For the Japanese history buff and admirers of Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村), Rengejōin (蓮華定院) is the destination that you will want to visit when you come to Kōyasan. The temple has a deep connection with the Sanada Clan. The family crest, which features six mon coins, was the amount that the Japanese would use to […]
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In 816, Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇) bestowed the land of Kōyasan to the revered monk, Kūkai (空海), also known as Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師), for the constructions of Shingon Buddhism’s (真言宗) monastery. He devoted all his energy to building the towers and halls on the high ground to express the world depicted in the Womb Realm Mandala (胎蔵曼荼羅).
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The center of worship of Kōyasan has to be Okunoin (奥之院), where Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師) fell into deep meditation (passed away). It is believed that the revered monk is still providing his helping hand to those in need while meditating. As one of the Three Holiest Spots in Japan (the other two are Mt. Osore
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Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy
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Whether you are planning a day trip to Kōyasan or want to spend a night in the sacred mountain, Kongō Sanmai-in (金剛三昧院) should be on your itinerary. The temple, which has multiple important national cultural properties and national treasures, is a spot that shouldn’t be overlooked!
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Originally, to get to Kōyasan, pilgrims needed to hike through the long approach called Kōyasan Chōishi-michi (高野山町石道), starting from the foot of the mountain. The starting point of that pilgrimage route is the Jison-in Temple (慈尊院). Established as the “front door” of Kōyasan by Kōbō Daishi, it was the place where his mother stayed after
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If you are planning to visit the world heritage Kōyasan, remember to drop by the Niutsuhime Shrine (丹生都比売神社), which is on the pilgrimage route of Kōyasan chōishi-michi (高野山町石道) starting from Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama Town. The shrine has a deep connection with Kōyasan’s founding. One of the gods who is enshrined here – Kariba Myōjin
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Besides the World Heritage Site Byodoin, Uji has another must-visit temple, especially from spring to autumn. Mimuroto-ji (三室戸寺) is a hidden gem to international visitors in the city best known for its matcha production. It is one of Kyoto‘s most famous flower spots, as gorgeous flowers can be adored throughout the four seasons. Various unique
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If you are a Japanese history buff or a fan of the famous samurai, Sanada Yukimura, the town you must visit in the Kansai region is Kudoyama. The town where Yukimura and his father spent their late years is the best spot to get a rough understanding of the hardships they endured throughout the 14
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If you are a history buff or enjoy Japanese gardens, Chishaku-in (智積院) is an ideal spot to visit. The temple was initially built to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s first son. While the garden isn’t particularly spacious, it is the second closest publicly accessible garden to Kyoto Station that has been designated as one of the
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