A day in Takamori blended spirituality and pop culture. From visiting the mystical Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine and its legendary cave to spotting One Piece statues, riding an anime-themed train, and exploring Yasui Tunnel Park’s festive displays, this Kumamoto adventure was full of surprises.

A nighttime visit to Takachiho Shrine reveals ancient myths brought to life through Kagura dance, set beneath towering cedar trees.

A quiet walk through sacred forests and riverside caves tied to the legend of Amaterasu, exploring the spiritual heart of Takachiho beyond the gorge.

A brief visit in heavy rain to one of Kyushu’s oldest shrines, where rebuilt gates and quiet grounds reflect both resilience and deep history.

Ukiha Inari Shrine is a hidden gem in Fukuoka, perched on a mountainside with a long stairway of vermillion torii gates and hillside haiku trails. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk, it offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills, with a serene and photogenic atmosphere.

Motonosumi Shrine in Yamaguchi is famous for its dramatic line of vermilion torii gates overlooking the Sea of Japan, but reaching it without a car can become an adventure of its own.

A quiet countryside walk, a steep forest climb, and 270 stone steps lead to the Sky View Torii Gate of Takaya Shrine—an unforgettable mountaintop view overlooking Kanonji and the Seto Inland Sea.

Day 2 in Nikko took me into the mountainous Inner Nikko region via the winding Irohazaka road. From panoramic views at Akechidaira and Kegon Waterfall to a peaceful cruise on Lake Chuzenji and a visit to Futarasan Shrine Chugushi, the day blended dramatic landscapes with sacred mountain history.

Nikko – Day 1 explores the UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, Kirifuri Falls, and the peaceful Kanmangafuchi Abyss. From Toshogu Shrine’s intricate carvings to a quiet riverside walk lined with Jizo statues, this first day blends history, nature, and sacred mountain landscapes.

Togakushi Shrine in Nagano is a sacred complex of five shrines linked by forest trails and ancient mythology. I hiked from the upper to lower shrines, passing towering cedars, quiet lakes, and centuries-old temples along the way. Between the legends of Amaterasu and encounters with kind locals, it became one of my most memorable hikes in Japan.

From volcanic waterfalls to mountain pass views and autumn reflections at Kumoba Pond, a single day in Karuizawa offered a surprising range of scenery and quiet moments.

As the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan, Usa Shrine offers a deeply atmospheric walk through forested grounds, ancient bridges, and over 1,300 years of living history.

Built into a steep hillside in Saga Prefecture, Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s top three Inari shrines. Its elevated main hall, supported by vivid red pillars, offers sweeping views, peaceful forest trails, and a striking alternative to Kyoto’s more crowded shrine experiences.

Hakuto Shrine in Tottori blends coastal scenery with ancient Japanese mythology, telling the timeless love story of the White Rabbit of Inaba in a serene seaside setting.