A quaint coastal town on the tip of the Kii peninsula in Mie Prefecture, Ise has been welcoming pilgrims to pay their respects at Japan’s holiest shrine for centuries.

Local culture is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and respect, from the easily digestible udon catering to weary pilgrims to the heavy shimenawa ropes that hang in front of doorways marking each home as a sacred space.

Ise Shrine

The Uji-bashi leading to the Naiku is said to be the bridge between the material and spirit worlds.

Ise shrine is the geographical and spiritual heart of Ise, making up around a fifth of its total area. It’s the most sacred Shinto site in Japan and is considered a spiritual place. Walking in silence beneath the sunlight filtering through thousand-year-old fragrant cypress trees, you can’t help but feel something special about Ise.

There are 125 shrine buildings spread across the temple grounds. It’s split into two parts: the Geku (outer shrine) and Naiku (inner shrine), so you’ll need to dedicate at least a half, if not full, day to exploring the area.

Entrance to both sections is well-signposted, and you can pick up a map at the stands outside the main entrance gates. Be sure to be respectful. The shrine’s sanctity is strictly observed.

Every 20 years, the shrine buildings of the Ise Jingu are taken down and rebuilt in a tradition known as Sengu no-gi.

Don’t expect to find any vending machines or food stalls once you’re inside, turn off your phone and use your indoor voice wherever possible – the atmosphere is so tranquil and contemplative you’ll find yourself whispering anyway.

Before you enter the shrine, you should cleanse yourself at the purification fountain near the entrance.

There are wooden ladles lined up; take one and fill with water, rinsing your left hand, then your right, followed by your mouth (sipping water from your hand, not the ladle, and spitting as delicately as you can into the drains at the bottom). At the Naiku, many pilgrims choose to wash in the Isuzu River’s crystal clear flow just over the other side of the Uji-bashi bridge.

Oharai Machi Street

Sample the local delicacies along the shopping street.

Spend some time exploring Oharai machi street, the original pilgrim’s pathway lined with traditional shops selling local specialties of akafuku mochi, panju and Ise udon. Stop at the Akafukumochi Main Store at the top of the street for some pre-shrine tea and sweets. 

The store starts lighting its ovens at 4 a.m. to serve early visitors to the shrine. Nearby is the Okage Yokocho, a bustling Edo-style market that recaptures the golden age of pilgrim culture in Ise.

Meoto Iwa

Pray for love at the ‘husband and wife’ rocks of the Meoto Iwa.

The Meoto Iwa, also known as “Wedded Rocks,” are two holy rocks just offshore connected by a thick shimenawa (sacred rope). Couples come here to pray for luck in love at the adjacent Futami Okitama shrine. Visit early if you’re visiting from May to July to view the sunrise exactly midway between the rocks.

Japanese history buffs can visit the Ise Azuchi Momayama Cultural Village close by for a chance to experience Edo life through ninja shows, rides and architecture. You can spy the gilded roof of the reconstructed Azuchi Castle from the road heading to the Meoto-Iwa.

Ise’s Historical Landmarks

Try to spot the gilded roof of the reconstructed Azuchi castle as you make your way around the area.

Along the seaside promenade leading to Futami, there are a couple of interesting sights. The Hinjitsukan is a former holiday home for the Imperial Family that has been turned into a cultural museum.

Next door the Iwatokan Hotel is also a salt plant, where you can watch artisans make pure salt to be offered at the shrine (or at your tempura plate.)

Dedicated shuttle buses ferry tourists to and from the major sites. You can also rent a bicycle for more freedom. Walking between points of interest is ambitious but doable. You can more access information at the Tourist Information Center just in front of Ise-shi station.

If you’re a lover of dramatic alpine scenery, you really need to make the trip out to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a path traversing the Northern Japan Alps in central Japan. The whole route is an impressive 90 kilometers, stretching from Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Shinano-Omachi station in neighboring Nagano Prefecture, climbing to an elevation of 3,015 meters as it crosses the peak of Mount Tateyama.

This spectacular route can be traversed via ropeways and cable cars, so children and those who are not avid hikers can also enjoy its incredible scenery. Each point where you change transportation has something to see and do, though the biggest stops along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are Murodo, Daikanbo and Kurobe Dam.

