Japan: Sacred Mountains & Shrines

Shizuoka / Yamanashi, Japan

Japan's sacred volcanic peak — dwelling of the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime and the most iconic mountain on Earth

“Start with Mount Fuji. The official climbing season is July-August, but the views from the Five Lakes region are year-round. Fujisan is not just a volcano — it is a deity, a pilgrimage destination, and the symbol of Japan itself. The Fuji Sengen shrines at the base are worth a half day.”

Mie Prefecture, Japan

The holiest site in Shinto — the dwelling of the sun goddess Amaterasu, rebuilt every 20 years in an unbroken cycle since the 7th century

“Southwest to Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture — the most sacred site in Shinto, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The inner shrine (Naiku) is rebuilt every 20 years in an unbroken tradition since the 7th century. You cannot enter the inner sanctum, but the approach through the cryptomeria forest is profoundly atmospheric.”

Shimane Prefecture, Japan

The ancient shrine where all 8 million kami gather in October — Japan's oldest shrine and the domain of the god of marriage and fate

“West along the San'in coast to Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture — where the gods of Japan gather every October (Kamiarizuki, the 'month with gods'). The shimenawa rope at the entrance is the largest in Japan. The shrine predates recorded history.”

Shimane Prefecture, Japan

The slope between the worlds where Izanagi fled from his dead wife Izanami — Japan's mythological boundary between life and death

“Nearby in eastern Shimane, find Yomotsu Hirasaka — the boundary between the world of the living and Yomi, the land of the dead. In the Kojiki, Izanagi fled here after seeing his dead wife Izanami's decaying body. A boulder marks the sealed entrance. It is a quiet roadside site — easy to miss, impossible to forget.”