Anime Pilgrimage (Seichi Junrei)

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.

A roughly 1,200km pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 sacred temples associated with the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku island. The white-robed pilgrims are an iconic sight, with the full walking circuit taking 30 to 60 days. International pilgrims have been increasing in recent years.

A 1,200km pilgrimage visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi. White-clad henro pilgrims are Shikoku's iconic sight. Growing international interest positions it as a global pilgrimage route.

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.

Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, located in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, it comprises the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine. With approximately 2,000 years of history, it uniquely practices Shikinen Sengu, rebuilding its structures every 20 years. Attracts over 6 million pilgrims annually.

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.