Shinto

Shinto

A selection of photographs around "Shinto" in Japan.

Cherry blossom bridge, Miyagawa River, Japan Easy walk
Gifu

Among the Groves of Takayama

I had the chance to live in Takayama for three weeks. So, of course, I can share my experience with you.

Some crowds
Half day for the old town (Sanmachi) and Miyagawa River stroll; 1–2 days if using Takayama as a base for nearby trips (e.g., Shirakawa-go, Okuhida, Gero, or the Nakasendo towns like Tsumago/Magome).
Lush Rebun Island, Hokkaidos serene meadows, azure sea. Some hiking
Hokkaido

Rebun: The Flowered Floating Island

Frantically I put my foot down, driving along the incredible Route 106 (the last stretch of road to the north of Hokkaido) through a storm where the sky and the ocean are as one.

Some crowds
Full day for a quick visit (or overnight if you want to hike and see more of the island).
Aogashima: Japans Majestic Volcanic Island Haven Some hiking
Izu Islands

Aogashima: Double Volcano Island

Aogashima is a very mysterious island. Online, always the same photos taken from a helicopter, sometimes photoshopped. But what’s really hidden behind these lava walls?

Quiet
Full day minimum on Aogashima; realistically 1–2 days including weather/transport buffer (ferry/heli disruptions).
Discover the raw beauty of Oshima Islands volcanic landscape with Mt. Miharas dramatic crater. Hard hike
Izu Islands

Oshima and its Black Desert

Oshima is the largest island in the Izu peninsula. It has an active volcano surrounded by black desert... the only desert in Japan!

Some crowds
Full day (plan 6–9 hours). The crater loop is relatively quick, but crossing/looping around the black desert can take much longer than expected and can make you miss the last boat.
Tranquil sunset at Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Japan, with iconic torii gate. Lively
Ibaraki

Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway

Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.

New Year Sunrise
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Eerie abandoned Japanese amusement park, haunting urban decay. Off the map
Japan

Best Abandoned Places in Japan (2017–2018)

"Jordy, did you give up the haikyo?" Here’s my answer, distilled into a new Best Of covering the past two years.

Difficulty
Risk
Coastal sanctuary with 123 red torii gates along the Japan Sea, Motonosumi Inari Shrine. Easy walk
Summer

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is located in western Japan, far from the rest of the world. The nearest city, 80 kilometres away, is Yamaguchi. Never heard of it?

Some crowds
Half day (2–4 hours on-site plus extra time for driving/transfers); longer if visiting for sunset and allowing for parking/traffic.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Haunting
Kumamoto

Kumamoto: Greenery and Limpid Water

Difficulty
Risk
Enchanting Nomizo Waterfall and Cave in Chiba, Japan: A breathtaking natural wonder. Easy walk
Chiba

Nomizo Falls: The Heart of Light

6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive.

Busy
2–3 hours (half-day trip from Tokyo, especially if visiting at sunrise)
Vermilion torii gate path descending hillside at Ukiha Inari Shrine, Japan Some hiking
Kyushu

Ukiha Inari Shrine

Discover Ukiha Inari Shrine in Fukuoka, an enchanting place known for its vermilion torii, its quiet calm, and its panoramic views.

Quiet
2–3 hours (including the torii climb, photos, and time at the viewpoint); half day if combining with nearby sights like Harazuru Onsen
Mossy forest trail at Jinjoji Temple, Japan Some hiking
Chugoku

Jinjo-ji: Ancient Shrine Lost in the Mountains

Dans le fin fond de la campagne rurale japonaise, on tombe parfois sur des endroits qui semblent figés dans le temps. Le temple Jinjoji à Shimonoseki en fait clairement partie.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if you include mountain scenery walks and slow exploration of the garden and grounds)
Takayama Inari Shrine Easy walk
Aomori

Takayama Inari Shrine

Follow the Senbon-Torii path through the red gates to meet the foxes and the goddess Inari ...

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half day if combining with other Tsugaru/Aomori sights or allowing for slower travel connections)
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Some hiking
Kumamoto

The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cypress forest. Take the path with stone torii gates and discover this timeless place.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site including the climb and visit to Ugetoiwa)
Natadera Temple: Serene Japanese Shrine Amidst Verdant Landscape Easy walk
Ishikawa

Natadera Temple

Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site, longer if combining with Komatsu/Kanazawa sightseeing)
Shishijima Some hiking
Kagawa

Shishijima: Island of the Goat (or of the 19 Residents)

It’s early. I call on my host: couldn’t you recommend an island around here for my morning constitutional? Of course, he told me. So join my mate on his boat down there. He’ll take you to his place! On Goat Island! You’ve a deal there, I miaow readily, whiskers quivering with excitement.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if hiking to the Okusu camphor tree and wandering the abandoned villages)