Zojo ji temple is home to hundreds of statues that depict the child-like monk Jizo. He is believed to protect children and the unborn.
Ise Jingu Shrine
Ise Jingu Shrine (Yi Shi Shen Gong) has long been one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines. It has a history of over 2,000 years and is one of the top tourist attractions in Japan.
The main shrine is a large complex with two sites: Naiku (Inner Shrine) and Geku (Outer Shrine). The shrine grounds are located in the middle of an ancient forest that dates back 1500 years.
It's an amazing place to visit if you want to see how Japan has remained rooted in its past. The temples are constructed using woodwork techniques that may seem low tech, but rely on complex enabling technologies.
These technologies include a wide variety of iron tools, ranging from axes to chisels and saws to wedges. They also require carts, trolleys, tracks and ropes to move 5000 pound logs into position. It takes a lot of skills to build these shrines and it's the transfer of that knowledge that helps them to last.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
If you want to be part of Japanese culture and tradition, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a must-visit place. This shrine is located within the heart of Tokyo and is one of the best power spots in Tokyo, attracting both locals and tourists.
This large Shinto shrine was built to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and to venerate their virtues. It is also a purification power spot that resets the spirit and paves the way for future success.
It is also home to two sacred trees called Meoto Kusu that are over 100 years old. They are connected by a sacred straw festoon rope that is considered to be the source of God’s energy.
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine
One of the most visited shrines in Japan, Kumano Nachi Taisha is home to the sun goddess Amaterasu and serves as the head of over 3000 Kumano shrines. It exemplifies the harmonious fusion of Buddhism and Shinto that took place centuries ago in the region.
A visit to this great shrine will take you back in time and leave you with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. It also offers a quiet, peaceful experience, perfect for those who don’t want to walk very far.
Aside from the main shrine, there are two other places of interest to explore. The first is the treasure hall, which houses over a dozen national treasures, including offerings brought by pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Its unique design reflects the harmony of mountains, sea and forest.
The main shrine was first built in 593 and was remodeled into its present structure by powerful military leader Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1168. It is dedicated to the three Munakata goddesses- Ichikishima-hime, Tagitsu-hime and Tagori-hime.
Itsukushima Shrine is home to the Floating Torii Gate, which is often referred to as the Grand Gate of the Island. During high tide the vermillion coloured gates appear to float on the ocean, while during low tide they resemble a reflection of the calm water.
Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine is one of the best places in Tokyo to experience a harmonious blend of ancient Japanese culture and modern Tokyo living. The shrine features a hillside garden, a pond with vibrant koi fish, and a tunnel of vermilion torii gates similar to Kyoto's renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine.
The complex also houses a famous collection of Buddhist sutras. These were given to the shrine by the Taira clan, who worshipped at the site around the 12th century CE.
The main building in the complex is Senjokaku, a five-story pagoda constructed in the 16th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a great example of the shinden-zukuri style of architecture, which was popular in the Edo period.
