Japan’s Spiritual Holiday Hotspots Revealed

Nestled amidst the fusion of modernity and tradition, Japan beckons travelers with an array of rich experiences beyond mere scenic beauty. Discover the country’s abundant spiritual sanctuaries promising serenity, introspection, and a profound connection to the natural world.

• The experts at JR Pass have identified the most spiritual prefectures throughout Japan for travellers seeking tranquillity. 

• Shimane prefecture is Japan’s most spiritual prefecture, with 178 shrines and 196 temples per 100,000 people. 

• Fukui prefecture places second, with an impressive 227 shrines per 100,000 people. 

• Yamanashi prefecture, home to Mt Fuji, places 5th, thanks to its high number of onsen, temples, and shrines. 

The experts at JR Pass analysed all 47 Japanese prefectures, looking at factors including number of shrines, temples, zen gardens and onsen in each, to determine Japan’s most spiritual prefectures.

* A copy of the full data set can be found here. 

1. Shimane Prefecture

Claiming the title of Japan’s most spiritual prefecture is Shimane prefecture, with a spirituality score of 9.4 out of ten. Located in the Chūgoku region of Japan, Shimane is renowned for its deep spiritual significance.

Boasting 178 shrines per 100,000 people, Shimane is home to the famous Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to Ōkuninushi, the god of marriage and relationships, and is believed to be a powerful spiritual site where gods gather annually.

Shimane is also home to 7 onsen per 100,000 people, including the renowned Tamatsukuri Onsen, known for its mineral-rich healing waters. 

2. Fukui Prefecture 

In second place with a spirituality score of 9.3 out of ten is Fukui prefecture, located in the Hokuriku region of Japan. 

With an impressive 222 temples per 100,000 people, Fukui Prefecture’s spiritual allure is deeply rooted in its Zen Buddhist heritage. Eiheiji Temple is one of the two main temples of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions and experience the monastic lifestyle.

3. Yamagata Prefecture 

In third place is Yamagata prefecture, with a total spirituality score of 9 out of ten. Yamagata Prefecture’s spiritual appeal is deeply embedded in its three sacred mountains known as ‘Dewa Sanzan’ –  Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono.Travellers often undertake the journey through these mountains for spiritual purification and enlightenment. 

Yamagata also has a wealth of hot springs to choose from, totalling 9 per 100,000 people. Atsumi Onsen in particular has been a place of relaxation and spiritual healing for centuries. The serene environment and traditional ryokan (inns) provide a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and rejuvenation.

4. Niigata Prefecture and Ishikawa Prefecture 

In joint fourth place earning a spirituality score of 8.9 out of ten are the prefectures of Niigata and Ishikawa. 

Niigata prefecture, located on the western coast of Honshu island, is known for its spiritual sites and is home to 217 shrines per 100,000 people. Yahiko Shrine, located at the base of Mount Yahiko, is dedicated to the deity ‘Ame-no-Kaguyama-no-Mikoto’, who is associated with agriculture and fishing.

Ishikawa prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan is slightly smaller than Niigata, home to 167 shrines and 121 temples per 100,000 people. The most famous of these is Natadera Temple, an important spiritual site dedicated to the Buddhist deity Kannon. 

5. Yamanashi Prefecture 

Rounding out the top five is Yamanashi prefecture which earns a spirituality score of 8.8 out of ten. 

Straddling both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures is the iconic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most popular peak. It has been a site of worship for centuries, revered in both Shintoism and Buddhism. Climbing Mount Fuji is considered a spiritual journey, as the mountain is seen as a ‘gateway to the heavens’.

Yamanashi prefecture also boasts the highest number of onsen in the top five, with 13 onsen per 100,000 people. 

Methodology

1. JR Pass conducted this research to identify the most spiritual prefectures to visit on your next trip to Japan.

2. The study comprises of 4 variables: Shrines, Temples, Zen Gardens, Onsen.

3. The number of shrines and temples were gathered from e-stat https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00401101&tstat=000001018471&cycle=0&tclass1=000001212980&tclass2val=0 Table number 2 first 2 rows (神社 /  寺) of first sheet

4. Number of Onsen (natural hot spring public baths) were taken from openstreetmap with the tag amenity=public_bath and spatially joined with a shapefile of Japan.

5. Number of zen gardens (scenic Japanese-style gardens) were obtained from https://oniwa.garden/japanese-garden-map/#pref

6. Finally the populations for each prefecture as of a 2022 census was used to find the per 100k capita for each of the 4 variables. A weighted average percentrank was used to produce a final spirituality score/10.

7. Data was collected in April 2024.

 

Feature Photo: Natadera Temple – Ishikawa Prefecture . Credit – Shutterstock.com – gorosan