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.

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.

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.