If you are a cat lover, head to Mangyō-ji (普賢山萬行寺) because you will most likely be served by two black cats at the reception! In addition, what will catch the attention of history buffs is the temple’s crest. Contrasting the crest used by other Pureland sect temples in Japan that uses wisteria, Mangyō-ji uses the […]
Mangyō-ji – A Temple that Excites Cat Lovers & History Buffs Read More »
Just opposite one of Hakata’s most famous shrines, Kushida Shrine, the three traditional houses built in the Meiji period (1868 to 1912) have been renovated and opened as a place to examine and even make your traditional crafts! This is the best place close to Hakata Station to get a good understanding of the local
Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan – A Place to Explore the Old Hakata Read More »
While you might not be aware of it, the method of making food made from flour in Japan, such as udon and soba noodles and buns, originates from Hakata (according to Jōten-ji’s history). This food culture was introduced by Ennibenen (円爾弁円), also known as Shōichi Kokushi (聖一国師), who returned to Japan from his study in
Jōten-ji Temple – The Origin of the Udon and Soba Noodles Read More »
You might have heard of one of the Holiest Mountains In Japan, Kōyasan, and thus you might know about its founder, Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). After returning to Japan from China, he spent around four years in Hakata and founded his first temple, Tōchō-ji (真言宗 東長寺), in 806. Since the late 20th century, what has been
Tōchō-ji Temple and Japan’s Largest Wooden Buddha Statue Read More »
Apart from Sumiyoshi Shrine, another fascinating shrine not far away from Hakata Station is the Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社). It is where one of the biggest events in Hakata’s summer, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, is held. The best thing is that the Kazari Yamakasa (the large stationary festival float) is permanently stationed in the precinct.
Kushida Shrine and the Interesting Festivals that It Holds Read More »
If we could only visit one shrine in Hakata, it has to be Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社). Although buried in the urban jungle close to Hakata Station, the shrine has a vast precinct filled with greenery and a long history! Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata has a history of more than 1,800 years. Together with the Sumiyoshi
Hakata’s Sumiyoshi Shrine – The Oldest Shrine in Japan Read More »
You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared
Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano Read More »
Compared to the neighborhood around Karuizawa Station, the Naka-Karuizawa area is less commercialized, so you might be worried about not being able to find vegetarian/vegan food there. Surprisingly, there are a couple of good options in Naka-Karuizawa. Although getting to them requires a degree of effort as they aren’t located close to the train station, the food
The Best Guide to Naka-Karuizawa’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
Remaining unknown to many, the old post town, Oiwake-Shuku (追分宿), is just two stations away from Karuizawa Station. The area is filled with many historical buildings, so it is a perfect spot to escape from the crowd in Karuizawa‘s town center for a calm and traditional ambiance.
Oiwake-Shuku, the 20th Post Town On the Old Nakasendōndo Read More »
Opposite Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory, on the other side of the bullet train track, there is a cafe you must visit if you are a coffee person. In fact, you might have already visited one of the coffee chain’s stores in Tokyo! Opened in 1991, Maruyama Coffee (丸山珈琲) is infamous for its high-quality coffee,
Maruyama Coffee: The Must-Visit Cafe in Karuizawa Read More »