Energy spots? Ever heard of them? 2017 is almost over, and if you feel this year hasn’t been going too smoothly for you, then it’s time to take Japan’s most popular energy-boosting journey. It’s said that just visiting these energy spots can help you push out bad luck and bring in a wave of good fortune. Best of all, the places we’re introducing today are all fantastic spots for maple leaf viewing—guaranteed to lift your mood. Come plan yourself a luck-turning holiday and let the good vibes roll all the way into 2018～
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?? The top 5 must-visit energy spots for maple leaf viewing are finally revealed?
?Kamikyo-Dani (Divine Valley)―Where the gods descend to earth, making your wishes come true！
Translated from the Ainu language, it means “the dwelling place of the gods.” Aside from being a famous energy spot in Asahikawa, it’s also widely known for its stunning scenery all year round. In summer, there are dreamy pink cherry blossoms, and in autumn, vibrant red maples take over. When you're feeling restless or uncertain, this is the perfect place to clear your mind. A highly recommended spot to recenter yourself！
? Lucky tip: Though it doesn’t have specific prayer guidelines like a shrine, as a sacred site, it has a unique spiritual vibe. So as long as your heart is sincere, your wishes may just come true！
? Best time for maple viewing: Early October to mid-October
Check out these great energy-boosting group tours?Hokkaido Shrine, Shosenkyo, and Koumyou-ji Temple
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?Hokkaido Shrine―The most energetically powerful spot in the Sapporo area, boosting your love luck Up up！
This is a highly symbolic spiritual site in Hokkaido. According to feng shui, it gathers spiritual energy from both Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Teine, hence it's hailed as the most powerful energy site. Most importantly, in autumn, from the park in front of the shrine, the road is lined with rich red maple leaves. That sea of crimson will truly leave you in awe—you won’t be able to stop snapping photos and your mood will soar～
? Lucky tip: Inside the shrine, there’s the Kaitaku Shrine, which is said to hold the strongest energy. So as long as your wish is clear and heartfelt, it’s bound to come true—especially those related to love！
? Best time for maple viewing: Mid-October to early November
Check out these great energy-boosting group tours?NorthHokkaido Shrine, Shosenkyo, Koumyou-ji Temple
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?Shosenkyo (Ascension Gorge)―A top spot for forming connections, boosting both work and relationship luck！
Known as Japan’s No.1 gorge, Shosenkyo offers breathtaking panoramic views from the mountaintop, filled with peculiar rocks and formations that will amaze you with nature’s grandeur. You can also visit the love connection shrine―Hachioji Shrine, the child-bearing deity―Wakamiya Hachiman, and the energy-purifying Mt. Fuji worship spot to ward off misfortune. Finally, you can head to the Floating Mt. Fuji Square to gaze at beautiful Mt. Fuji！
? Lucky tip: If you have a specific career goal, try throwing a small bell into the large one at Suzu-no-Oka Plaza—you might just be blessed with happiness. For those wanting more fulfilling relationships, make a wish at Yakusoku no Oka (Hill of Promises)～
? Best time for maple viewing: Late October to late November
Check out these great energy-boosting group tours?Hokkaido Shrine, Shosenkyo, Koumyou-ji Temple
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?Ishiyama-dera Temple―The ultimate spot for warding off misfortune, sending all bad influences packing！
He also has another alias, the Temple of Flowers, because in winter there are peonies and plum blossoms, in spring cherry blossoms, in summer azaleas and irises, and of course maple leaves in autumn. Moreover, this is the place where the author of The Tale of Genji found inspiration. No wonder it attracts so many devout visitors!
?Fortune-boosting tip: During autumn, a special night-time maple leaf viewing illumination event is held, which is said to greatly increase the success rate of wishes. It’s therefore perfect for praying for safe childbirth, warding off misfortune, seeking happiness, or finding love. If you feel plagued by bad luck, you can also buy an amulet for misfortune removal to keep all the negative energy away!
?Best time for maple viewing: Mid-November to early December
See top fortune-turning spots all in one go?Hokkaido Shrine, Shōsenkyō, and Kōmyō-ji Temple
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?Kōmyō-ji Temple – Full of Zen spirit, offering firm strength to those who are lost!
One of Fukuoka’s top maple-viewing spots. The most famous feature of Kōmyō-ji Temple is its Japanese garden design, Ichidai Hai Tei, where moss represents land and white sand symbolizes the sea, expressing the idea that even the vast ocean is made up of a single drop of water — a highly Zen-inspired concept!
?Fortune-boosting tip: Even if you don’t perform any specific prayers here, simply quietly soaking in the serene, Zen-like atmosphere of the temple can bring you a sense of peace. It’s perfect for times when you’re feeling lost or uncertain. Come to Kōmyō-ji Temple and let its tranquility fill you with powerful energy!
?Best time for maple viewing: Mid-November to end of November
See top fortune-turning spots all in one go?Hokkaido Shrine, Shōsenkyō, and Kōmyō-ji Temple
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Want to see more maple viewing info? Check out the 2017 Japan & Korea ultimate maple viewing guide. Don’t want to fight the crowds? Here are six hidden maple-viewing spots we’re letting you in on.