Walking along an approach path in a quiet forest where only birdsong echoes, you draw closer step by step to a historic shrine building. Journeys that visit these shrines and temples in so-called “hidden regions” are now attracting many people.

In this article, based on the YouTube video 【日本の神社仏閣旅】, we introduce the shrines and temples that appear in the video from a traveler’s point of view, highlighting key information and must-see spots. We also explain the appeal of goshuin (special calligraphy stamps given at shrines and temples), basic etiquette for visiting, and tips for access, so even beginners to goshuin trips will find it helpful.

An overview of 18 hidden shrines and temples: features, history, and blessings

Below, you will find detailed information on all 18 shrines and temples featured in the video, including their characteristics, history, origins, and the blessings they are known for.

Haruna Shrine (Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture)

Haruna Shrine (榛名神社, Haruna Jinja), which stands quietly on the slopes of Mount Haruna, is a place where you can deeply feel both history and nature. It is said to have been founded in the era of Emperor Yōmei, and has long been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship.

Photo: Haruna Shrine, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture

The long approach path is wrapped in deep forest, with a stream murmuring beside moss-covered boulders. This mystical route makes the everyday world feel more distant with every step, and gradually brings a sense of inner calm. Along the way, highlights include the towering “Yatate-sugi” cedar and the “Sōryūmon” gate, whose form is said to resemble dragons rising to the heavens. Above all, the rock cliff that rises as if to protect the main hall is overwhelming, and has long been revered as a “rock inhabited by the gods.”

The goshuin at Haruna Shrine are striking for their powerful brush strokes, and when limited editions are available, worshippers line up to receive them. After your visit, you can enjoy the local specialty konnyaku dishes in the shrine town at the base of the approach, or combine your trip with sightseeing at nearby Lake Haruna. With its well-balanced appeal as a place of nature, history, and spiritual energy, it is truly a “sacred area you will want to visit again and again.”

Address: 849 Harunasan-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Gate opening hours: 7:00–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Shrine office: 9:00–16:00
Access: About 70 minutes by bus from JR Takasaki Station
【Official Website】https://www.haruna.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (0:21) in the video.

Akagi Shrine (Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture)

Akagi Shrine stands on the quiet lakeside of Mount Akagi. Its bright vermilion shrine buildings and the clear, refreshing air leave a strong impression, and as soon as you arrive you feel that you have “entered a sacred realm.” Many legends remain here, including the story of Princess Akagi, and from long ago the shrine has been cherished as a place where women’s wishes are granted. The torii gate reflected in the surface of the lake takes on a different atmosphere with each season. In particular, when the morning sun shines in, the scene becomes almost dreamlike, wrapping visitors in a silence that feels like stepping into a painting.

Photo: Lake Onuma on Mt. Akagi and the approach bridge to Akagi Shrine, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture

A fresh breeze created by the nature of Mount Akagi flows through the grounds, and simply strolling around will make you feel lighter. There are also walking paths and cafés along the lakeshore, so spending a leisurely time there after your visit is part of the appeal. Goshuin featuring motifs of Mount Akagi and dragons are especially popular, and seasonal limited designs attract many worshippers. With its blend of grand nature and mythological stories, Akagi Shrine offers new discoveries in any season.

Address: 4-2 Akagisan, Fujimi-machi, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Visiting hours: Grounds open at all times
Access: About 60 minutes by bus from Maebashi Station
※You can watch this part from (1:22) in the video.

Furumine Shrine (Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Furumine Shrine, embraced by the vast nature of Furumine-ga-hara, is known as a sacred site of tengu (long-nosed goblin) worship, a unique element of Japanese folk belief. As soon as you step into the grounds, the large tengu masks and carvings that catch your eye give the place a distinctive character, combining solemnity with a surprisingly approachable atmosphere. The shrine has an ancient history and has long been revered as a guardian deity for protection from fire and safety within the home.

Photo: Furumine Shrine , Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture

One feature that cannot be overlooked when speaking of this shrine is the expansive garden, “Furumine-en.” It is decorated with seasonal flowers and trees, and the scenery reflected in the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoying a bowl of matcha in the garden teahouse gently soothes the fatigue of travel.

Furumine Shrine is also famous for having one of the richest varieties of goshuin in Japan. The stamps depicting tengu are all very distinctive, and many people visit specifically to receive them. For those who wish to offer quiet prayers in the middle of great nature, this is an ideal place.