Murodo

Walled in by snow.

The famed Snow Corridor starts in Murodo, the highest point of the route 2400m up on Mt Tateyama, accessible by the “Highland Bus” from Bijodaira Station. It’s a mere width of two vehicles carefully cut out from the meters-high snow deposited in a place that gets one of the heaviest snow-falls in the world. This part of the route is probably the most well-known and widely photographed, drawing in many foreign tourists and domestic travelers alike during peak season. In mid-April, the road is opened for visitors to walk between the sheer snow walls often towering up to 20 meters high.

Autumn Colors in Chubu

The only hotel on the whole route lies here, with the restaurant serving day-trippers affordable and well-portioned hot meals. From Murodo, you need to take the Tunnel Trolley Bus, powered by electricity generated from the Kurobe Dam to Daikanbo where the Tateyama Ropeway starts.

Daikanbo

Take the Tateyama Ropeway for some epic vistas.

At Daikanbo there are a few stalls selling souvenirs and snacks like onigiri (rice balls) and soft-serve ice cream to enjoy whilst taking in the view of the surrounding mountain peaks from the observation deck. From here, visitors need to hop on the Tateyama Ropeway to continue on the route to Kurobedaira. The 1.7 kilometer-long ropeway connects Daikanbo on Mount Tateyama to Kurobedaira on the neighboring mountain. With no supporting towers in between, this is Japan’s longest one-span ropeway.

The Tateyama Ropeway has panoramic views of the surrounding alpine scenery—tundra and snow-covered peaks in the spring, alpine flowers and teeming foliage in late summer, and colorful leaves in the fall. The trip is worth it just for this portion of the route.

Kurobe Dam

Dam! That’s big.

A five-minute cable car’s ride away from Kurobedaira soars the 186m high Kurobe Dam, the tallest in Japan to which visitors can come in extremely close proximity to. Explore the spectacular structure from viewing platforms carved out on the top and sides of this monster which discharges up to 15 tons of water per second from the Kurobe lake!

Apart from observing the dam from above, sightseeing cruises are offered on the lake in front from June to November, making it the highest altitude boat ride in the country. The dam is walkable and has a few shops selling hot food and souvenirs.

From the dam, you will need to cross to Akasawadake, the final mountain on this route, just a short walk away. The second Tunnel Trolley Bus runs from here to Ogizawa on the other side of the mountain, also the final stop on the route from which taxis and local buses that service the wider Nagano area pass through. A popular choice is to take a bus from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omachi Station, which has many convenient train lines and buses ready to bring you to your next destination.

Tofuku-ji Temple is arguably the spot for viewing the changing colors of the autumn leaves.

The main garden’s path takes you through a forest of maple trees and then up above it – via the famous Tsuten-kyo Bridge – so that you peer down on a blanket of red. It’s a breathtaking experience that draws equally breathtaking crowds during the high season. Yet, the various gardens of what is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple are a delight all year round.

Bright red leaves blanket the grounds surrounding the temple.

Tofuku-ji was founded in 1236 by statesman Kujo Michiie, who wanted to establish in Kyoto a site comparable to the Nara temples Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji, which houses Japan’s biggest statue of the Buddha. Its name was taken from those. It is the head temple of the Tofuku-ji school of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism and took 19 years to complete. The spacious complex includes many sub-temples and is Kyoto’s largest Zen site.

Photo by: Kirsty Kawano Tofukuji Temple in autumn.

The Zen Hasso Gardens that surround the Abbot’s Hall were crafted in 1939. They include two pebble-and-rock dry gardens and two smaller ones that feature a delightful checkerboard design – one made of moss, the other of azalea shrubs. This area requires an entrance fee. The maple garden requires an admission fee of its own, and includes entrance to the garden of the attractive Kaisan-do Hall. Late November is the reddest season. Although they don’t attract the same crowds, the fresh green leaves of May are also beautiful.

Photo by: Kirsty Kawano The moss garden.

