If you plan to visit Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, venture out to the Mizusawa region for the infamous Mizusawa Udon (水沢うどん) because it is one of Japan’s three most famous udons (the other two are Inaniwa Udon (稲庭うどん) from Akita Prefecture and Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん) from Kagawa Prefecture)! The chewy and slightly thick noodles […]
Tamaruya and Other Vegan-Friendly Mizusawa Udon Restaurant Read More »
Mizusawa-dera (水澤寺), southeast of Ikaho Onsen, has been a highly regarded temple for centuries. The temple is filled with amazingly built buildings and Buddha statues. The Tendai sect temple has Eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (十一面千手観音) as the main image, so it is also referred to as Mizusawa Kannon (水澤観音). Aside from wishes for safe child delivery
A Guide to Mizusawa Temple, the Origin of Mizusawa Udon Read More »
About 5km southwest of Ikaho Onsen, the Haruna area in Takasaki City is where many tourists would venture out to when they visit the hot spring town. In fact, it is the city’s most popular outdoor destination. The area is filled with stunning nature, suitable for various outdoor activities and a shrine with more than
The Best Guide to Haruna Shrine, Mt. Haruna, and Lake Haruna Read More »
On the south end of Higashi Park (東公園), close to JR Yoshizuka Station, you can find Tōkaebisu Shrine (十日恵比須神社), a usually quiet shrine. However, during the Tōkaebisu Festival, from the 8th to the 11th of January, around one million people usually flood the shrine! Not only can you wander through the 300 stalls set up
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If you practice zen or meditate regularly, you might be interested in Shōfuku-ji (聖福寺), the first Zen temple in Japan. The temple is also a spot in Hakata that will excite all cat lovers!
Shōfuku-ji – The First Zen Temple in Japan Read More »
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
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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 »