Byōdō-in (平等院) isn’t the only temple you can visit in Uji. Two stations away from Uji Station, Manpuku-ji (萬福寺), close to JR Ōbaku Station (黄檗駅), is a less-known but magnificent and culturally rich religious facility that has 23 Important National Cultural Properties. The temple is the head temple of Japan’s Three Great Zen Schools, Ōbakushū […]
Manpuku-ji Temple and Its Amazing Vegan Fucha Ryōri Read More »
On the way to Shima Onsen‘s best natural spot, Lake Okushima, how about making a detour to Hinatami Yakushidō (日向見薬師堂)? The temple with a thatched roof is the legendary birthplace of the hot spring town. In addition, it also has a connection with the Sanada clan, a famous samurai family in the late 16th century!
Hinatami Yakushidō: The Birthplace of Shima Onsen Read More »
The east and west sides of Tadami Station have completely different vibes. The west side is filled with nature. Apart from the Tadami Sky Resort (只見スキー場), the main reason people venture out of the town center is Mitsuishi Shrine (三石神社) and hiking. The shrine buried in a low mountain near the station is where you
Mitsuishi Shrine in Tadami and Its Interesting Ritual Read More »
A nice spot to stop by after your visit to the Shurijō Castle Park is the Shuri Kannon-dō (首里観音堂). The temple just a 10-minute walk from Tamaudun (玉陵) is one of the six temples around the castle that survived the turbulence in the last 400 years. In addition, the temple that the Ryūkyū imperial family
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It might come to you as a surprise, but there is a spot in Okinawa where it is said that the Goddess of the Sun in Japanese mythology, Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大御神), once briefly stopped by before she headed off for Ise (伊勢). And that holy spot happens to be at the side of Naha‘s city center!
Okinogū Shrine – The Site Where the Goddess of Sun descended Read More »
Speaking of Okinawa, it is the perfect destination to enjoy the stunning beaches. While Okinawa’s top beaches aren’t in the capital city, Naha, there is one beach for you to enjoy a last-minute swim in the warmer months or watersports. Plus, Okinawa’s highest-ranked shrine is just atop the cliff next to the beach!
The Best Guide to Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Shrine Read More »
If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple (輪王寺) when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden! In addition, the temple holds free meditation sessions on Saturday nights.
Rinnō-ji: The Temple that Houses Sendai’s Best Garden Read More »
Buried deep in the mountain, whether it is in Sendai City or within the Miyagi Prefecture, Saihōji Temple (定義如来 西方寺) is one of the top tourist attractions. It is no wonder Hanyu Yuzuru and his family were willing to visit the temple regularly. The temple, located in the west of Sendai City, can be reached
Saihōji – One of Hanyu Yuzuru’s Favorite Spots in Sendai Read More »
When visiting Sendai, a must-see shrine would be the Ōsaki Hachimangū (大崎八幡宮). It is the only place in the Tohōku region that houses a National Treasure. The shrine was erected in 1607 as the guardian shrine for Sendai and carries Date Masamune’s (伊達政宗, Sendai Domain’s first lord) hope to bring happiness to his subjects. Even
Ōsaki Hachimangū – The Magnificent Guardian Shrine of Sendai Read More »
If you are passionate about hiking and historical and cultural spots, you might want to have the Iimori Shrine (飯盛神社), south of Hakata, on your itinerary. The shrine has three sub-shrines scattered in Mt. Iimori. There are things to do and see across the precinct, so you surely won’t be bored during your hike. In
Iimori Shrine: An Interesting Shrine to Visit Near Hakata Read More »