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 …
Konan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa Read More »
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 …
Jōraku-ji: Konan City’s Best Fall Foliage Hunting Spot Read More »
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 …
Chōju-ji: The Stunning Fall Foliage and Amazing Papercutting 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 …
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 »
If you are interested in adding some traditional Chinese architectural elements to your itinerary, Bukkōsan Housui-ji (佛光山 法水寺), close to Ikaho Onsen and Shibukawa City Multipurpose Park, is a good choice. Bukkōsan is Taiwan’s largest Buddhist group. Housui-ji in Ikaho, completed in 2018, is its head temple in Japan. The mountainous view of Mt. Akagi …
Bukkōsan Housui-ji and the Spectacular Natural Scenery Read More »
On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been looking after the region since the late 6th century. The 30-minute walk on the approach from the torii gate to the main worship hall is so mysterious that some sort of sacred power is gained just by taking a short journey! This is especially …
Haruna Shrine: The Most Powerful Shrine in Gunma Prefecture Read More »
About 5km southwest of Ikaho Onsen, the Haruna area in Takasaki City is where many tourists would venture out to when they visit the hot spring town. In fact, it is the city’s most popular outdoor destination. The area is filled with stunning nature, suitable for various outdoor activities and a shrine with more than …
The Best Guide to Haruna Shrine, Mt. Haruna, and Lake Haruna Read More »
Mizusawa-dera (水澤寺), southeast of Ikaho Onsen, has been a highly regarded temple for centuries. The temple is filled with amazingly built buildings and Buddha statues. The Tendai sect temple has Eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (十一面千手観音) as the main image, so it is also referred to as Mizusawa Kannon (水澤観音). Aside from wishes for safe child delivery …
A Guide to Mizusawa Temple, the Origin of Mizusawa Udon Read More »