Address: 3027 Kusaku, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture
Shrine office hours: 9:00–16:00
Access: About 35 minutes by car from JR Kanuma Station
【Official Website】http://www.furumine-jinjya.jp/
※You can watch this part from (2:23) in the video.

Karasawayama Shrine (Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Karasawayama Shrine stands on a mountaintop 247 meters above sea level and is known for its superb view overlooking Sano City. It enshrines Fujiwara no Hidesato, a warrior from the Heian period, and many worshippers visit to pray for success in competition and good fortune in work. Because the shrine is located within the ruins of Karasawa Castle, which was built on the mountain, visitors can also enjoy walking among old stone walls and castle remains.

While strolling through the grounds, you may encounter friendly cats that suddenly appear and charm visitors. It has become so popular on social media that it is sometimes called a “cat sanctuary,” and the sight of cats gracefully walking along the stone walls is a scene unique to this shrine. The goshuin feature dignified and weighty brush strokes, and often include a stamp for victory, making them a striking addition to any goshuin book.

Address: 1409 Fuji-cho, Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture
Visiting hours: Grounds open at all times
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Sano Station
【Official Website】http://karasawayama.com
※You can watch this part from (3:55) in the video.

Torinoko Sanjo Shrine (Nasukagawa Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture)

Torinoko Sanjo Shrine, which sits on the border between Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, is famous nationwide as a spiritual power spot for increasing financial fortune. As you enter the grounds, the first thing you notice is the enormous golden owl statue. Its presence is far more powerful than photos can convey, and many visitors instinctively stop to take pictures. In Japanese, owl (fukurō) is associated with wordplay such as “no hardship” (不苦労) and “good fortune comes” (福来朗), so owls are considered symbols of good luck and are placed throughout the grounds.

Photo: Torinoko Sanjo Shrine, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture

Because the shrine stands at a high elevation, the air is clear, and walking through the refreshing grounds gives you the sense that your heart is quietly blending into the stillness of nature. Goshuin with cute owl stamps are especially popular and are highly valued by those who wish to improve their luck.

Address: 1948 Yamata, Nakagawa-machi, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture
Hours: Shrine office 9:00–16:00 (subject to change depending on the season)
Access: Visiting by car is the most convenient option
【Official Website】https://www.torinokosan.com
※You can watch this part from (5:17) in the video.

Saimeiji Temple (Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture)

Founded in the Heian period, Saimeiji is a tranquil, historic temple nestled in a deep mountain village, and it is famous for its elegant three-storied pagoda, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The delicate carvings and perfectly balanced silhouette are graceful. In the autumn foliage season, the red of the pagoda and the crimson leaves overlap beautifully, creating a breathtaking scene.

Photo: Saimeiji Temple, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture

Within the grounds, moss-covered stone steps and old temple buildings are scattered about, and walking slowly allows you to feel the depth of history with your whole body. The temple’s “Meishō” bell is known for its clear, resonant tone and is loved as a famous bell. The goshuin are characterized by neat and elegant calligraphy, and at times limited stamps featuring seasonal scenery are also available.

Address: 4469 Mashiko, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture
Visiting hours: 9:00–16:00
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Mashiko Station
【Official Website】http://www.fumon.jp
※You can watch this part from (6:18) in the video.

Kumano Kotai Shrine (Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture / Usui Pass)

This unusual shrine straddles the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, and the center line of the main hall itself marks the prefectural border.

Photo: The prefectural border at Kumano Kotai Shrine, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture

It has long been venerated as a guardian of the mountain pass, where travelers would pray for safety on their journeys. In the grounds stands a giant “Shinano tree,” said to be more than a thousand years old, and looking up at its thick trunk, you cannot help but feel the strength and sacredness of nature.

Visitors come to see not only the “Pop-up Shinano Tree Goshuin,” featured in the video, but also the “Prefectural Border Goshuin.” You can receive goshuin from both the Nagano side and the Gunma side shrine offices, and many worshippers enjoy placing the two side by side as a special keepsake that can only be obtained here. Many people also stop by as part of a trip to Karuizawa, and the refreshing highland air enhances the feeling of being on a journey.

