Here are things you can do according to what interests you
Visit Shrines and Temples
-
Kotohira-jinja Shrine / Kijima-jinja ShrineKyoto Amanohashidate -
Arahira Tenjin ShrineKagoshima Sakurajima -
Tenjinzaki and Motojima-jinja ShrineWakayama Kumano Kodo Susami -
Kanmangafuchi AbyssTochigi Nikko -
Ukiha-inari ShrineFukuoka Ukiha -
Kyoto TaishakutenKyoto Kyotamba -
Kumano Sanzan Kumano Hongu TaisyaMie Kumano Kodo Mihama -
Daijoryu-jinja ShrineHiroshima Sera -
Mizunoozan Choraku-ji TempleHyogo Kannabe Highland -
Takinoo-jinja ShrineTochigi Nikko -
ImakoyasanHiroshima Sera -
Takiharanomiya ShrineMie Okuise Odai -
Nakayama-jinja ShrineOkayama Tsuyama -
Manai-jinja ShrineKyoto Amanohashidate -
Chogakuji TempleNara Tenri Yamanobenomichi -
Koishidani ShrineKyoto Minamiyamashiro -
Seki Zenko-ji TempleGifu Mino -
Koiji BridgeKyoto Minamiyamashiro
Kotohira-jinja Shrine / Kijima-jinja Shrine
Kyoto Amanohashidate
A BASE Where Cat Lovers Want to Visit at Least Once to Truly Appreciate Cats
It is said that Kotohira Shrine is the only shrine in Japan that has guardian cats instead of guardian dogs. It is popularly known as "Kompira-san" among the local people. There are many illustrations and figurines of cats in the precincts of the shrine, so have fun walking around looking for your favorite ones. Unfortunately, we could not see any real cats.
Writer
tamaco
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Amanohashidate
about the Hotel
Arahira Tenjin Shrine
Kagoshima Sakurajima
A BASE to Stay When You Want to Calm Your Mind in a Mystical Space
Arahira Tenjin Shrine is located on a rocky hill jutting out into the sea. The sandy approach to the shrine is a mysterious and calming space that sinks into the sea at high tide and gives way at low tide. The worship hall is a bit of a challenge to reach, climbing steep stairs relying on ropes! At this spot, view the blue sky and the all-over blue of the sea in the morning, or since this spot is on the west side, come at sunset.
Writer
Ryotaro Takeshima
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kagoshima Sakurajima
about the Hotel
Tenjinzaki and Motojima-jinja Shrine
Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami
A BASE with Unforgettable Beauty Due to Preserved Nature
Tenjinzaki is famous and known as Japan's Salar de Uyuni. The flat cape stretches into the sea even at times other than low tide. It was my first time seeing this rare sight. The seamless beauty of the cape and the calm sea was moving. A mystical torii gate floats nearby in the shimmering sea. It was a place that purified my soul, making me want to offer a prayer of gratitude.
Writer
NAO
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami
about the Hotel
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Tochigi Nikko
A Different Number of Expressive Statues on the Way There and Back? A BASE to Pray to Expressive Jizō Statues
Formed by lava erupted from Mount Nantai, a picturesque place where the clear stream of Daiyagawa River and mossy greenery create a natural beauty. Passing through the hall of Jiunji Temple, you will be greeted by Jizō statues lined up in a quiet forest. The number of statues is said to change on your way there and back, earning them the name "Bake Jizō (Ghost Jizō)." The rich nature and expressive Jizō statues purified me spiritually and calmed me.
Writer
yuko watanabe
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
about the Hotel
Ukiha-inari Shrine
Fukuoka Ukiha
A BASE to Reset Your Mind at a Revered Power Spot With Stunning Vistas
The sight of 92 torii gates lined up along the approach to the hilltop is truly awe-inspiring, and it fills your heart with serenity. As you ascend the approximately 300 steps, the harmonious fusion of crimson torii gates and the picturesque Ukiha landscape unfolds before your eyes in a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. The shrine is all lit up at night, too, so don't miss it!
Writer
aki
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha
about the Hotel
Kyoto Taishakuten
Kyoto Kyotamba
A BASE to Pray for Wishes With the Sound of 108 Bells
One hundred and eight bells, representing the number of worldly passions, stand in a row at Taishakuten Temple. Each bell, when struck with a wish in mind, produces a unique sound that echoes quietly throughout the temple grounds and seems to penetrate deep into the heart. It is said that by communicating your wishes to Taishakuten, the deity of this temple, and his messenger, the monkey, your wishes will come true. After doing this, I felt a sense of empowerment inside of me, as if I had been given some kind of special power.
Writer
Mayumi
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba
about the Hotel
Kumano Sanzan Kumano Hongu Taisya
Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama
A BASE to Bathe in the Majestic Air Continuing Since Ancient Times
Located deep in the mountains stands the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Kumano is a sacred place with a long history of strong faith since ancient times, with the saying, "Go to Ise seven times, go to Kumano three times." As soon as you enter the grounds here, the sacred air feels otherworldly. You will surely feel overwhelmed by the inner shrine's cypress bark-roofed buildings all lined up!
Writer
Naoyuki Kubo
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama
about the Hotel
Daijoryu-jinja Shrine
Hiroshima Sera
A BASE Known as Sera Town's Power Spot
Daijoryu-jinja Shrine is known for so many display of ema (votive tablets) bearing the wishes of people who have come to worship. It recently gained popularity on social media for its supposed benefits for career advancement, drawing in more visitors. When I went to this shrine, I sincerely prayed for my own professional success, too.
Writer
Naoyuki Kubo
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Hiroshima Sera
about the Hotel
Mizunoozan Choraku-ji Temple
Hyogo Kannabe Highland
A BASE of a Tranquil Moss-Covered Mountain Temple That Will Lighten Your Spirit
The mind is gradually emptied as one walks up the winding approach to the quiet mountain temple where the moss-covered grounds will lighten your spirits as if purified. The heart is further warmed through friendly chats with the head monk and interacting with the mascot rabbit, "Omusubi-chan."
Writer
Mayumi
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Highland
about the Hotel
Takinoo-jinja Shrine
Tochigi Nikko
A BASE to Wish for Blessings from Testing Your Luck to Matchmaking and Safe Childbirth
Located about 30 minutes on foot from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Takinoo Shrine is an associated shrine of Futarasan Shrine situated deep in the mountains, thickly covered with trees. Just gazing at the serene space filled with sunlight filtering through the tree will surely purify you spiritually. Test your luck by throwing a stone through the small hole in the "Undameshi no (trial of luck) Torii" gate three times, and if it goes through even once, you will have good luck. This is an exciting hidden spot for good luck filled with entertaining elements, including the "Anzan (easy delivery) Kodane stone" and "Enmusubi no Sasa (bamboo leaf for marriage)."
Writer
yuko watanabe
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
about the Hotel
Imakoyasan
Hiroshima Sera
A BASE Where You Can Soak in the Beauty of Every Season
Imakoyasan is a historic site designated by Hiroshima Prefecture. With its landscape painted in vibrant colors every season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh verdure in summer, and autumn leaves, Imakoyasan (Ryuge-ji Temple) is the spot for you if you want to witness and feel the changing of the seasons. You can ring the bell at this temple yourself, so definitely give it a try. When I rang the bell, the sound it made was unexpectedly beautiful, making me feel as if my heart was being cleansed.
Writer
Naoyuki Kubo
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Hiroshima Sera
about the Hotel
Takiharanomiya Shrine
Mie Okuise Odai
A BASE Where You Can Go Deep into the Woods and Purify Yourself
Walking along the path to the shrine through a majestic grove of trees said to be several hundred years old led us to Takiharanomiya Shrine, a subordinate shrine of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, which is also known as Motoise. We first purified ourselves in the clear river that is also used for handwashing. Then, we entered the shrine grounds where a divine atmosphere pervades, all while accompanied by the murmurs of the river. As I basked in the beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees, a profound sense of purity and peace enveloped me.
Writer
Noe＊Nao
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Okuise Odai
about the Hotel
Nakayama-jinja Shrine
Okayama Tsuyama
A BASE Where You Can Reexamine Yourself and Feel Your Burden Being Lifted
The main shrine, designated as a national important cultural property, exudes a distinct kind of beauty coming from well-aged wood that sets it apart from other shrines. If you look at the main shrine from the side, and not just the front, you'll surely be surprised by its size. I was enveloped in a state of calm in the quiet and solemn grounds.
Writer
Akira Onoue
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama
about the Hotel
Manai-jinja Shrine
Kyoto Amanohashidate
A BASE Where Your Heart Purifies, Surrounded by Prayer, and Your Back Straightens Naturally
Walking up the mountain from Kono Shrine while listening to the sound of the river will bring you to Manai-jija Shrine, the inner sanctuary of the shrine. Passing through the torii gate and entering a quiet forest, I found that the air had changed. The precinct of the shrine was filled with dignified silence, and each step up the stairs gave me a mysterious feeling as if my mind was becoming purified.
Writer
tamaco
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Amanohashidate
about the Hotel
Chogakuji Temple
Nara Tenri Yamanobenomichi
A BASE to Refresh Your Mind With Nature's Symphony of Blossoms and Bird Songs
"In these challenging times, a temple serves as a sanctuary to refresh the mind. I hope it provides a moment of relaxation, where you can admire the flowers and listen to the birds singing." The teaching imparted by the temple's chief priest adds profound depth to your visit, making every moment within the temple grounds truly memorable. Amidst the enchanting tableau of flowers, birdsong, and dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage, you are enveloped by a sense of unparalleled beauty.
Writer
horii miho
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri Yamanobenomichi
about the Hotel
Koishidani Shrine
Kyoto Minamiyamashiro
A BASE Where You Can Feel a Distinct Kind of Power as you Breathe the Ethereal Air
Koishidani Shrine is located on the banks of the Kizu River. It is a guardian deity for women, believed to help women conceive, bless them with safe delivery, and cure their illnesses. It is also a power spot where people go to pray for success in love. Here, the air is clear and fresh, and as you breathe it in, you will feel it purifying your body and soul. The grounds are also kept clean, a clear indication of how much it is loved by the locals.
Writer
ayana kato
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro
about the Hotel
Seki Zenko-ji Temple
Gifu Mino
A BASE to Enjoy the Changing Seasons With a View of Seki City
This is a temple with various blessings. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Seki City from the bell tower, which is especially pleasant! In addition, Seki Zenko-ji Temple offers a tour of the temple's swastika-shaped ordination platform, which is said to be the only one in Japan. It is said that if you touch the key at the end of the path in the darkness, you will be blessed with good luck. You will surely have an adventurous time while feeling refreshed and purified.
Writer
Akira Onoue
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino
about the Hotel
Koiji Bridge
Kyoto Minamiyamashiro
A BASE Where You Can Relax as You Gaze at the Flowing River
Koiji Bridge is a submerged bridge that sinks into the river when the Kizu River rises. It's a bit startling at first since you don't usually see bridges like this, but that initial shock changes to a great refreshing feeling as soon as you get close to the river. On the other side is Koishidani Shrine, which is known for its matchmaking powers, so it might be a good idea to cross the bridge while thinking of your loved one.
Writer
ayana kato
Enjoy the experience based on
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro
about the Hotel
EXPLORE
Continue exploring according to your interests
Notice how you are feeling right now and just go with whatever catches your eye.
One of the joys of traveling is finding new things of interest!
One of the joys of traveling is finding new things of interest!