Sacred Sites of Japan

Aichi Prefecture serves as a significant spiritual hub, home to the Atsuta Shrine, which houses the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures. The region features a diverse range of religious architecture, from the Zen Buddhist Tōgan-ji with its giant green Buddha to the Russian Orthodox church in Toyohashi. Key sites include Nittai-ji, the only non-sectarian temple in Japan housing relics of the Buddha, and various Shinto shrines in Inuyama associated with local folklore and the Oda clan.

Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine is a Shinto shrine traditionally believed to have been established during the reign of Emperor Keikō located in Atsuta-ku,…

Arako Kannon

Arako Kannon, also known as Jōkai-san Enryū-in Kannon-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Nagoya in central Japan.

Nittai-ji Temple

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, Japan.

Shiroyama Hachimangū

Shiroyama Hachimangū, also known as Shiroyama Hakusan, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Nagoya, central Japan.

Tōgan-ji Temple

Tōgan-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Sōtō Zen sect located in Nagoya, central Japan.

Banshō-ji Temple

Banshō-ji is a small temple located in Ōsu in central Nagoya, Japan.

Sankoinari Shrine

Located at the base of Inuyama Castle, this shrine is known for its pink, heart-shaped ema (votive tablets) and a money-washing spring believed to bring financial prosperity.

Momotaro Shrine

A Shinto shrine in Inuyama dedicated to the folklore hero Momotaro. It features colorful concrete statues depicting characters from the legend and a treasure house containing items supposedly related to the story.

妙行寺

A Nichiren Buddhist temple in Nagoya built on the birthplace of the samurai commander Katō Kiyomasa. The grounds include a monument marking his birth.

甚目寺観音

A Shingon Buddhist temple with history dating to the 6th century. Its Three-Story Pagoda and Niomon gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Kawahara Shrine

The Kawahara Shrine is a Shinto shrine and Buddhist Benten-dō located in the Showa ward of Nagoya, central Japan.

The Orthbox Church in Toyohashi

Completed in 1913, this Russian Orthodox church is a rare example of Byzantine-style architecture in the region and is designated an Important Cultural Property.

Aotsuka Kofun

The Aotsuka Kofun is a Kofun period burial mound, located in the Aotsuka neighborhood of the city of Inuyama, Aichi in the Tōkai region of…

羊神社

A Shinto shrine in Nagoya dedicated to the zodiac sign of the sheep. It features several sheep statues and attracts visitors seeking blessings during the Year of the Sheep.

Jakkō-in Temple

Known as the 'Maple Temple of Owari,' this Shingon sect temple was established in 654. It is situated on Mount Tsugao and is famous for its dense autumn foliage.