Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage

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 pilgrimage tradition merging spring cherry blossoms with sacred mountain worship at Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. Long known as a training ground for ascetics, approximately 30,000 cherry trees—including ancient specimens over 1,000 years old—create a unique fusion of nature and spirituality. The mountain's transformation into a sea of pink blossoms offers pilgrims an extraordinary spiritual experience.

An alpine pilgrimage route in Tateyama-Kurobe region of Toyama Prefecture rooted in mountain worship traditions. Pilgrims visiting 3,000-meter peaks have sustained sacred mountain beliefs for centuries. The route passing through the dramatic snow gorge and Tateyama's sacred sites offers a transformative experience where natural power and spirituality intersect. It epitomizes the fusion of modern mountaineering with ancient faith.

Three sacred mountains in Yamagata—Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. A center of mountain worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage route to Haguro is known for its cedar trees over 300 years old. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, representing Japan's mountain worship traditions alongside the sacred Yudono Mountain.

Collective name for three major shrines: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi. Since ancient times, imperial and noble families made pilgrimages here. Connected to Pure Land Buddhism beliefs, this 1000-year pilgrimage tradition remains central to modern pilgrimage tourism. The pilgrimage routes to each shrine are UNESCO World Heritage 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.

The setting of 'Love Live! Sunshine!!' with shopping streets, schools, and beaches as pilgrimage sites. Deep fan-community cooperation makes it an exemplary regional partnership model.