Nagasaki Christian Martyr Pilgrimage

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.

Pilgrimage through Nagasaki's hidden Christian heritage sites spanning over 400 years of persecution. Traces history including the Shimabara Rebellion and underground Christian communities. Designated UNESCO World Heritage in 2018. Offers essential understanding of Japan's unique Christian cultural fusion traditions.

An ancient pilgrimage network registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' The trails linking the three Kumano grand shrines share a sister-road partnership with Spain's Camino de Santiago.

The headquarters of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). A religious city with 117 temples, it offers unique experiences including temple lodging, vegetarian cuisine, and the atmospheric path to Okunoin cemetery. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

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.

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.

The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai on Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture. Over 200,000 memorial stones line the approximately 2km approach, including memorial towers for historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga, and Takeda Shingen. The sacred ground covered by giant cedars and moss is wrapped in mystical atmosphere, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.