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 »
If you are a vegan, you might have heard of T’s Tantan, a vegan restaurant loved by most vegans in Tokyo. The famous vegan restaurant chain’s origin is T’s Restaurant (太陽と大地の食卓 T’s レストラン) in Jiyūgaoka (自由が丘). The owner was able to open T’s Tantan because T’s Restaurant was successful. So, if you ever plan to
T’s Restaurant, the Origin of the Famous T’s Tantan Read More »
Besides Kids’ Ninja Village, Togakushi Ninja Museum and Ninja Trick Mansion (戸隠流忍法資料館 忍者からくり屋敷), close to the starting point of Togakushi Oku-sha Approach, is another ninja-related attraction in Togakushi. A ninja’s home is often filled with traps that help them get a leg up on their adversaries. If you are interested in visiting one of these
The Best Guide to Togakushi Ninja Museum・Ninja Trick Mansion Read More »
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen, you can drive up to Shiga Kōgen. The 43km-long scenic freeway connecting the two popular destinations is National Highway No. 292, also known as Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート). The route goes as far as Shibu Onsen (渋温泉郷) in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. So if you
A Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route Read More »
If you have a competition or something similar coming up, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, during your next Japan trip. The shrine erected in the early Heian period is famous for those who want to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu
Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory Read More »
