Japan

Historic Sites & Landmarks in Japan

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  • Meiji Shrine Tokyo, Japan founded 1920; rebuilt 1958

    A Shinto shrine dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji is surrounded by lush forests that are a haven of peace in the big city.

  • Sensoji Tokyo, Japan founded 628; rebuilt 1950s

    This ancient temple in Asakusa is home to the biggest festival in Tokyo and features a huge main gate, a five-story pagoda and a main hall dedicated to Kannon.

  • Yasukuni Shrine Tokyo, Japan 1869

    A Shinto shrine honoring Japanese soldiers killed in combat, Yasukuni also functions as a Japanese war museum.

  • Sacred Bridge Nikko, Japan

    A historic and sacred bridge renowned for its beauty.

  • Great Buddha of Kamakura Kamakura, Japan 1252

    This monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha was cast in 1252. It sits serenely in the grounds of Kotokuin, a Pure Land Buddhist temple.

  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Kamakura, Japan

    Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the god of war. Its peaceful and scenic grounds give no indication of its violent history of feudal warring.

  • Grand Shrine of Ise

    An important Shinto shrine complex in southern Honshu, dedicated primarily to the sun goddess, Amaterasu.

  • Hase Kannon Temple Kamakura, Japan

    This hilltop temple with a view of the sea houses a huge gilded statue of the goddess Kannon. Outside are hundreds of Jizo statues, dedicated to the souls of unborn children.

  • Zeniarai Benten Kamakura, Japan

    Do your “money laundering” in this cave shrine to ensure prosperity.

  • Zojoji Tokyo, Japan

    The main temple of the Chinzai sect of Shingon Buddhism, with graves of Tokugawa shoguns.

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