If you have been to the Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture, you might be interested in visiting the Motoise Sansha Shrines where the objects of worship of Ise Jingu used to be enshrined. It is also a destination where rock climbing addicts would want to visit, for the worship hall which can only be …
A Guide to Motoise Sansha Shrines – The Origin of Ise Jingu Read More »
If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt. Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto …
Kurama & Kibune – The Hidden Gems in the Mountains of Kyoto Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international …
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
Saijō Inari (最上稲荷山妙教寺) in Okayama City is a special place as it is one of the only few spots in Japan that combine Buddhism and Shintoism. It is also one of the major Inari Shrines in the country (the other two are Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari (豊川稲荷) in Aichi).
For those who know a bit about Japanese folktales, you most likely have come across the story of Momotarō (桃太郎, “Peach Boy”). And if you haven’t, familiarise yourself with Momotarō’s heroic life before you come to Okayama, especially if you are paying a visit to Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社)!
In addition to Itsukushima Shrine, Daishōin Temple (大聖院) on the top of a hill is another attraction on Miyajima that you should visit. The temple has the longest history among all the attractions on the sacred island. On top of the spectacular view from the temple, there are a few amazing things to see in …
Daishōin Temple – The Oldest Attraction on Miyajima Read More »
When people talk about Miyajima, the first thing that will pop up in their mind is most likely the giant “floating” torii gate. In fact, at high tide, the entire shrine seems to float on water! If you have ever wondered which shrine’s precinct the torii gate is marking, it is Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), one …
Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima’s Great Torii Gate Read More »
Keta Grand Shrine (Keta Taisha, 氣多大社), close to Chirihama Beach, is the representative shrine of the Noto Peninsula. According to Japan’s ancient documentation, the shrine was already the biggest in the central part of Japan’s main island back in 741. Originally, the shrine god was worshiped as the region’s guardian. But more recently, it is …
Keta Grand Shrine – The Biggest Shrine in Central Japan Read More »
Mt. Iwaki (岩木山), the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture is known as Tsugaru Region’s Mt. Fuji. While it is certainly a favorite to hiking enthusiasts, you can get to the summit of the mountain with as little as a 30-minute hike!
If you are wondering which of the six entrances you should finish your exploration of the Kanazawa Castle, the Nezumita-mon Gate (鼠多門) can be a great choice if you aren’t in a hurry to Kenrokuen Garden. Because after you cross the Nezumita-mon Bridge (鼠多門橋), there is a shrine with a three-storied gate, each built in …
Oyama Jinja – The Shrine with the Most Special Gate Read More »