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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Coming from the center of Nagano City, the first sub-shrine of the Togakushi Shrine you will encounter is the Hōkō-sha (戸隠神社 宝光社). Although the precinct of Hokosha is smaller than Togakushi Chusha Shrine, there are plenty of things to see at Togakushi Hokosha. Moreover, it might be the venue of the yearly Togakushi Soba Festival
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Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, as the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from
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If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s city center, Ikimi Tenmangū (生身天満宮) in Nantan City is a quiet shrine worth visiting. The shrine, surrounded by many 20-meter-tall cedars and plums, will certainly make you feel refreshed. Established in the 10th century, it is recognized as Japan’s oldest Tenmangū and is a
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South of Kanzeon-ji‘s grounds, you will find a temple called Kaidanin (戒壇院). It was originally a sub-temple of Kanzeon-ji when it was erected in 761 as a designated place for monks to receive Buddhist precepts. Apparently, the ceremony of passing down Buddhist precepts at Kaidanin had continued until 1554. In ancient Japan, there were only
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If you are after a spot in Dazaifu that isn’t flooded with tourists, Kanzeon-ji (観世音寺), west of Dazaifu Station, is an ideal place to visit. In addition to the spectacular scenery at the Remains of Dazaifu Government Office (太宰府政庁跡), you will definitely be impressed by the Buddha statues over 5 meters tall! Moreover, there are
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If you are an anime fan, Demon Slayer is probably one of your favorite anime. The spot for you to visit in Dazaifu is Kamado Shrine (宝満宮 竈門神社). Starting from the shrine’s name, it has many connections to the popular anime. The shrine is also a popular spot to pray for good relationships. Moreover, Kamado
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If you want to visit a shrine in Yanagawa, Mihashira Shrine (三柱神社), located on the northern outskirts of Yanagawa Station, is a good choice. Not only is the shrine a religious and historical spot, but a large part of its precinct has been turned into Takahatake Park (高畑公園). It is now a popular destination for
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Although situated in Jiyūgaoka‘s bustling area, Kumano Shrine (自由が丘 熊野神社) manages to retain its quiet and solemn atmosphere. The historic shrine is said to have been founded before the 12th century. Despite the rapid urbanization, the shrine maintains its lush grounds.
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In addition to the beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, there is another temple in Tokyo that is secluded from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Located west of Jiyūgaoka, Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji (九品仏淨眞寺) is an ancient temple with an enchanting dry landscape garden. It is a spot in the urban jungle that will make you feel like you
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