Address: 1 Toge-machi, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Shrine office hours: 9:00–16:00 (grounds open at all times)
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station
【Official Website】https://kumanokoutai.com/
※You can watch this part from (7:19) in the video.

Kumano Shrine (Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture)

Kumano Shrine, which stands quietly in a mountain valley, is a restful place wrapped in a calm atmosphere and the soothing presence of nature. Because it is close to an old mountain pass, it was once used as a place where travelers prayed for a safe journey, and a simple, warm ambience still remains today. If you listen carefully to the gentle rustling of the trees along the approach path, you will feel your heart becoming strangely peaceful.

Photo: Kumano Shrine, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture

The goshuin are simple yet refined in style, evoking the presence of a quiet mountain deity. Many people enjoy a “double Kumano visit,” making a pilgrimage to both this shrine and the nearby Kumano Kotai Shrine, and by touring the area you can also sense the history of the old mountain routes.

Address: 1 Toge, Matsuida-machi, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture
Visiting hours: Grounds open at all times
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station (please note that it is not possible to reach the shrine directly by car from the Gunma side; walking or buses are required, so be sure to check official information for details.)
※You can watch this part from (8:41) in the video.

Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture)

Tsubaki Grand Shrine, known as the main shrine of Sarutahiko Ōkami, Japan’s oldest “guiding deity,” is one of the leading spiritual power spots in Mie Prefecture. A dignified atmosphere fills the grounds, and the quietness of the surrounding forest feels like a gentle embrace. Sarutahiko Ōkami is famous as a “god who opens the way,” and many worshippers visit to pray for luck in work and support at turning points in life.

Photo: Tsubaki Grand Shrine, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture

Behind the main hall is the “Betsugū Tsubaki Kishi Shrine,” said to be filled with strong spiritual energy and popular as a place where women’s wishes are granted. After your visit, you can also enjoy the local specialty “Tsubaki Torimeshi” at the Tsubaki Kaikan within the grounds. The goshuin feature crisp and dignified calligraphy, and many people collect the monthly limited designs, which are especially attractive.

Address: 1871 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Shrine office: 8:00–17:00
Access: About 45 minutes by bus from Yokkaichi Station
【Official Website】https://tsubaki.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (9:42) in the video.

Hakone Shrine (Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Hakone Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gate standing in Lake Ashi, is one of the most renowned shrines in the Kanto region and has been deeply revered by travelers and warriors since ancient times. Founded in the Nara period, this venerable shrine is set in a grand landscape unique to Hakone, where mountains and lake overlap. Walking along the approach path in the clear air feels pleasantly refreshing on the skin and gives the sense that your heart is being cleansed. The “Torii of Peace” standing in the lake is especially beautiful in the soft morning light and at sunset, and in recent years it has drawn attention both in Japan and abroad as a “must-visit scenic spot.”

Photo: Hakone Shrine, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Within the grounds stands the sacred “Yatate-no-sugi” cedar, believed to be over a thousand years old, where travelers and warriors have long prayed for safety and victory. Right next to the shrine is the new hall of Kuzuryu Shrine, famous as a deity of matchmaking. It is said that visiting both shrines brings blessings in many areas, including financial fortune, good relationships, and the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. With its beautiful blend of history, nature, and a sacred atmosphere, Hakone Shrine is an essential destination at the heart of any Hakone trip.

Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Shrine office reception: 8:15–17:00
Prayer reception hours: 8:30–16:00
Treasure hall visiting hours: 9:00–16:00
Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
【Official Website】https://hakonejinja.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (11:19) in the video.

Nakano-dake Shrine (Shimonita Town, Gunma Prefecture)

Nakano-dake Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Myōgi, is known for its strikingly unusual giant statue of Daikoku-sama. Shining in gold, this statue stands more than 20 meters tall, and its overwhelming presence when viewed up close leaves a powerful impression. Daikokuten has long been beloved as a deity who brings good fortune and wealth, and this giant statue welcomes visitors as “Japan’s largest Daikoku-sama.”

