In addition to the beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, there is another temple in Tokyo that is secluded from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Located west of Jiyūgaoka, Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji (九品仏淨眞寺) is an ancient temple with an enchanting dry landscape garden. It is a spot in the urban jungle that will make you feel like you […]
Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji Temple: The Hidden Gem in Tokyo Read More »
The city of Ōtsu has many stunning scenery and one of them is at the northern Ōtsu close to Biwako Bridge (琵琶湖大橋). The view of the worship hall of Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimi-dō (満月寺 浮御堂) sticking out of Lake Biwa is one of the Eight Views of Ōmi (近江八景). Because of its fame, it is a
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Saitō (西塔) is a quiet place deep in Mt. Hiei in beautiful cedar forests in the west founded by Enchō (円澄), also known as Jikukō Daishi (寂光大師). While the number of attractions here isn’t as many as in the Tōdō area, we loved our visit to Saitō. It wasn’t as busy as Tōdō. The atmosphere here
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Besides seeing Ine‘s unique Funayas by taking the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry, there is another way to adore the town’s rural scenery. The view from the Roadside Station Funayanosato Ine (道の駅 舟屋の里伊根) is the most spectacular in the area, and it doesn’t cost you anything to enjoy it!
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If you have read our Kinosaki Onsen article, do you remember our history talk about the monk, Dōchi Shōnin (道智上人), who uncovered the spring source of the hot spring town? The story continues and is the origin of Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) at Mt. Daishi. In the past, those who visited Kinosaki for the hot spring
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At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Konan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what
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While Zensui-ji (善水寺) isn’t close to the other two temples of Konan City (known as Konan Sanzan), it is still a temple that is worth the travel. Like Chōju-ji and Jōraku-ji, Zensui-ji has a beautiful precinct and houses a national treasure. In addition, the temple with a Healing Buddha as the main image has sacred water for
Zensui-ji: A Stunning Temple to Source Sacred Water Read More »
If you want to avoid the crowds at Kyoto‘s famous autumn foliage spots, consider visiting Jōraku-ji (常楽寺), the best place in southern Shiga Prefecture to adore the vivid fall colors from mid-November to early December. While there aren’t many bus services that stop close to the temple, the scenery here will amaze you! Among the
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In the Ishibe area of Konan City (湖南市), Chōju-ji (長寿寺) is a temple with breathtaking scenery. Adding to the temple’s charm, cute decorations and paper cutting art can be found throughout the precinct. Because it is located the eastmost among the city’s three temples that house a national treasure, Chōju-ji is also referred to as
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For those who are eager to explore the stunning Kurobe Gorge on foot, follow the sign at Kurobe Gorge Railway‘s Unazuki Station and walk the Yamabiko Promenade (やまびこ遊歩道). The 1.1km promenade goes past the Kyū-Yamabiko Bridge to Unazuki Dam Observatory, which allows you to walk along railway bridges, tunnels, and old railway tracks. You might
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