One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto’s city center is Nijō Castle (二条城). The castle was a symbol of the samurai’s world but is also where the reign of the Tokugawa clan ended. Apart from the historical elements, it is also where you can enjoy seasonal colors, including plum and cherry blossoms and fall […]
Nijō Castle: The Representative Spot to Feel Samurai’s World Read More »
Kōyasan, or Mt. Kōya, is a sacred mountainous area north of Wakayama Prefecture surrounded by peaks about 1,000 meters above sea level. Having received a three-star rating in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”, it remains an enigma to most of us. For more than 1200 years, this irreplaceable sacred settlement has enchanted people in Japan
Kōyasan – One of the Three Holiest Mountains in Japan Read More »
Kōyasan Kongōbuji (高野山真言宗総本山金剛峯寺), opposite Danjō Garan, is the headquarters of the Shingon sect in Japan. The temple has a large precinct that houses many buildings that are lavishly and beautifully designed. Besides the gorgeous paintings on fusuma doors and Buddha statues, Kongōbuji is best known for its Banryūtei Garden. This largest rock garden in Japan
Kongōbuji – The Head Temple of Japan’s Shingon Buddhism Read More »
For the Japanese history buff and admirers of Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村), Rengejōin (蓮華定院) is the destination that you will want to visit when you come to Kōyasan. The temple has a deep connection with the Sanada Clan. The family crest, which features six mon coins, was the amount that the Japanese would use to
The Best Guide to Rengejōin – Sanada Clan’s Family Temple 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 »
The center of worship of Kōyasan has to be Okunoin (奥之院), where Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師) fell into deep meditation (passed away). It is believed that the revered monk is still providing his helping hand to those in need while meditating. As one of the Three Holiest Spots in Japan (the other two are Mt. Osore
Okunoin – The Mysterious Center of Worship in Kōyasan Read More »
Because of other more renowned places in the region, Ayabe City (綾部市), almost in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, isn’t a famous destination in the Kansai region that receives much attention from the media. However, quite a few places in the city are worth your time in spring. What we are implying here isn’t cherry
Ayabe – The City in Kyoto Filled with Hidden Gems Read More »
If you plan to visit Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), between late February and early March, consider stopping by the plum blossom spots in Ayabe City on your way back to Kyoto’s city center. These spots are less known to tourists, so you won’t be pushed around when
The Top Plum Blossom Spots in Ayabe City in Kyoto Read More »
Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy
Nagaoka Tenmangū: The Shrine With a Splendid Azalea Approach Read More »
If you are looking for a huge plum grove in a rural area, consider visiting Aodani Bairin (青谷梅林). With 10,000 plums planted in the 20-hectare land, it is the most enormous plum grove in Kyoto Prefecture. Around 20,000 people would visit the plum grove every year. The plum varieties at Aodani Bairin are mostly white
Aodani Bairin: Kyoto Prefecture’s Largest Plum Grove Read More »
