10 Most Important Shrines and Temples in Japan

Ise Grand Shrine is made up of an inner shrine honouring Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun goddess) and an outer shrine to Toyouke Omikami (the guardian deity of food and industry). It's customary to visit the outer shrine first, and then the inner shrine. There's something about the air around Ise Grand Shrine that really reaches the soul and recharges your batteries. Little surprise that since ancient times it's been referred to as the "birthplace of the Japanese spirit". After visiting the shrine, take a walk around the adjacent Oharaimachi town and Okage Yokocho Ancient Street for the full experience. You'll find plenty of points of interest here, including old-fashioned cobblestone streets, shops selling Ise's famous Akafuku sweets and Ise udon, and fashionable stores dealing in Japanese sundries.

Known as the kingdom of gods, the former Izumo Province is still home to ancient shrines. Izumo Taisha, described in the Kojiki (Japan's oldest historical record), is the key historical site at the heart of this area. Search for the "God of Charity" that was created based on the legend of the Hare of Inaba and the cute rabbits dotted around the grounds. Izumo Taisha is built on a massive scale, with unique features including a huge rope talisman in the kagura hall and the largest national flag in Japan (as big as a 75 tatami mats). The main shrine is still the largest anywhere in Japan, but in the Heian period it was about twice as tall as it is now.

The island of Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) has itself been an object of worship since ancient times. Itsukushima Shrine, standing mysteriously in the sea, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1996. This is one of "Japan's 3 famous sights" along with Matsushima and Amanohashidate. The unique Itsukushima Shrine, which consists of a group of shinden shrines built in the palatial style of the Heian period and a large torii shrine archway standing in the ebb and flow of the tide, is a historical and architectural marvel that everyone should see at least once. Watch a dance performed on Japan's only Noh stage set on the sea, with the large shrine archway as the backdrop, and you'll effectively be looking at a Heian picture scroll brought to life. The illuminations after dark are also a must-see.

Yakushima Island was registered as Japan's first World Natural Heritage Site along with the Shirakami Mountains. Described by botanists and zoologists as "an unparalleled island" and "the greatest treasure of mankind," Yakushima Island is an incredible place to visit thanks to its remarkable ecosystem. The symbol of Yakushima Island is the Jōmon Sugi, the oldest and largest of the cedar trees on the island. It's estimated to be upwards of 7,000 years old. Visitors often say that seeing the Jōmon Sugi gives them a new outlook on life. The island's moss forest has become world-famous for its role as the inspiration behind the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke, and it's well worth a visit.

The impressive Takachiho Gorge was formed by the rapid cooling of pyroclastic flow after eruptions of the Mt. Aso volcano. The surrounding area is dotted with spiritual sites, including shrines that are said to have a great effect on one's love life. With its refreshing nature, Takachiho Gorge is particularly popular in the summer as a place where you can enjoy the cool breeze as well as the summer tradition of Nagashi Somen (noodles served cold, flowing down a bamboo chute). If you want to experience the canyon in the most dramatic way, try renting a boat. You'll be able to immerse yourself in a mysterious atmosphere of interwoven water and light between the spectacular cliffs. And hey, you can also feed the ducks from your boat! There are magical summertime illuminations to enjoy as well.

Mount Fuji, which was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013 under the title "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration", has long been the object of worship as a mountain where spirits dwell. The Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine, which was enshrined in Fujinomiya City and was revered by many warlords including the likes of Ieyasu Tokugawa, covers the entire top of Mount Fuji from the 8th stage upwards, and was enshrined to stop Mount Fuji from literally blowing its top. Once you've been bowled over by the sheer scale of Mount Fuji, it's a good idea to do some sightseeing in the surrounding area. In addition to the natural wonders of the Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji, you'll also find family-oriented attractions such as Fuji-Q Highland and Fuji Safari Park.

Constructed based on the will of the common people, Meiji Jingu is the shrine to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. This oasis in the city is close to shopping areas such as Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya, and welcomes the largest number of visitors during Japan's customary first shrine visits of the New Year. Meoto Kusu is just one of many spiritual sites in front of the main shrine that are said to bring a wide range of benefits such as family safety, romantic fulfillment, and business success. After you've paid your respects, try picking an Omikuji (fortune slip) to find out what awaits you. Or if you prefer a souvenir without omens, try one of the original Omikuji featuring poems written by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Located at an altitude of about 1,100 metres in the mountains of Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine is said to have been founded by Yamato Takeru. These days it's regarded as one of the Kanto region's leading sites for mystical benefits such as family safety, good business, good luck, and warding off evil. The stunning lacquered main shrine is full of colour, and each season brings its own unique natural beauty and Shinto rituals, such as the Mitsumine lion dance in summer and the and the wonderful autumn leaves later in the year. Nearby you'll also find some excellent tourist attractions, including Lake Chichibu and the Fudo Falls.

Mount Koya (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site) is a sacred place that brings in visitors from both Japan and abroad. In fact, it's even been awarded 3 stars in the Japanese edition of the Michelin Travel Guide. As well as paying homage at the shrine, you can also take part in activities such as copying sutras, meditation, making treasures and making prayer beads. In fact, the whole area is full of unmissable spots, such as the beautiful scarlet-coloured Nemoto Oto pagoda and the Koyasan Oku-no-In, which is just one of more than 100 temples clustered together here.

One of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, few people know that Nachi Falls itself is believed to contain the spirit of the deity enshrined at the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. The water flows down from Nachi's primeval forest at a staggering height of 133 metres. The white water falls in three powerful channels. If you're new to trekking, it's probably best to start from the cobblestone Daimonzaka hill and head to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls from there. This popular route is pretty easy-going and it's accessible from Nanki-Katsuura Onsen Town. After the walk along the old Kumano road, there's nothing better than some rest and relaxation at the local hot springs.