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!
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The Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) is famous for its magnificent scenery. But another reason it is so well-known to the world is the Setouchi Triennale, also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival. This contemporary art festival is held every three years across the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Even after the festival, many
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Because most people are aware of how packed Universal Studios Japan (USJ) can be, the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass is almost a must-buy despite its hefty price tag. In fact, on a busy day, the express passes are usually sold out soon after they are released. If there is no express pass left on
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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