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 »
Have you ever wondered what the world would look like after you die? Well, we have. According to Japanese folk tales, those who die will pass a bridge to cross the Sanzunokawa River. It has been said that the river divides our world from another world. As we all need to cross that river one
Mt. Osore – Welcome to the World After Death Read More »
Hōfukuji Temple (井山宝福寺) is a sub-temple of the Tōfukuji Temple (東福寺) school of the Rinzai sect (臨済宗). It is also the leading Zen Buddhist temple in the region. When you explore this temple, you will find a couple of tied-up monks’ statues. However, there is no need to be afraid of or weirded out.
Hōfukuji Temple and the Interesting Monk and Mouse Statues Read More »
Amongst all the attractions in Amanohashidate that have lookouts and observation decks, Nariaiji (成相寺) is the one we enjoyed the most! It is the most scenic place in the area throughout the year, especially during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-November. Located further up from Kasamatsu Park, you might be able to see
Nariaiji Temple: The Scenic Hidden Gem in Amanohashidate Read More »
If you are trekking or cycling your way to the north of Amanohashidate, you will go past the Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社) on your way to Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park. The shrine is the highest-ranked shrine in the San-in region and was the home of the god in the famous Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮) in Mie Prefecture.
Motoise Kono Jinja: The Iconic Shrine in Amanohashidate Read More »
From Amanohashidate Station, if you head straight to the shore, Chionji Temple (智恩寺) is the first main attraction you will encounter. The temple is ranked first of the three temples in Japan dedicated to the Monju Bodhisattva (文殊菩薩), the widest Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Because up until a few centuries ago, Amanohashidate was part of the
Chionji: The Temple in Amanohashidate to Gain More Wisdom Read More »
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 »
If you plan to visit Himeji in early spring, stop by Zuiganji (増位山随願寺). The oldest Tendai sect temple in the southern Hyōgo Prefecture has a plum grove. Aside from its cultural properties, you can also see the elegant Himeji Castle from the plum grove. Using a professional camera, a picture of the castle with plum
Zuiganji: A Hidden Gem to Adore the Plum Blossoms in Himeji 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 »
Sone Tenmangū (曽根天満宮), enshrining Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), was erected by his fourth son and 13 retainers after he passed away in Dazaifu, Kyushu. The spot proves that Michizane was wrongly demoted for a crime he didn’t commit. In addition to the pine that is the shrine’s symbol, around 200 plums of 40 varieties bloom
Sone Tenmangū: One of the Best Plum Blossom Spots Near Kobe Read More »