Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
A 1,250-year-old Buddhist temple in Wakayama that holds the second position on Japan's oldest pilgrimage route dedicated to Kannon worship.
WakayamaArt museum in Moriyama with Japanese-style paintings and sculpture, a water garden, and a historic temple bell (bonsho) designated a National Treasure.
Moriyama · ShigaWooden stadium completed in 1997 with a roof made from 25,000 Akita cypress trees allowing sunlight without artificial lighting.
Odate · AkitaImperial residence and administrative center during the Nara period (710-794), designed after Chinese models and reconstructed from excavations.
NaraOkayama shrine to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, a legendary prince said to have defeated an ogre and brought peace to the region, the root of the Momotaro story.
OkayamaRinzai Zen temple founded in 1334 renowned for its bamboo garden and tea house, housing a Shakyamuni statue and Ashikaga family remains.
Kamakura · KanagawaAgricultural park in Shiga offering flower gardens, hands-on farming activities, farm animal interactions, seasonal events, and a dog park for family visitors.
Hino · ShigaHead temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, Miidera was founded in the seventh century and has survived repeated destruction, earning the name Phoenix Temple.
Otsu · ShigaSacred mountain shrine in Okayama with more than two thousand years of history, blending Shinto and Buddhist practices as a centre of pilgrimage.
Kurashiki · OkayamaBuilt in 1991, this 100-meter statue depicts White-Robed Kannon and commemorates Sendai's city centennial, symbolizing compassion and Buddhist enlightenment.
Sendai · MiyagiSaikyo-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect, was founded by Prince Shotoku and reorganized in 1486 as the sect's central training site.
Otsu · ShigaThis Sendai shrine has served as a center of devotion for over a thousand years, enshrining the divine family of Izanagi, Izanami, and their child Ebisu.
Sendai · MiyagiOne of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, featuring a central pond with islands and bridges, tea house, and abundant cherry blossoms in spring.
OkayamaShrine dedicated to Emperor Jimmu and ancestral deities, believed to occupy the site of the emperor's ancient palace before his legendary eastern expedition.
MiyazakiEstablished in 1940, Omi Jingu enshrines Emperor Tenji and stands adjacent to the traditional site of the Omi Otsu Palace, which he founded in 667.
Otsu · ShigaJomon-period archaeological site with pit dwellings dating back 9,500 years, now a 36-hectare park and exhibition centre in Kagoshima.
Kirishima · KagoshimaJapan's oldest surviving Kabuki theatre, constructed in 1835 and restored to Edo-period appearance, hosting major spring programs annually.
Kotohira · KagawaDedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, this shrine was established in 974 and relocated to Sendai, rebuilt in 1667 with striking vermilion colors.
Sendai · Miyagi
