japanese mythology

Visited a Powerful Spiritual Spot in Aomori, Japan – Towada Shrine! Lake Towada in Aomori is not only known as a scenic destination, but also as a spiritual and even haunted place. Right along its shores sits Towada Shrine, believed to be a sacred power spot with mystical energy. Along with Osorezan on the Shimokita Peninsula, this area was once a training ground for Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism), and it still exudes a mysterious spiritual atmosphere. One key feature of the shrine is the “Uraba”, or Fortune Telling Spot. From Towada Shrine, there’s a path about 150 meters into the ...

Kinomiya Shrine has long been revered as "Kinomiya Daimyojin," the guardian deity of Atami, and is deeply rooted in the region's spiritual culture as a bringer of good fortune and luck. According to legend, the origins of the shrine date back to the Nara period, when a wooden statue caught in a fisherman’s net was enshrined here. Kinomiya Shrine is also famously known across Japan as a rare “Deity of Sobriety,” making it quite unique. It’s about a 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station, or just a 5-minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station on the Ito Line. If you're coming ...

Kashima Jingu Shrine: Spiritual Power, Victory Blessings & the Sacred Origin of Japan’s Ley Lines Kashima Jingu Shrine is said to have been founded in the very first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign—660 BCE—according to ancient records. Until modern times, only three shrines in Japan held the prestigious title of “Jingu”: Ise Jingu, Katori Jingu, and Kashima Jingu, making this shrine truly exceptional in terms of history and spiritual significance. It is the head shrine of over 600 Kashima Shrines across Japan. The custom of praying for a safe journey at the start of a trip—known as *Kashima-dachi*—originated here. The ...

Visiting Ryomazan Yoshitsune Temple In Minmaya, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, a local legend tells that Minamoto no Yoshitsune did not die in Hiraizumi as history claims. Instead, he secretly fled north and crossed the Tsugaru Strait from this area to reach Hokkaido. The famed Japanese author Osamu Dazai also visited this temple while writing his novel Tsugaru. From the temple grounds, you’re greeted with a sparkling ocean view. While you can climb a steep set of stairs from the main road, driving up to the parking lot is highly recommended—those stairs are no joke! From here, you can take in ...

Time Travel into the World of Tono Monogatari: Discover Kappa Legends & the Spirit of Oshirasama at Tono Furusato Village Tono Furusato Village We left the coast of Rikuzentakata and headed inland to Tono, the legendary land of folklore in Iwate. Just about an hour’s drive—and totally worth the trip. As a middle schooler, I was obsessed with Yanagita Kunio’s Tono Monogatari and dreamed of visiting someday… it took a while, but here I am, all grown up and finally living the dream. Tono is famous for its kappa legends, and yes, there was even a wanted poster for a ...

Suwa Taisha – Where Legends and Magnetic Fields Collide Suwa Taisha is a sacred Shinto shrine spread across four locations around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. On this trip, I only had time to visit one—the Honmiya (Main Shrine) of the Upper Shrine—but trust me, even visiting just one was powerful enough! Originally two separate shrines (Kami-Suwa and Shimo-Suwa), they were unified during the Meiji period and are now known collectively as Suwa Taisha. The famous “Onbashira” sacred logs used in the wild festival held every 7 years? Yep, those are here too! I parked my car in kind of ...