Japanese folklore has inspired people, artists, even filmmakers for years. Well, now you can know more about the Japanese places that inspired the Japanese folklore in this guide. Will you feel inspired by the end?
1. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Walking through this holy Japanese folklore destination is quite intriguing. This Buddhist temple is dedicated to parents who have lost a child. There are approximately 200 statues of the Deity Jizo (guide to travellers and the weak). Parents come here to place a bib on top of the statues as a way to honour and protect their deceased children. People from all over are welcome to visit this 1,200-year old shrine near Kyoto.
2. Izu Islands
At several hundred kilometres south of Tokyo is an archipelago of volcanic islands. It’s a special place because this volcanic chain erupted six times in the past century. Despite the possible dangers of poisonous gas (gas masks are available for sale at the site), the island is beautiful and visitors can scuba dive and interact with the dolphins.
3. Mount Aso Caldera
Mount Aso has an elevation of about 1,600 metres and is located on the southern Japanese Island of Kyushu. Although its size is small, it has the biggest caldera (volcanic crater) in the world. Travellers easily trek up the mountain to see this famous crater.
4. Chinoike-jigoku
This place is one of Japan’s ancient hot springs located in Beppu City. There are a total of 9 hot springs which vary by composition and colour. Japanese folklore says that these hot springs formed for the purpose of boiling and torturing people who went to hell. Today, these hot springs are a place to relax and unwind from the stress of city life.
5. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
This forest is known to have inspired the Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. It’s one of Japan’s most verdant natural wonders where moss covers absolutely everything. Cedar trees are an endemic species in this region of the island of Yakushima. The modern hiking trails through this forest were based off of old pedestrian trails from the 17th century.
What enchanting places have you visited when travelling to Japan? Share your travel adventure story with us in the comments below.
