Oarai Isosaki Shrine sits along the Pacific coast in Ibaraki and is famous for the Kamiiso-no-Torii — a torii gate standing on coastal rocks where waves crash beneath it. It’s one of Japan’s most photogenic seaside shrine views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki is one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of war Takemikazuchi-no-kami. Surrounded by forest, the expansive grounds feature sacred ponds, deer enclosures, and a striking torii gate standing in Lake Kitaura.

Experience the frozen beauty of Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki, Japan, and hike to the summit of Mt. Tsukiore for panoramic views. This winter adventure offers icy cascades, forested trails, and a glimpse of castle ruins, making it a unique and scenic escape.

Experience Mount Omuro, a perfectly conical dormant volcano on the Izu Peninsula. Take the chairlift to the summit for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the Izu Seven Islands, and Sagami Bay. A short visit makes it ideal to combine with nearby attractions.

Explore the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, a short, shaded trail linking seven scenic cascades. Easy paths, lush greenery, and quick access from Kawazu Station make this an ideal stop for a half-day adventure.

Mount Nesugata offers one of the best viewpoints in Shimoda, overlooking the historic harbour where American ships first arrived in Japan. Accessible by ropeway, the summit features scenic lookouts, historical watch stations, and the unique Aizenmyoodo Temple.

Hike the Jogasaki Coast for dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and sweeping Pacific views. Trails are well-marked and accessible, with quieter stretches offering breathtaking scenery and centuries-old temples along the way.

A change of plans led me to Izu Shaboten Zoo—where quiet paths, curious animals, and laid-back capybaras made up for a missed mountain view.

Kunozan Toshogu in Shizuoka enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the unifier of Japan. Perched above Suruga Bay, this ornate National Treasure shrine can be reached by ropeway or by climbing over 1,000 stone steps — offering both history and breathtaking views.

From sacred rituals to forested pathways, visiting Ise Grand Shrine offered a deeper look into Japan’s spiritual heart and timeless traditions.

Mount Yokoyama is an easy hike in Shima, Japan, offering stunning views of Ago Bay’s islands and coastline. With a visitor centre, multiple viewpoints, and peaceful trails, it’s ideal for a scenic half-day excursion.

A coastal walk, crashing waves, and the iconic wedded rocks—Futami Okitama Shrine offers a symbolic and scenic stop along Mie’s shoreline.

Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, celebrates the birth of cultured pearls and the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto. From elegant museum displays to live ama diver demonstrations, this small island offers a fascinating look at Japan’s pearl heritage.

An easy yet rewarding hike up Mt. Asamagatake offers panoramic views of the Ise-Shima islands, a temple midway along the trail, and a peaceful mountaintop with teahouses and a foot bath. Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and coastal scenery.

Onigajo in Mie Prefecture is a dramatic 1.2-kilometre coastal rock formation shaped by centuries of wind and waves. Part of the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Iseji route, it offers stunning ocean views, unique geological formations, and a touch of Japanese folklore.

Kamikura Shrine in Shingu sits dramatically atop Mount Gongenyama, reached by climbing 538 steep stone steps. Home to the sacred Gotobiki-iwa boulder and the legendary Oto Matsuri fire festival, this small shrine holds deep spiritual significance in the Kumano region.

Cape Shionomisaki marks the southernmost point of Honshu and offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit the historic Shionomisaki Lighthouse, walk scenic coastal trails, and enjoy panoramic views from the cape’s observation areas.

The Yura Coast in Wakayama offers dramatic Pacific Ocean views, ancient limestone formations, and quiet coastal roads perfect for hiking or cycling. This long coastal walk connects temples, shrines, a hidden limestone cave, and the striking white cliffs of Shirasaki Marine Park.

Kii-Tanabe is more than just the gateway to the Kumano Kodo. From historic shrines and coastal purification sites to scenic capes and sunset viewpoints, this coastal town offers a deeper and more rewarding start to your pilgrimage journey.

Kizetsu Gorge in Wakayama features dramatic rock formations, Fudo Falls, and three massive Buddhist statues carved into a cliff face. With a rewarding mountain viewpoint and a moderate climb, it’s a scenic and spiritual stop near Tanabe.