Reference material on Japan's regions, culture and sightseeing / Please check opening days, prices and other details with the latest information from each source.

Japan library12,708 entries

13,910 entries. Some places appear in more than one collection. Confirm visits with each facility.

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12,708 entries / page 61 of 530

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Ishigaki

Torinji

The oldest temple in the Yaeyama Islands. The Nio figures at its sanmon gate were swept away by a tsunami and are said to have come back from the sea.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Yonaguni

Tindahanata

The westernmost island in Japan. A clifftop lookout that was a place of prayer from ancient times.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Naminoue

It stands on a Ryukyu limestone cliff jutting into the sea, facing the other world beyond the water.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Sueyoshigu

It stands at the end of a stone stairway through the forest. A stone ramp of a form peculiar to Ryukyu survives.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Shikinagu

Its deity was originally a cave. One of the eight shrines of Ryukyu.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Asato Hachimangu

The only Hachimangu among the eight shrines of Ryukyu.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Enkakuji

The funerary temples of the Ryukyu royal house. They were lost in the Battle of Okinawa, and the Hojo bridge and other remains survive.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Naha

Gokokuji (Naha)

Held to be the oldest temple in Okinawa. Bettelheim stayed here.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Kin

Kin Kannonji

It stands above a limestone cave, where awamori is laid down to age.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Ginowan

Futenma Cave

A limestone cave 280 metres long. You enter from behind the hall.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Yaese

Hakusui Utaki

An utaki that guards the village's water source.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Nanjo

Chinen Ukka

A spring carrying the tradition of the beginning of rice growing. A sacred place recorded in the Ryukyu-koku Yuraiki.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Ishigaki

Tojinbaka

A memorial to shipwrecked Chinese labourers. A shrine in brilliant colour.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Miyakojima

Ogamijima

The whole island is held sacred, and many places remain closed to entry.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Nanjo

Fubo Utaki

One of the seven great utaki of Ryukyu. To this day no one at all may enter.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Izena

Izena Tamaudun

The tomb of the ancestors of the second Sho dynasty, built against the rock.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Nanjo

Yuinchi

A place of worship whose name means filled to overflowing with abundance.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Kumejima

Hinukan

Okinawan houses keep a place in the kitchen for the god of fire. This preserves an old form of it.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Nanjo

Tamagusuku

The gateway is cut in the shape of a heart, and the sun of the summer solstice comes straight through it.

OkinawaShrines & Temples

Nakijin

Karaukaa

A place of worship surviving inside the castle. A castle was also a place of prayer.

HokkaidoFestivals

Esashi

Esashi Togyosai

Said to be the oldest festival in Hokkaido. Floats parade the town in thanks for a good herring catch.

HokkaidoCastles & History

Hakodate

Goryokaku

Japan's first Western-style star fort, and the final stage of the Battle of Hakodate.

HokkaidoHistoric Districts

Otaru

Otaru Canal

A canal built for loading cargo. Stone warehouses stand mirrored in the water.

HokkaidoNature & Scenery

Shari

Shiretoko Goko

Five lakes scattered through primeval forest. The trail runs through brown bear country.