Although war and fires have led to the rebuilding of Tofuku-ji’s temple buildings over the years, survivors from the 14th century Muromachi period include the Zen-do meditation hall and the highly ecological lavatory block and bathing room, which once served more than a hundred priests.

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts

Lastly, the temple’s exquisite 22-meter-high Sanmon gate is the oldest Zen main gate in Japan and is a designated national treasure.

For other autumn foliage hotspots within Kyoto, click here. 

Looking for Japanese spirituality and history all wrapped up into one fantastic experience? A day visit, or better yet, a stay at Eihei-ji Temple will leave you with lasting memories and maybe even eternal peace.

Fukui Prefecture’s Eihei-ji Temple stands as one of Japan’s two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism. Introduced to Japan in the 13th century by Dogen Zenji, the Soto school is the largest single religious denomination in the nation, with more than 14,000 temples dotted across the country.

Who was Dogen Zenji?

A young monk preparing morning rounds.

Dogen founded Eihei-ji in 1243, in what is today Fukui City, north of Kyoto Prefecture. Dogen and his followers were looking for a home to avoid conflict arising with other sects of Buddhism, such as Tendai. 

For a short time, the temple was known as Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) Temple, but Dogen renamed the complex to “Temple of Eternal Peace,” or Eihei-ji, in 1246. Dogen lived the remainder of his life at Eihei-ji, leaving only once at the Shogun regent’s request. After he died in 1252, priests entombed Dogen’s ashes and a memorial in Eihei-ji’s joyoden, or founder’s hall.

Today, Eihei-ji is the head training temple of Soto Zen Buddhism, and more than 200 priests and nuns call the temple home. Practicing Soto Zen priests from all over Japan, and even the United States’ San Francisco Zen Center, come to Eihei-ji to meditate and chant sutras. 

Exploring the temple complex

Eihei-ji Temple in the rain.

Eihei-ji is an impressive, not to mention massive, complex of more than 70 buildings, connected by covered walkways. It borders a beautiful forest lush with vegetation and ancient Japanese cedar trees. From October to early November, the forest turns to vibrant reds and oranges at peak koyo (autumn leaf viewing) season, while thick, heavenly blankets of snow cover the temple from December to March.

Visitors enter Eihei-ji through its reception hall. It features residences, study quarters, and a great meditation hall decorated by a sunken ceiling. From there, the buildings seem to connect seamlessly through beautiful wooden walkways. The oldest structure within the complex is the Sanon Gate, restored in 1749.

The Butsuden or Buddha Hall sits at the center of the temple’s grounds and houses Buddha statues from Amida Butsu (the past), Shakyamuni Butsu (the present), and Miroku Bosatsu (the future).

Try a temple stay

Learn the ways of real zazen meditation.

Eihei-ji offers shukubo (temple lodgings). The Sanzen program is for guests seeking a short but intense zazen (sitting Zen meditation) experience. Participants stay in communal rooms for one night, participate in morning services, enjoy tours of the temple facilities, eat traditional Buddhist meals, and practice four to five intensive 40-minute periods of zazen. The more casual Sanro program offers the above, but with only two 40-minute periods of zazen.

Hiking to Japan's Most Dangerous Temple

As temple lodgings are limited, Eihei-ji Temple has partnered with Fukui Prefecture to provide accommodation for tourists seeking a zen Buddhist experience. 

The temple allowed the quaint Hakujukan Hotel to be built near its premises, using Japanese cedar wood from the surrounding forest. Guests staying at the Hakujukan Hotel are invited to practice zazen meditation and dine at a restaurant overseen by the temple, which offers shojin ryori, Buddhist vegan cuisine.

Japan’s northern Tohoku region is the ideal getaway for those looking to relax in an onsen (hot spring bath) amidst breathtaking nature. Especially scenic in autumn and winter is Naruko Onsen Village in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Not too far from Sendai City, the area has an abundance of onsen and nature for hiking and winter sports.

Geographically, the area was formed from a volcano over 1,000 years ago, and the hot spring water is said to have healing properties. Before you soak in said healing waters though, take your time to discover the local nature gems.

Naruko Gorge

Naruko Gorge in autumn.

Numerous hiking paths around Naruko Onsen will lead you through canyons and forests. The beauty of these trails helped inspire the famous poet Basho, who was struck by the scenery.

