Pilgrimage and travel

Ise Jingu: two centres within a network of 125 shrines

Ise Jingu, formally Jingu, encompasses Naiku, Geku and associated shrines, 125 in total. Its shrines occupy separate places in and beyond Ise. Worship, forests, ritual work and periodic rebuilding connect a continuing system of places.

Kumano pilgrimage: people, paths and sacred places

Kumano pilgrimage brings worshippers to Hongū, Shingū and Nachi in the Kii Peninsula. Mountain paths, rivers, subsidiary shrines and guides connect the sacred destinations. The practice developed through changing combinations of devotion, ascetic discipline and organized travel.

The Shikoku pilgrimage: a network of 88 sacred places

The Shikoku pilgrimage links 88 principal Buddhist temple sites across the island’s four prefectures. Pilgrims worship at the temples and travel between them on foot or by vehicle, joined by devotion to Kōbō Daishi.

Staying at a ryokan: rooms, meals and baths

Giving omiyage: from a journey to a recipient

Giving omiyage means bringing something obtained on a journey to friends, family or other recipients. Food, useful objects and local crafts can all serve. The destination matters alongside transport, sharing and the recipient’s needs.

Station life: meeting, shopping and local services

A Japanese railway station serves train travel, but may also support shops, meeting places and everyday services. A major city terminal and a small local station do this in different ways. The ticket gates, concourses and services determine how people use each station.

Station stamps: a printed souvenir of place

A station stamp lets a traveller press a railway station’s name and local imagery onto paper. Collected impressions can record a journey or form part of an organised stamp rally.

Wagashi: ingredients, techniques and seasonal names

Wagashi are Japanese sweets made in many forms, from rice dumplings and filled buns to yokan blocks and crisp monaka shells with sweet fillings. Elaborately shaped bean-paste sweets are one part of this wider range.