Takachiho Shrine & Ama-no-Iwato Shrine

A gorge in Nishi-Usuki, Miyazaki. Features 7 kilometers of striking canyon landscape with distinctive columnar jointing V-shaped valley. Boat tours are popular. Known as the birthplace of mythology, the setting of the Ama-no-Iwato legend. Approximately 500,000 visitors annually, offering experience of Japan's mythological and natural fusion.

Mythological heritage sites in Takachiho, Miyazaki linked to Japanese mythology. Concentrated sites include Takachiho Peak, legendary landing site of heavenly grandchildren, and Amanoiwato Shrine. Throughout the year, mythology-related festivals and rituals are conducted, with ancient faith still alive. The entire region is recognized as living cultural heritage.

Three major Shinto shrines in southern Wakayama: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi. Considered one of Japan's holiest pilgrimage destinations with over 1,000 years of devotional history. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

A grand shrine complex in Ise, Mie Prefecture, consisting of the Inner Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu and the Outer Shrine dedicated to Toyouke. Considered the highest shrine in Shintoism, its Shikinen Sengu (20-year reconstruction ceremony) is Japan's most significant Shinto ritual. The nation's holiest site, attracting approximately 6 million pilgrims annually.

Japan's highest-ranked shrine located in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Comprising the Inner and Outer Shrines, it enshrines Amaterasu, the supreme sun goddess. Traditionally dated to the 4th century BCE, it maintains the unique tradition of Shikinen Sengu (shrine rebuilding) every 20 years. Attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually, it is Japan's most sacred pilgrimage site.

The head shrine of the Sengen Shrine network, located in Fujisan, Yamanashi Prefecture. Dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of volcanoes, it has long served as the spiritual center for Mount Fuji worship. Pilgrims pray here for safe climbing, embodying Japan's ancient mountain worship tradition as an integral component of Fuji faith.

Located in Izumo, Shimane, this shrine features Japan's oldest architectural style with approximately 2,000 years of history. The Grand Relocation held every 60 years follows ancient traditions. Renowned nationally as the shrine of fortunate relationships (enmusubi), it attracts especially heavy pilgrim traffic during 'Kami-arimazuki' (October in the lunar calendar) when deities nationwide gather. Approximately 2.5 million pilgrims visit annually.