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 »
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
A Guide to Sanda Tenman Shrine and the Plum Blossoms Read More »
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
Naniwa Kumano Shrine and Its Gorgeous Plum Blossoms Read More »
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
Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals Read More »
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
Kitano Tenman Shrine and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
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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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
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Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine,
Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual Read More »
