6 temples · 9 shrines
Wakayama Prefecture is in the Kansai region on the southern coast of Japan’s Honshu island. It is known for Mount Koya, a major Buddhist site, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and its long Pacific coastline with forested mountains and hot spring areas.
A ranked guide to standout temples and shrines for planning a meaningful visit.
Ekoin is a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, Wakayama, known as a pilgrims’ lodging temple. Located near the heart of Mount Koya, it offers a traditional templestay atmosphere and serves visitors seeking an overnight experience in a historic sacred setting.
Watch videos of sacred places across Japan
Tsubaki Okami Yashiro is a historic Shinto shrine in Suzuka, Mie, known as Tsubaki Grand Shrine. It is linked to Sarutahiko Ōkami, dates to legend in 3 BCE, and sits at 1871 Yamamotochō with a serene mountain setting and long pilgrimage traditions.
Head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi. Features Japan's largest rock garden, Banryutei, and stunning fusuma paintings. The temple serves as the administrative center of over 3,600 Shingon temples nationwide.
View detailsA Shinto shrine on Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, near the ropeway summit. It is a small mountaintop shrine linked to Sarutahiko worship and a scenic stop for visitors enjoying panoramic views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.
Negoroji is a Shingi Shingon Buddhist temple in Iwade, Wakayama, nestled in the Katsuragi Mountains. Founded by priest Kakuban around 1130, it houses Japan's largest Tahōtō pagoda (40m, built 1547), a National Treasure. Designated a National Historic Site in...
Awashima Shrine in Wakayama’s Kada district is a coastal Shinto shrine known for its ties to healing, safe childbirth, and women’s prayers. Its seaside setting and long local devotion make it a distinctive worship site on the Kii coast.
Kokawadera is a Buddhist temple in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, temple No. 3 of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, traditionally founded in 770 by the monk Ikō.
View detailsA Shinto shrine in Wakayama City dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of academic success. Founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in 1606 by warlord Asano Yoshinaga, it sits atop a stone stairway offering panoramic views of Wakanoura Bay.