Japan's Scenic Northeastern Region

Another great hike is along the Hosomichi trail, an approximately 9 km road which goes up through the mountains into Yamagata Prefecture, and overlooks the flowing rivers below. Naruko is also an ideal place for winter sports with Onikobe Ski Resort being a hotspot for skiing and other snow activities.

Hot spring hopping

Time to relax the Miyagi style.

Naruko features almost 400 different mineral-rich water sources. For onsen enthusiasts, there are many different types of baths to try. Here are some of the most popular within the village:

• Naruko Onsen - Map
• Higashi Naruko Onsen - Map
• Kawatabi Onsen - Map
• Nakayamadaira Onsen - Map
• Onikobe Onsen - Map

At the gift shops, you can buy kokeshi dolls, wooden crafts that are a specialty of the region. The cute toys have been a tradition since the early 19th century, are still hand-made by craftsmen to this day, and make for a great souvenir.

Head up to Miyagi for incredible views during the day and reward yourself with relaxing hot spring baths at night.

Are you an onsen lover? Discover more hot spring getaways on our site.

Built over 1,000 years ago, Yamadera Temple is one of northern Japan’s most picturesque spots and a must-visit destination in the Tohoku region.

The mountain temple

Make your way up the 1,000 steps.

Yamagata’s “mountain temple” as it translates to, can be best enjoyed during the winter when the nearby mountains are submerged in a sea of white, or during Autumn, when the area bursts into color. However, the temple is a photographer’s dream at any time of the year.

From Yamadera Station, it’s only a five-minute walk to reach the base of the temple, where you can begin your ascent. The quiet atmosphere makes Yamadera a spiritual escape.

Hiking Yamadera

The quiet pathway to the top of Yamadera Temple.

The ascent up the mountain’s 1,000 steps typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s not a difficult climb, but the journey through the forest is half the adventure. Eye-catching shrines and amusing statues placed carefully along the route compliment stone lanterns leading the way.

Along the path, you’ll see many temples and landmarks such as the Mida Hora stone carved walls, or the Niomon Gate standing a bit further away. At the very top of the hike is the Kaisando Hall which is dedicated to the temple founder, Jikaku Daishi.

Quite the view

The view from Yamadera Mountain Temple.

Once you arrive at Yamadera Temple midway up, the reward is a stunning view overlooking the Tachiya River, with its verdant mountains and vast neighboring valley.

Take the path on the right of Kaisando Hall, which will take you to the Godaido, an observatory deck with the best view of Yamagata City’s south valley.

On the way back, stop in at any of the souvenir shops lining the street from the temple to Yamadera Station for unique ice cream flavors like pineapple and cherry (which Yamagata is known for), a much-needed refreshment after your climb.

Dig Japanese history? Read more on where to find historic gems.

Mention mummies and most people will think of Egypt, Tutankhamen and Halloween. They’ll likely picture black-and-white horror movies where the hero and heroine are pursued by something that looks like a zombie given a slapdash bandaging by a distracted paramedic. Popular culture hasn’t served the mummy well, but like all stereotypes, there is more to the story.

While Egyptians were mummified post-mortem, the Japanese method is self-administered.

Japan has a long tradition of mummification but one which is far removed from Hammer Horror and actor Brandon Fraser. Mummification was a respected aspect of ascetic life once practiced by only the most devoted monks, some of whom have survived the centuries and can be visited today.

Photo by: hiruandon_a Beyond having a mummified monk inside, the area around Yokokura is a beautiful spot for autumn leaves.

One such holy man is Myoshin whose incredibly well-preserved corpse watches over Yokokura Temple (formally Ryoukaizan Yokokura Temple) that sits in a peaceful valley of clear rivers and bountiful rice fields. The temple, built in 801, lies in the small but scenic town of Ibigawa about a little over an hour’s drive north of Nagoya in Gifu Prefecture.

Born here in 1781, he followed the pilgrim trail across Japan, eventually settling at Goshotaizan, in Yamanashi Prefecture, east of Gifu. It was here that he decided to renounce the physical world and become a mummy.

