If you are a Japanese history buff or love to examine Japan’s cultural properties, the temple you have to stop by when you get to Kawagoe is Kita-in (喜多院). The temple that has a deep connection with the Tokugawa clan not only houses the most cultural properties in Kawagoe, but it is also the last …
Kawagoe Kita-in Temple and Its Connection With Tokugawa Clan Read More »
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there …
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – The Must-Visit Attraction 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 that has Kawagoe included in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. …
Kawagoe Hachimangū – The Spot to Swap Bad Luck for Happiness Read More »
While Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the most renowned shrine in Kawagoe, Kawagoe Kumano Shrine (川越 熊野神社) is also a shrine you won’t want to miss out on when you visit. There are various fascinating rituals and activities that you can do in the precinct, including ball-throwing for good luck and washing your money for more …
A nice spot to stop by after your visit to the Shurijō Castle Park is the Shuri Kannon-dō (首里観音堂). The temple that is just a 10-minute walk from Tamaudun (玉陵) is one of the six temples around the castle that survived the turbulence in the last 400 years. In addition, the temple that the Ryūkyū …
Shuri Kannon-dō Temple and Its Famous Paw-Joining Dog Read More »
It might come to you as a surprise, but there is a spot in Okinawa where it is said that the Goddess of Sun in Japanese mythology, Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大御神), once briefly stopped by before she headed off for Ise (伊勢). And that holy spot happens to be at the side of Naha‘s city center!
Speaking of Okinawa, it is the perfect destination to enjoy the stunning beaches. While Okinawa’s top beaches aren’t in the capital city, Naha, there is one beach for you to enjoy a last-minute swim in the warmer months or a wide range of water sports. Plus, Okinawa’s highest-ranked shrine is just atop the cliff next …
The Best Guide to Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Shrine Read More »
If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai‘s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see this white Kannon statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Ddaikannon (仙台大観音) is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in …
Sendai Daikannon – Explore Japan’s Tallest Kannon Statue Read More »
If you visit Sendai between late February and late March, head to Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū Shrine (榴岡天満宮) to adore the lovely plum blossoms. Just like all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū enshrines Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because plum blossom is Michizane’s favorite flower, plum trees are planted here and there in the shrine’s precinct.
If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden!