Things to Do

Shrines & Temples

Kinkaku-ji

A golden pavilion nestled in the greens of Kitayama.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Temple

Meiji Jingu

Tokyo's Leading Power Spot, Boasting the Most Visitors at Hatsumode

Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama / Shrines & Temples / Shinto shrine (Sacred power place) / Closest to Harajuku Station

• 23 Jan 2023

  [Harajuku Cat Street 1-Day Course] Refine your sensibility and beauty at a Trend-Setting Place!

  Cat Street is a trend-setting place where name-brand stores and the hottest gourmet food are gathered. This article introduces a 1-day Course that allows you to fully enjoy the highlights of Cat Street and cultivate sensitivity and beauty. If you are going to visit a trend-setting area, not only enjoy yourself but how about refining your taste.

Nikko Toshogu

Japan’s Iconic World Heritage Site and Shrine Dedicated to the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Tochigi / Shrines & Temples / Shinto shrine

• 3 Feb 2019

  Day 2 of Winter Travel in Nikko ~Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine~

  This article will introduce day 2 of my winter trip to Nikko. Starting off with breakfast at my hotel, I also visited Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

• 5 Nov 2016

  Reporting back on Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture’s stunning autumn leaves!

  When I heard that Nikko’s autumn leaves were in their prime, I knew I had to go!

• 1 Jul 2015

  In this feature we overview the stores in the AEON Group we want people to know about if they are visiting Asakusa, Shibuya and other parts of central Tokyo, Yokohama, or Nikko, which is great for day

  Given this situation, our editorial department,with cooperation from the AEON Group, has written a series of articles about popular tourist sites and AEON Group stores near them.

Sensoji Temple

Boasting a history of over 1300 years, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo is among the most-visited in Japan!

Asakusa / Shrines & Temples / Buddhist temple

• 9 Sep 2019

  A Capsule Hotel at the Best Location for Sightseeing in Tokyo! Hotel 3000 Asakusa

  The flagship Hotel Asakusa 3000 is located 7 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Metro Ginza Line and TOEI Asakusa Line. Although it's situated close to Sensoji Temple, the rates are extremely cheap, starting from just ¥2,000, including a free breakfast!

• 11 Apr 2017

  Green Tea Feature Part 6: 2017 Spring tourist festival in Sensouji in Tokyo

  Green tea represents the soul of traditional Japanese culture. It is also enjoyable for the pronounced sweet and bitter tastes that belie its simplicity. And its reported positive effects on both health and beauty make it a very popular souvenir. However, you may well feel somewhat lost when choosing the right green tea product. With that in mind, I have decided to introduce the charms of green tea in all six upcoming issues.

• 27 Jan 2017

  “Fukumitsuya”; a must-visit souvenior shop in Asakusa “Kaminarimon”

  If you are one of people who would not know where to look in for souvenirs, we recommend visiting “Fukumitsuya”. It is a gift shop in Asakusa. We asked the shop owner what they recommend for tourists looking for gifts.

Todaiji Temple

The temple was built in the Nara period (710-794) and is registered as a World Heritage Site as a "cultural asset of the ancient capital Nara”.

Nara / Shrines & Temples / Temple, World Heritage Site

• 11 Feb 2019

  Nara Prefecture’s Todai-ji – Nigatsu-do Shuni-e

  First held in the year 752, this event has been held every year without fail for over 1260 years! Held by the temple’s monks in front of Nigatsu-do’s figure of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the temple’s idol, the event exists to repent for the everyday sins of humanity and wish for everyone’s happiness.

Kawasaki Daishi

Also Known as Yakuyoke Daishi, This Temple is Visited by Many for “Hatsumode” Every Year

Kawasaki / Shrines & Temples / Temple

• 24 Apr 2018

  To Enjoy Bicycle Racing and Sightseeing, Come To Kawasaki!

  Just 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, Kawasaki offers excellent access. From entertainment facilities to hot springs and temples such as Kawasaki Daishi, this city is packed with sightseeing spots! The Kawasaki Velodrome, where visitors can feel the full impact of bicycle racing, is another attraction. In addition to introducing a model 1-day course for visiting Kawasaki, this article will show you how to enjoy yourself at the Kawasaki Velodrome.

• 27 Nov 2017

  Experience Japan’s Most Important Cultural Tradition “Hatsumode” (First Shrine Visit of the New Year)! Kawasaki Daishi New Year’s Pilgrimage.

  For 2017’s hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the new year), I visited Kawasaki Daishi, another name for the temple Heiken-ji. Kawasaki Daishi is the most popular place for hatsumode visits in Kanagawa Prefecture, an area near Tokyo.

• 9 Aug 2017

  This article introduces you four attractive spots in Kawasaki, which has a great access to/from Haneda Airport. [Article series / The Surrounding Areas of Haneda Airport Part 8]

  Today, we would like to introduce you four of the most popular spots in Kawasaki area, which has a great access to/from Haneda Airport.

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / World Cultural Heritage, Temple

Itsukushima Shrine

A Shrine Registered as a World Heritage Site as of 1996.

Hiroshima / Shrines & Temples / Shrine

• 22 Feb 2021

  30 Things to Do in Hiroshima! A Full Guide of Everything from Must-See and Hidden Spots to Food, Shopping and more!

  Hiroshima, home to countless sightseeing spots and 2 World Heritage Sights at Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Plus, prepare to unleash your inner foodie with Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki and fresh oysters. Here’s everything thing you never knew you needed to plan a perfect trip in Hiroshima.

Yasaka Shrine

An ancient shrine with over 1,300-year history since before the relocation of Japan’s capital to Heian-kyo, it is also known as the birthplace of the Gion Festival, and has been highly revered.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Shrine

Ise Jingu

A two-thousand-year-old Shinto shrine, filled with the origins of Japanese history, nature, and architecture.

Mie / Shrines & Temples / Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha

“1000 Toriis(gate)” presents a grand spectacle with the beauty of a mysterious vermilion color.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Shirine

Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple)

Climb 1015 Stone Steps to Reach the Top to Worship! A Temple Said to Cut Out Bad Relationships.

Yamagata / Shrines & Temples / Temple

• 31 Dec 2018

  Yamagata Prefecture’s “Yamadera” – Amazing Snowy Scenery!

  You can reach Yamadera Station from Tokyo Station by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then changing to the Senzan line at Yamagata Station and riding for about 20 minutes.

• 4 Nov 2016

  Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture, with Stunning Scenery Throughout the Seasons

  Yamadera is located in Yamagata City of Yamagata Prefecture. The temple’s official name is Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple. This ancient temple has been worshipped for many years, and it is believed that climbing the 1015 stone steps to worship at the summit helps to cut bad relationship ties. The temple offers stunning scenery throughout each season of the year, so enjoy this showcase of the seasonal views!

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

The head shrine of 12,000 shrines across Japan, dedicated to the spirit of scholar Sugawara Michizane,

Fukuoka / Shrines & Temples / Shinto Shrines

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

112-feet-tall shrine gate is the landmark. The sacred place for Kumano Pilgrimage

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples / A world heritage, shrine

• 27 Mar 2022

  Kansai, where you can “Experience the Real Japan” that you have been looking for.

  The Kansai region is a “treasure house of Japanese culture” with a rich cultural resource remaining from its history as a former prosperous capital. There is a new, high-quality cultural tour that offers multiple cultural experiences in special settings with top-notch people who have mastered culture, art, or faith rooted in the Kansai region. Here are some travel reports from actual tour participants. Take part in this tour that is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime precious trip.

• 27 Mar 2022

  Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.

  Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.

Arakurayama Sengen Park

A Popular Spot for Sakura Cherry Blossoms, a Pagoda and Mount Fuji

Yamanashi / Shrines & Temples / Notable Spots in Japan

• 10 Mar 2019

  Enjoying a Beautiful View of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Fujiyoshida – Arakurayama Sengen Park

  If you walk about 10 minutes from the Fujikyuko Line’s Shimoyoshida Station, in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, then climb 398 steps, you will reach Arakurayama Sengen Park, a must-visit location. This is an admission-free park giving where you can enjoy a fine view of Mount Fuji and commanding a panoramic view of Fujiyoshida.

• 26 Feb 2019

  Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival

  Arakurayama Sengen Park is the most popular view of Mt. Fuji in the Fuji Five Lakes area, and the beautiful scenery attracts tourists from within and outside of Japan.

• 12 Apr 2018

  It's Sakura Season at Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture!

  All over Japan, Sakura (cherry blossoms) are reaching full bloom earlier than usual this year. Today, I'd like to introduce the Sakura at Arakurayama Sengen Park (nicknamed the Memorial Tower). It's located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Tenryu-ji Temple

This Zen temple was once ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains, and it is also designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many things to see in the precincts, including Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting).

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Temple, World heritage site

Byodoin

Amazing perfect symmetry! Heavenly architecture is truly enchanting.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / World heritage, Temple

Namba Yasaka Shrine

This is a shrine with a lion-headed shrine pavilion that has a great impact, and is a shrine for improving one's luck in the game.

Osaka / Shrines & Temples

Hakone Shrine

In the Old Days, Samurai Visited this Shrine, Winning Fame as the God of Victory

Hakone / Shrines & Temples / Shinto shrine

Kumano-Nachi Taisha

One of the three major shrines on Kumano mountains that is believed to help with relationships and wishes. There is an 850-year-old giant camphor tree and many other spots to see.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples / A world heritage, shrine

Chuson-ji Temple

A Temple Famous for the Glistening National Treasure “Konjiki-do” and Lotuses.

Iwate / Shrines & Temples / Temple

• 10 Dec 2016

  Visiting Iwate Prefecture’s World Heritage Site, “Hiraizumi”

  “Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land” was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. It is composed of five parts, all located within Hiraizumi Town of Iwate Prefecture: Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, Kanjizaioin Ato, Muryokoin Ato, and Mt. Kinkeisan. This article will introduce each of these five locations.

Okunitama-jinja Shrine

A shrine that boats over 1900 years of history and the guardian dieties of the Musashi Province.

Fuchu / Shrines & Temples / Shrines

Nijo-jo Castle

This is a symbol of the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Kyoto. There are numerous valuable remains and attractions, including the national treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Historical monument, Castle, World Heritage Site

Ginkaku-ji

The serene atmosphere is the essence of Higashiyama culture.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Temple

Tofukuji Temple

Japan’s oldest zen temple, established in 1255. Maple trees on the ravine that crosses the temple grounds turn red in fall and are renowned.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples / Temple