The making of a mummy

While Egyptians were mummified post-mortem, the Japanese method is self-administered. Myoshin ate a diet of local nuts, berries, bark, and roots in order to remove all traces of body fat and bring his biochemistry into synch with the natural world around the temple.

Photo by: kyoto_channel No photos of the mummy are allowed, unfortunately, but the temple grounds themselves are extremely photogenic.

Next, he drank a poison made from the sap of the urushi (Japanese lacquer) tree which purged the body of fluids and made it toxic to insects that would normally devour the body. The whole process could take a decade.

With the body theoretically protected from natural decay, he was encased underground in a stone room a little bigger than the size of a seated man. His only furnishings were a bell which he rang every day and a tube for air. When the bell ceased to ring the tube was removed and the room sealed.

Wanna see more mummies in Japan?

Visitors can see his remains, pray for a blessing and read about his life, but photographs are prohibited.

Know before you go

In autumn, the trees blaze red and naturally draw many visitors and the hills are a network of paths and trails. This is probably the best time to visit.

Nearby Myohoga-dake and Tonokura mountains offer rewarding hikes, but there isn’t much in the way of accommodation in the area, so you’re better off heading back to Ogaki, Gifu or Nagoya cities at the end of the day.

Given the best of both worlds, nature and natural history, it’s no wonder that Nikko’s name is derived from the kanji characters for sunlight. Packed with spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites set against a backdrop that showcases the very best of the seasons (in autumn it’s like stepping into a billboard promoting travel to Japan), Nikko is a shining gem.

Shinkyo Bridge

The Shinkyo Bridge leads to Futarasan Shrine.

The red-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge spanning the Daiya River is a sight linked to the legend of Nikko’s founder, Buddhist priest Shodo Shonin.

The tale recounts how the traveling priest managed to cross the fast-flowing river on the backs of two giant serpents on his way to Mount Nantai. Shrouded in myth, this sacred footbridge has been reconstructed multiple times but continues to retain its original architectural design from the 17th century. You’ll spot it on every postcard, guidebook and kitsch keyring. This is #classic Japan.

Crossing Shinkyo Bridge, there’s a small yet dynamic gorge with intriguing rock pools formed approximately 7,000 years ago. After an ancient eruption near Mt. Nantai, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss is lined with nearly 70 stone Jizo statues, the guardian of children and travelers, and stretches 100 meters along a gorgeous riverside trail. Alternatively known as Bake Jizo, or “phantom statues”, the number of figures appears to change for each person who counts them along the path.

The stone Jizo statues of the Kanmangafuchi Abyss.

Just opposite lies the Nikko Botanical Garden, exhibiting a variety of 2,200 plant species both owned and operated by the University of Tokyo.

While the garden is undoubtedly a marvel in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a carpet of fallen leaves among autumn-tinted alpine trees and golden maples is a vivid contrast of colors that’s practically edible.

Rinno-ji Temple

Rinno-ji temple

From central Nikko, Rinno-ji Temple—the first temple founded in 766 by Shodo Shonin—is accessible on the Tobu Bus from Tobu Nikko Station. There, the Sanbutsudo Hall (Three Buddha Hall) enshrines three carved, gold-lacquered statues of seated Buddhist deities: the Amida Buddha, Senju (thousand-armed) Kannon, and the Bato (horse-headed) Kannon.

The small Edo-period Japanese garden called Shoyo-en on the temple grounds is well worth a visit, especially in the first half of November. The garden is also illuminated in the evening at the end of October to mid-November giving visitors a chance to see the red leaves lit up in fiery hues.

Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu shrine’s Yomeimon Gate.

Further uphill, the most famous temple of Nikko is always abuzz with tourists. Toshogu Shrine is intricately ornate with decorative woodwork. Most famed for the Three Wise Monkeys, the shrine is a work of art synonymous with the power of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nearby, the modest tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu is Futarasan Shrine at the top of Mt. Nantai. Dedicated to the spirits of Nikko’s three holy mountains: Nantai (male), Nyotai (female), and Taro (their mountainous offspring), it’s believed to benefit those looking for their perfect match.

