Sacred Sites of Japan

This collection features the spiritual landmarks of Yamanashi Prefecture, centered around the iconic Mount Fuji. It includes UNESCO-listed Sengen shrines, which historically served as the starting points for Fuji pilgrimages, and significant Buddhist temples like Kuon-ji, the head of the Nichiren sect. Many sites, such as Erin-ji and Sekisui-ji, share deep historical ties with the Takeda clan and the warlord Takeda Shingen, showcasing Zen architecture and traditional Japanese gardens.

Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage site and the traditional starting point for climbing Mount Fuji from the north. The shrine complex features massive 1,000-year-old cedar trees and one of Japan's largest wooden torii gates.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Established in 865 to appease Mount Fuji after a major eruption, this UNESCO-listed shrine is famous for its seven ancient cedar trees, which are designated as natural monuments.

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine

Considered the oldest shrine on Mount Fuji, originally founded at the mountain's second station in 699. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage registration, its main hall was later relocated to the shores of Lake Kawaguchi.

Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Okunomiya

The inner shrine of the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, located at the very summit of Mount Fuji. It serves as the spiritual peak for pilgrims completing the mountain ascent.

Kogaku Temple

Kōgaku-ji, originally Kōgaku-an, is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen. located in the city of Kōshū,…

Seihaku-ji

Seihaku-ji, is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Myōshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen Buddhism, located in the city of…

Kuon-ji

Kuon-ji is a major Buddhist temple in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Founded by Nichiren in 1281 it is today the head temple of Nichiren Shū.

Erinji Temple

Erin-ji, is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Myōshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen.

Takeda Shrine

Takeda Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kōfu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, dedicated to the kami of Takeda Shingen.

石船神社

A Shinto shrine in Tsuru City dedicated to the three protector deities of the sea. It is known locally for its historical connection to water safety and maritime legends.

本遠寺

A significant Nichiren Shū temple founded by the daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The grounds contain historical structures and a garden linked to the Tokugawa family's patronage.

Ichinomiya Sengen Shrine

The Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja is a Shintō shrine in the Takata neighborhood of the town of Ichikawamisato, Nishiyatsushiro District in…

Arakura Sengen Shrine

Founded in 705, this shrine is home to the Chureito Pagoda. It offers one of Japan's most famous views, framing Mount Fuji behind a five-story red pagoda.

身曾岐神社

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the practice of Misogi, or ritual purification. It features a unique Noh theater stage built over a pond and distinctive modern Shinto architecture.

Oimatakubohachiman Shrine

An ancient Hachiman shrine featuring a main hall and several gates that are designated National Important Cultural Properties, dating back to the Muromachi period.

景徳院

A Soto Zen temple established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1582. It was built to commemorate Takeda Katsuyori and the Takeda clan at the site of their final stand.

本国寺

A Nichiren Shū temple in the Minobu mountains. It is historically associated with the nearby Kuon-ji temple complex and serves as a quiet site for mountain asceticism.

積翠寺

A Rinzai Zen temple famous as the birthplace of the warlord Takeda Shingen. It is located in the mountains north of Kofu and maintains a quiet, historical atmosphere.

法泉寺

A Rinzai school Buddhist temple that houses the grave of Takeda Katsuyori, the final leader of the Takeda clan. It is one of the important family temples of the Takeda lineage.

妙法寺

A temple of the Hokke sect known for the 'Myoho-ji-ki,' an important historical chronicle of the Sengoku period written by the temple's successive head priests.