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.
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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.
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Yasukuni Shrine
Tokyo, Japan
1869
A Shinto shrine honoring Japanese soldiers killed in combat, Yasukuni also functions as a Japanese war museum.
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Sacred Bridge
Nikko, Japan
A historic and sacred bridge renowned for its beauty.
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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.
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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.
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Grand Shrine of Ise
An important Shinto shrine complex in southern Honshu, dedicated primarily to the sun goddess, Amaterasu.
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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.
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Zeniarai Benten
Kamakura, Japan
Do your “money laundering” in this cave shrine to ensure prosperity.
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Zojoji
Tokyo, Japan
The main temple of the Chinzai sect of Shingon Buddhism, with graves of Tokugawa shoguns.