If you have a car and plan to visit Tokorozawa in late spring or autumn, visit Tamon-in (多聞院). The temple is a renowned spot for peony and the beautiful fall foliage. Besides the natural scenery, pilgrims can enjoy a couple of fun rituals. In addition, it is a temple filled with tiger elements!
Tamon-in Temple and the Cute Tiger Figure-Covered Precinct Read More »
Want to appreciate the picturesque 2km gorge with cliff walls of more than 100 meters high on both riverbanks, and all you need to do is relax on a boat? Geibikei Gorge (猊鼻渓) in Iwate Prefecture is the perfect place for you! Adding to this unforgettable experience is the traditional Japanese ballad that your boatman
Geibikei Gorge and the Most Scenic Traditional Boat Ride Read More »
Renkeiji (蓮馨寺) is the temple in Kawagoe closest to Taishō Roman Yume-dōri. It is close to the street’s popular udon restaurant, Udon Tsumugi. The temple has a serene atmosphere and is rich in history. Since its establishment in the mid-16th century, the locals would go there and pray for various things, especially child-related matters, such
Renkeiji: A Temple to Pray for Child-Related Matters in Kawagoe Read More »
Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine (川越八幡宮), the most prominent Hachimangū shrine in Kawagoe City, was erected over 1,000 years ago. Among more than 200 shrines in the city, it is the only one with Kawagoe in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. So if
Kawagoe Hachimangū – The Spot to Swap Bad Luck for Happiness Read More »
Genbikei Gorge (厳美渓) is one of the two most stunning nature spots in Iwate Prefecture. Like most nature spots in Japan, it offers picturesque autumn foliage views. In winter, it is a snowy wonderland! But the most eye-catching thing about Genbikei Gorge has to be the Dango rice cake that flies between the gorge’s steep cliffs!
Genbikei Gorge and the Fascinating Flying Dango Rice Cake Read More »
Kōgensha (光原社) was a publisher in Morioka who published the only fairy tale collection of Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治), a famous Japanese novelist and poet in the early 20th century. In fact, Kenji was the one who named the company. After he passed away, the publisher was slowly transformed into a shop selling craftworks, clothing, and
Kōgensha: The Hidden Photogenic Spot in Morioka Read More »
Natayachō (鉈屋町) at the side of Kitakami River (北上川) was an area in Morioka that once flourished as a key point for shipping. Because of the high-quality natural water source from Daijiji Temple (大慈寺) and Gidaji Temple (祇陀寺), many sake breweries, tofu shops, soba noodle makers, and cafés surround the neighborhood. Besides the commercial facilities,
Natayachō: The Hidden Gems in Morioka for Sake Old Township Read More »
Proceeding east of Morioka-jō Castle Site Park, the ground beyond the giant vermilion-painted torii gate is Morioka Hachimangū Shrine’s precinct. It is a less-known spot to foreign tourists, but a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. Because Morioka Hachimangū Shrine (盛岡八幡宮) is very spacious and located on a slightly high ground, you can
Morioka Hachimangū: Morioka’s Less-Known Must-Visit Shrine Read More »
During your stay at Morioka, there are a couple of temples and shrines that we highly recommend you visit, even if you are an atheist or already have your fill of the Japanese shrines and temples. While they are all religious facilities, what makes them interesting and unique aren’t the gods enshrined but the unusual
The Must-Visit Temples and Shrines in Morioka Read More »
When the Gautama Buddha was alive, he had many disciples. While they are commonly known as the Five Hundred Disciples (五百羅漢). The number, five hundred, illustrates the greatness of the quantity. Because each of them had learned directly from the Gautama Buddha and was on the way to enlightenment, they were worshipped and enshrined in
Hōonji Temple and the Rakan Statue Doing the Big Heart Pose Read More »