Photo: Nakano-dake Shrine, Shimonita Town, Gunma Prefecture

The rocky cliffs of Mount Myōgi that rise behind the shrine have a unique ruggedness, allowing visitors to feel the dynamic power of nature. Walking through the grounds, you can sense a solemn atmosphere, as if the mountain deity is quietly watching over you. In the video, a paper-cut “Dragon Ceiling Painting Goshuin,” a special type of shrine stamp with a cut-out dragon design, is introduced. There is also a Goshuin featuring Daikoku, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Address: 1248 Kamiosaka, Shimonita Town, Kanra District, Gunma Prefecture
Visiting hours: Grounds open at all times
Access: About 20 minutes by car from Shimonita Station
【Official Website】https://www.nakanotake.com
※You can watch this part from (12:20) in the video.

Myōgi Shrine (Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture)

Myōgi Shrine stands at the base of Mount Myōgi, one of Japan’s three most famous “strange” landscapes for its rugged peaks. The shrine is renowned for its luxurious carvings and solemn buildings. Passing through the vivid vermilion main gate and climbing the steep stone steps, you come face to face with the main hall, whose gorgeous appearance showcases the pinnacle of Edo-period architecture. The richly colored carvings on the Karamon gate are stunningly beautiful, and when you look at them up close, their intricate workmanship is truly overwhelming.

Photo: Myogi Shrine, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture

Mount Myōgi itself is known as a mountain with strong spiritual energy, and many climbers and travelers come to pray for safety. The goshuin are striking for their bold, weighty brush strokes, perfectly conveying the unique dignity and solemnity of this shrine.

Address: 6 Myōgi, Myōgi-machi, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture
Visiting hours: Treasure hall and former palace building 9:00–17:00 (except from 12/20 to 1/10)
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Matsuida Station
【Official Website】https://www.myougi.jp
※You can watch this part from (13:21) in the video.

Hattasan Soneiji Temple (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Hattasan, famous as a temple of Yakuyoke Kannon (a Kannon for warding off misfortune), is a well-known temple in Shizuoka that has attracted many worshippers since ancient times. Walking along the long approach path surrounded by trees, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind soothes the heart and allows you to head toward the main hall in a relaxed state of mind. Although the temple is known for warding off bad luck, once you visit, you find that the entire grounds are filled with a gentle atmosphere that truly feels like “a place where your spirit becomes lighter.”

Photo: Hattasan Soneiji Temple, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture

After praying, it is customary to enjoy the temple’s specialty “Yakuyoke dango” rice dumplings. Their simple, gentle sweetness seems to sink slowly into your body after your pilgrimage. The goshuin bear the name of Kannon written in powerful characters, and many visitors receive them with the wish of casting off misfortune.

Address: 2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Visiting hours: 8:30–16:30
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Fukuroi Station
【Official Website】https://www.hattasan.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (14:22) in the video.

Yusanji Temple (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Yusanji, a temple wrapped in deep forest, is affectionately known as a temple of “Kannon for the eyes.” Clear spring water flows through the grounds, and the temple has long been a place of prayer for the healing of eye diseases, drawing many devotees over the centuries. The approach path through the trees is filled with a pleasant quiet, and simply walking along it surrounds you with a soothing atmosphere created by nature.

Photo: Yusanji Temple, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture

The main hall is solid and dignified yet warm, and when you put your hands together in prayer, you may feel as if a gentle air is softly embracing you. Several types of goshuin are available, mainly featuring Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) and Kannon, making them perfect mementos of your visit.

Address: 1 Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Visiting hours: 9:00–16:30 (the temple grounds can be visited freely, but please check the official website for details.)
Access: About 20 minutes by car from Fukuroi Station
【Official Website】https://yusanji.jp
※You can watch this part from (15:59) in the video.

Amabiki Kannon (Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Amabiki Kannon, one of the thirty-three temples of the Bandō Kannon Pilgrimage, is popular as a “flower temple” where seasonal blossoms color the grounds. The hydrangeas in early summer are particularly spectacular, covering the slopes of the grounds in shades of blue and purple. Many people visit just to see this beauty with their own eyes. The sight of hydrangeas sparkling after the rain in the quiet temple grounds is a special beauty that can only be experienced here.

Photo: Amabiki Kannon, Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture

You may also see peacocks freely strolling around the grounds, and first-time visitors are often surprised by their graceful presence. The temple is also famous as a place of prayers for safe childbirth and fertility, and is deeply revered by families and female worshippers. The goshuin, which change with the seasons, feature charming designs and are very popular.

