Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社) in Totsukawa Village, almost at the summit of Mt. Tamaki (Tamakisan, 玉置山), is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is at an altitude of 1,076 meters and was founded in BC 37 by the imperial court for demon expulsion. In 2004, the shrine, one of the Shugendō’s (修験道) training sites, was registered […]
Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded Read More »
Dorokyō Gorge (瀞峡) or Dorokyō Valley, located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!
Dorokyō – The Stunning Gorge that Spans Three Prefectures Read More »
If you have ever wondered where the copper of the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji Temple in Nara was from, then you must visit Akenobe Mine (明延鉱山) in Hyōgo Prefecture, discovered in 809!
Akenobe Mine – The Best Mining Site in Japan Read More »
In 816, Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇) bestowed the land of Kōyasan to the revered monk, Kūkai (空海), also known as Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師), for the constructions of Shingon Buddhism’s (真言宗) monastery. He devoted all his energy to building the towers and halls on the high ground to express the world depicted in the Womb Realm Mandala (胎蔵曼荼羅).
Danjō Garan – The Most Sacred Training Ground in Kōyasan Read More »
Kōyasan, one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道) that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004, is a popular destination for tourists. However, if you are interested in samurai history, you will want to extend your visit to Kudoyama Town (九度山町) at the foot of the
Kudoyama – The World Heritage Town and Sanada Yukimura’s Confinement Read More »
Originally, to get to Kōyasan, pilgrims needed to hike through the long approach called Kōyasan Chōishi-michi (高野山町石道), starting from the foot of the mountain. The starting point of that pilgrimage route is the Jison-in Temple (慈尊院). Established as the “front door” of Kōyasan by Kōbō Daishi, it was the place where his mother stayed after
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If you are planning to visit the world heritage Kōyasan, remember to drop by the Niutsuhime Shrine (丹生都比売神社), which is on the pilgrimage route of Kōyasan chōishi-michi (高野山町石道) starting from Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama Town. The shrine has a deep connection with Kōyasan’s founding. One of the gods who is enshrined here – Kariba Myōjin
Niutsuhime Shrine and the God Who Helped Founded Kōyasan Read More »
Asago City, right next to Kyoto Prefecture, and below Toyooka City where the famous Kinosaki Onsen is, has become extremely popular. Many people flock to Asago for the amazing view of Takeda Castle that floats in the sky. But if the Takeda Castle Ruins are the only place that you visit, then you are missing
The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Asago City Read More »
Because the number of bus services to Ikuno Silver Mine are limited, you can explore the township around Ikanochō Kuchiganaya (生野町口銀谷), close to JR Ikuno Station (生野駅).You will find traces of prosperity due to the mining industry in this town!
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Besides the Ikuno Silver Mine, another mining-related attrition in Asago City is the Mikobata Concentrator Ruins (神子畑選鉱場跡), located in the mountains west of the Ikuno Silver Mine. Because the concentrator on the site operated 24/7 between 1919 to 1987, the site that is reminiscent of a fortress was nicknamed “Nightless Castle”!
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