn to collecting temple seals at each site.

The setting of anime 'Anohana.' Chichibu's nature and townscape attract fans as one of the earliest successful anime pilgrimage cases.

Belief system venerating Inari, the kami of food, agriculture, and commerce. Approximately 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide make it the most numerous shrine type. Characteristic vermillion torii gates. Faith evolved through transition from agricultural to commercial society. In modern times, target of corporate prosperity prayers. One of Shinto's most widespread popular beliefs.

Mount Osorezan in Mutsu, Aomori, is considered the boundary between hell and paradise. The tradition of Itako—female mediums channeling the voices of the deceased—continues from the Edo period as unique folk belief. The hellish landscape created by volcanic gases fuses with afterlife spirituality, drawing families seeking communication with deceased loved ones through these sacred mediums.

A classical pilgrimage circuit visiting thirty-three Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) temples centered in the Kinki region. Said to have begun in 708, it became beloved by aristocrats and devotees since the Heian period. Requiring over thirty years for complete pilgrimage, it continues from Edo-period commoner pilgrimages to modern stamp-collecting trends in various pilgrimage formats.

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.