Explore the tree-lined slopes of Mt. Nantai and the neighboring mountains surrounding Lake Chuzenji to see the colors of autumn from mid to late October. Ryuzu (“Dragon’s Head”) Waterfall is another of the first spots for early fall foliage.

• 2019 Autumn Kochia: Peak time to see the kochia at their most vivid shade of red is between Oct. 17 to Oct. 23.

The sprawling public park overflows with blooming seasonal flowers through the year that draw crowds from all over Kanto. The park also contains an amusement park, cycling paths and BMX courses, as well as hosting one of Japan’s largest rock music festivals.

From late April to early May, Miharashi Hill is covered in 4.5 million nemophila flowers, transforming the hill into a sea of blue.

Miharashi Hill is the famous slope on the seaside and the most photographed area of Hitachi Seaside Park. Hundreds of camera-toting visitors come for the baby blue nemophila blooms in the spring, returning again in the fall for the summer cypress kochia balls. For in-between, there’s gardens filled with tulips and cosmos, lily and lavender, zinnia flowers and rapeseed to stroll among.

The hill is awash in red with kochia flowers in mid-October.

At over 150 hectares, the park can be quite large to cover on foot. Grab a bike for a gentle ride around.

Wanna see more autumn colors?

For those who want to exert the minimum effort possible, the Seaside Train is a relaxing way to get around and covers the park in about 35 minutes.

With stops at 10 different locations, visitors can hop on and off at their own pace.

Go on, be lazy. Photo by Zhao !.

The amusement park has retro rides for both children and adults. Kids can run around while the adults handle lunch at the BBQ Plaza – groups can reserve spots and grill as they will. A variety of restaurants and cafes serve regional foods and seasonal sweets, decorated with the current flowers in bloom.

If you’re a fan of J-Rock or J-Pop, head to the Rock in Japan festival held at the park over three days in August. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in the country and a great chance to rock out in a field of flowers – Woodstock eat your heart out.

Hot spring villages are often located far away from major cities, but this isn’t the case with Jozankei. Part of what attracts visitors to this lush area is its proximity to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city.

Try to find all 21 statues of the mythological water sprite kappa scattered throughout the area!

It’s only an hour’s drive away, making a day trip convenient for those seeking some relaxation in a steaming hot spring bath while being within arm’s reach of modern comforts.

As a result, Jozankei stands out from other smaller hot spring towns in Hokkaido like Noboribetsu and Yunokawa. There are nearly 60 hot spring sources in Jozankei, with vast indoor and outdoor baths, and its waters are rich in a variety of materials which are believed to have healing properties.

Seasonal highlights

Futami Suspension Bridge in autumn.

Escape the notorious heat and humidity of large cities and spend a few summer days cycling through Jozankei. The area is bursting with picturesque views that come with a visit to Shiraito Falls or the Futami Suspension Bridge.

Next, visit Jozankei Dam and Hoheikyo Dam from late spring to autumn for spectacular views of the vast, surrounding land.

The harsh winters of Hokkaido are a great compliment to the warmth of a dip in a hot spring.

During October, ride the Koyo Kappa Bus, a tour bus that offers a 60-minute scenic ride of the best spots to take in Jozankei’s fall foliage. Statues of kappa, the mythological Japanese water sprite, dot the area. There’s everything from a lovey-dovey kappa couple to a mother-and-child duo and even a bright green statue of the Great Kappa King.

Once you’ve completed your search for all 21 statues, head to Kokoro no Sato Jozan to rest and soak your feet in a private foot bath before heading back to Sapporo or staying the night.

Photo by: Panoramio The Jozankei Snow Light Path.

The harsh winters of Hokkaido are a great compliment to the warmth of a dip in a hot spring. One winter highlight that’s sure to light up your night (literally) is the Jozankei Onsen Snow Light Path, where locals create snow lanterns that make for a brisk stroll usually held at the end of January at Jozankei Shrine.

Hokkaido is well-known for its snow and ice festivals in the winter, as well as its gorgeous scenery and cool weather in spring and summer. But, no matter the season, the sights and natural beauty of this hot spring town will take you away from the stress and worries of the world.

Are you an onsen lover? Discover more hot spring getaways.