Address: 1 Motoki, Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Visiting hours: 8:30–17:00
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Iwase Station
【Official Website】http://www.amabiki.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (17:00) in the video.

Yamaga Shrine (Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture)

Yamaga Shrine, known for its connection to the Sanada clan, is an irresistible destination for history lovers. The six-coin crest of the Sanada family appears throughout the grounds, and the atmosphere of the Sengoku (Warring States) period still quietly lingers here. In spring, cherry blossoms tint the approach path a soft pink, and the gentle scenery combined with the weight of history captivates visitors.

Photo: Yamaga Shrine, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

The goshuin, which feature the Sanada family crest “Rokumonsen,” are very popular as a memento of your visit. There are many historical sites related to the Sanada clan in the area around the shrine, so combining your visit with a historical walk is highly recommended. It is a calm, quiet place where you can reflect on the spirit of Sengoku-period warriors.

Address: 4473 Nagamura, Sanada-machi, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Visiting hours: Grounds open at all times
Access: About 25 minutes by car from Ueda Station
【Official Website】http://www.yamaga.or.jp
※You can watch this part from (18:01) in the video.

Daihōji Temple (Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture)

Daihōji Temple, home to a National Treasure three-storied pagoda famous as the “Mikaeri no Tō” or “Pagoda that makes you look back,” is a beautiful temple that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding satoyama countryside. The pagoda is crafted with great precision down to the smallest details, and its elegant, slender form is said to change expression depending on the angle from which you view it, which is why people find themselves turning back again and again to look at it.

Photo: Three-story pagoda at Daihoji Temple, Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture

The grounds are quiet, filled with the sound of birdsong and a gentle flow of time, making it a perfect place when you want to calm your mind. The goshuin are written in a refined script, conveying the dignity of a temple that houses a National Treasure.

Address: 2052 Atogō, Aoki Village, Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture
Visiting hours: April–October 9:00–17:00 / November–March 9:00–16:00
Access: About 20 minutes by car from Ueda Station
【Official Website】https://www.daihoujitemple.com/english-1
※You can watch this part from (19:28) in the video.

Oiwa Shrine (Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Oiwa Shrine is known as a place of such high spiritual purity that it is often called “one of Japan’s foremost power spots.” Although the exact founding date is unknown, ruins show that rituals were held here from ancient times, and Japan’s oldest gazetteer, the “Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki,” records this as a “sacred mountain where heavenly deities descended.” When you step into the grounds, the forest of giant trees instantly shuts out the signs of the everyday world, and a tranquil, mysterious air fills the space. Among the sacred trees, the one known as the “three cedars” has an overwhelming presence, and just taking a deep breath beneath it can feel like a purifying experience.

Photo: Oiwa Shrine, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Because this site has long preserved a tradition of syncretic worship of Shinto and Buddhism, both shrine and temple buildings stand together in the grounds, allowing visitors to experience a unique sense of “ancient Japanese religious belief.” Many worshippers say that “coming here somehow brings the mind into balance,” so it is especially recommended for those who want to reset their spirit or feel the power of nature. Some paths are steep mountain trails, but the inspiration and insights gained by walking them are all the greater, making this truly “a sacred area that can only be fully appreciated on foot.”

Address: 752 Iri-shikama-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Visiting hours: 9:00–17:00
Access: About 20 minutes by car from JR Hitachi Station
【Official Website】https://www.oiwajinja.jp
※You can watch this part from (20:29) in the video.

What to know before you start a goshuin trip

To fully enjoy visiting shrines and temples for goshuin, it is a good idea to first prepare a favorite goshuin book and go out in comfortable clothing that is easy to walk in. At shrines and temples, the basic etiquette is to complete your worship and then request a goshuin. Some places prefer that photos are not taken, so quietly check the posted notices as you go.

Most of all, the important thing is to take your time. If you walk from one place to the next while feeling the seasonal scenery and facing each shrine or temple with a calm mind, your journey will naturally become a gentle one that brings your heart into balance.

Conclusion: A shrine journey filled with prayer and discovery

Hidden shrines and temples have a special “atmosphere” that you cannot experience through sightseeing alone. The moments when you put your hands together in prayer, the spaces where you resonate with nature, and the intellectual curiosity you feel when touching history—all of these are recorded as pages in your goshuin book.
Why not begin your own goshuin journey and experience these quiet, moving moments for yourself?