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. Moreover, it is probably the only temple in the world that […]
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If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai’s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see the white Kannon Buddha statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second-tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in
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Planning a visit to Enoshima Island? One must-see attraction is the mysterious Enoshima Iwaya Cave (Iwaya Grotto). Carved by the waves over centuries, these historic sea caves are steeped in legend, including tales of dragons and Buddhist pilgrims. Discover why the Enoshima Iwaya Cave is a top destination on the Shonan Coast and how to
Enoshima Iwaya Cave Guide: History & Must-See Japan Grotto Read More »
Upon commencement of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics yacht competition, the previously hidden beauty of a small island floating on Sagami Bay was suddenly revealed to the world. A sacred religious destination, Enoshima’s history centers on the Enoshima Shrine (江島神社). Before the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism, Enoshima was the precinct of Kinkizan Yogan-ji Temple (金亀山与願寺)
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Mt. Hiei or Hieizan (比叡山), a mountain lying on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, is considered one of the Three Holiest Places in Japan together with Kōyasan (高野山) and Mt. Osore (恐山). The worship halls and pagodas of the World Heritage Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺) are scattered throughout the mountain. The temple, which is
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Ready to find your “winning luck” in Japan? Venture beyond the buzz of Osaka’s city center to the serene, forested hills of Minoh City and discover Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺), famously known as the Temple of Victory or the Daruma Temple in Osaka. This extraordinary 1,300-year-old site has a powerful history of granting success to everyone
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While Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the most renowned shrine in Kawagoe, Kawagoe Kumano Shrine (川越 熊野神社) is also a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. There are various fascinating rituals and activities you can do in its precinct, such as ball-throwing for good luck and cleansing your money to bring more money your
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Kurama Temple (鞍馬寺), also known as Kurama-dera in Japanese, is the representative temple on Mt. Kurama in Kyoto established in 770. The temple is well-known among the Japanese because the famous military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was trained there during his youth. In addition, it is likely the only temple in Japan (or
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If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto
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Among the five shrines of Togakushi, the area around Togakushi Shrine Chusha (戸隠 中社) is the most lively. Along the Togakushi hiking trail, numerous restaurants and ryokans are situated near Togakushi Shrine Chusha. Togakushi Tourist Information Center (戸隠観光情報センター) is also situated near the Chusha shrine. If you plan to hike in Togakushi, we highly recommend
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