The most beautiful shrines and pilgrimage sites to visit Kansai

At the time when Nara was the capital of the country, this shrine was built to protect the city and bring prosperity and happiness to all its inhabitants. Nestled in a lush forest (which is itself a great place to walk), the vermilion glow of the main building is an eye-catcher, but it is the hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that amaze visitors. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is a pretty little gem, to be visited with the botanical garden next door.

The shrine is located between the Gion and Higashiyama districts and dominates the main avenue Shijō-dōri.It is said to have been founded in 876. It is called Gion-san, as it is considered by the inhabitants of Kyoto as the real guardian of the Gion district. It is very popular during Hatsumode, i.e. visits to the shrine for New Year's greetings. The shrine is also at the heart of the great Gion Matsuri festival which takes place in July and is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in all of Japan.

A pretty little shrine where Japanese women go in great numbers, because it is known for love and birth vows on the one hand, and for the "power spot", a place that confers spiritual energy, on the other hand. The princesses of Ise, named priestesses, came here to perform purification rites. A famous nō play is inspired by a part of the Tale of Genji where the action takes place at Nonomiya Jinja. The place is not a must-see, but does not lack charm. If you pass by, take a look at the amulets.