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 »
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 »
On the bridge leading to Inokashira Boathouse, you might notice a traditional building at the other end of the lake. It is the home of the Benzaiten, who gets jealous of happy couples rowing boats in Inokashira Park. The Inokashira Benzaiten Temple (井の頭弁財天) in the park’s northwest corner is serene and ideal for contemplation. The
Inokashira Benzaiten: The Must-Visit Temple in Kichijōji Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff or love to examine Japan’s cultural properties, the temple you have to stop by when you get to Kawagoe is Kita-in (喜多院). The temple that has a deep connection with the Tokugawa clan not only houses the most cultural properties in Kawagoe, but it is also the last
Kawagoe Kita-in Temple and Its Connection With Tokugawa Clan Read More »
Konjō-in Hōkō-ji (金乗院 放光寺) at the top of a hill is a temple in Tokorozawa erected by the Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). The scenery and buildings in the precinct are gorgeous. We reckon it is the best temple in the area! Not only does the temple have a scenic precinct, but you will also find Buddhist
Yamaguchi Kannon: The Best Scenic Temple in Tokorozawa City Read More »
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) is arguably the most famous and popular shrine in Kawagoe. The old shrine, more than 1,500 years old, is where the locals pray for marriage ties. In addition to the normal things you would do at a Japanese shrine, such as writing wishes on the back of an ema plaque, there
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If you have a car and plan to visit Tokorozawa in late spring or autumn, visit Tamon-in (多聞院). The temple is a renowned spot for peony and the beautiful fall foliage. Besides the natural scenery, pilgrims can enjoy a couple of fun rituals. In addition, it is a temple filled with tiger elements!
Tamon-in Temple and the Cute Tiger Figure-Covered Precinct Read More »
Renkeiji (蓮馨寺) is the temple in Kawagoe closest to Taishō Roman Yume-dōri. It is close to the street’s popular udon restaurant, Udon Tsumugi. The temple has a serene atmosphere and is rich in history. Since its establishment in the mid-16th century, the locals would go there and pray for various things, especially child-related matters, such
Renkeiji: A Temple to Pray for Child-Related Matters in Kawagoe Read More »
Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine (川越八幡宮), the most prominent Hachimangū shrine in Kawagoe City, was erected over 1,000 years ago. Among more than 200 shrines in the city, it is the only one with Kawagoe in its name. Despite its location, Kawagoe Hachimangū is quiet and serene compared to other shrines in the historical township. So if
Kawagoe Hachimangū – The Spot to Swap Bad Luck for Happiness Read More »
Proceeding east of Morioka-jō Castle Site Park, the ground beyond the giant vermilion-painted torii gate is Morioka Hachimangū Shrine’s precinct. It is a less-known spot to foreign tourists, but a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. Because Morioka Hachimangū Shrine (盛岡八幡宮) is very spacious and located on a slightly high ground, you can
Morioka Hachimangū: Morioka’s Less-Known Must-Visit Shrine Read More »
