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
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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
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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 »
Like other Tenman shrines in Japan, the Sanda Tenman Shrine (三田天満神社) has Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) as the main god. His favorite flower, plum blossom, is thus planted in the precinct. In fact, the 200-year-old plum isn’t just another plum on the street. The plum is called Tobi-Ume (飛び梅), the same plum as the one
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If you have heard about or have been to the Kumano Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, you might wonder if Naniwa Kuamno Shrine (なにわ熊野神社) is related to the renowned Kumano Shrine. And your guess is correct! So, if you don’t have time to complete the pilgrimage, start your journey from Naniwa Kumano Shrine and get blessings
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Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an
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If you have been to Kyoto, you might have heard of or been to Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満神社). So when you hear of the Kitano Tenman shrine, you might wonder if they are related. And you are right. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is the origin of the Kitano Tenman Shrine in Kobe! Besides
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Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it
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