Japan's Three Great Descending Shrines (Nihon Sandai Kudari-miya) are unique Shinto shrines where visitors descend along the approach path to worship, rather than climbing up. The three shrines are Udo Jingu (Miyazaki Prefecture), Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine (Gunma Prefecture), and Kusabe Yoshimi Shrine (Kumamoto Prefecture). Unlike typical shrines where worshippers ascend stairs to reach the main hall, at these descending shrines, you walk down stairs or slopes to approach the sacred space. Set in mystical locations featuring dramatic cliffs and caves, these shrines offer a unique opportunity to experience Japan's nature worship and architectural beauty.
