Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
A line of some forty rock pillars running out to sea at Kushimoto in Wakayama, left standing when the softer rock around them wore away.
Kushimoto · WakayamaTwo rocks off the shore at Futami in Mie, joined by a rope of rice straw, standing as a gateway to a sacred rock out in the sea.
Ise · MieA shrine on the western shore of Lake Biwa with a torii standing in the water, dedicated to Sarutahiko and known as a shrine of long life.
Takashima · ShigaA small island off Shirahama in Wakayama with a round hole worn through its middle, which the setting sun passes into around the equinoxes.
Shirahama · WakayamaA 620-metre beach of fine white quartz sand in Shirahama, Wakayama, and the first place on Honshu to open for swimming each year.
Shirahama · WakayamaThe innermost sanctuary of Koyasan, where a two-kilometre path through ancient cedars and 200,000 graves leads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
Koya · WakayamaThe Nara-Prefecture ruins where Japan's first centralised state took shape, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2026.
Kashihara · NaraKumano Hongu Taisha, heart of the Kumano Sanzan, traces its origins to before Emperor Jinmu - where legend says three moons descended to found the shrine.
Tanabe · WakayamaKumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, Wakayama, is one of the three grand Kumano shrines, known as a land of rebirth where pilgrims have long sought renewal.
Shingu · WakayamaOne of the three grand shrines of Kumano, beside Japan's tallest waterfall, and home of the Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow on Japan's football crest.
WakayamaSixteenth-century castle with traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by moat and stone walls, featuring a museum and scenic garden.
WakayamaCastle ruins on a 353-metre mountain, among Japan's top hundred castles, known as Japan's Machu Picchu for the sea of clouds on early autumn mornings.
Asago · HyogoUniversal Studios Japan in Osaka offers movie and TV-themed attractions including Hogwarts, roller coaster rides, live shows, and character meet-and-greets.
OsakaThis animal park features a climate-controlled greenhouse and outdoor spaces housing around 150 animal species and a thousand plant varieties.
Kobe · HyogoKuchu Teien, the 'Floating Garden' observatory atop Osaka's Umeda Sky Building, offers sweeping views and spectacular sunset displays.
OsakaKobe Harborland combines shopping, dining, and entertainment with iconic illuminated landmarks including a historic brick warehouse and Ferris wheel.
Kobe · HyogoThis Kyoto shrine devoted to Inari features thousands of torii gates donated by devotees seeking good fortune and prosperity in business and agriculture.
KyotoA major shrine with over 3,000 affiliated shrines nationwide, maintained through a tradition of structural renewal held every 20 years.
Nara
