There are a couple of cherry blossom destinations in Fukuoka’s city center, but what about fall foliage in Fukuoka? The autumn foliage in the precinct of Momiji Hachimangū Shrine (紅葉八幡宮) in the city center makes its name worthy. From late November to early December each year, the maple trees (or Momiji in Japanese) from the […]
Momiji Hachimangū Shrine and the Stunning Fall Foliage Read More »
The Washio Atago Shrine (鷲尾愛宕神社) in Fukuoka is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrine. Located on the top of a 68-meter-tall hill, the shrine is famous for its incredible sunrises, cherry blossoms, and night views. Although there is a range of things that you can pray for at Atago Shrine, the most unique thing
Washio Atago Shrine – One of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrines Read More »
In the middle of the busy commercial Tenjin area in Fukuoka City, the Kego Shrine (警固神社) is a completely different space. The time seems to flow differently in the precinct, making it a nice spot to get some quiet time from the bustle surrounding the shrine.
Kego Shrine – The City Oasis in Tenjin with Smiley Foxes Read More »
On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been looking after the region since the late 6th century. The 30-minute walk on the approach from the torii gate to the main worship hall is so mysterious that some sort of sacred power is gained just by taking a short journey! This is especially
Haruna Shrine: The Most Powerful Shrine in Gunma Prefecture Read More »
Mizusawa-dera (水澤寺), southeast of Ikaho Onsen, has been a highly regarded temple for centuries. The temple is filled with amazingly built buildings and Buddha statues. The Tendai sect temple has Eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (十一面千手観音) as the main image, so it is also referred to as Mizusawa Kannon (水澤観音). Aside from wishes for safe child delivery
A Guide to Mizusawa Temple, the Origin of Mizusawa Udon Read More »
On the south end of Higashi Park (東公園), close to JR Yoshizuka Station, you can find Tōkaebisu Shrine (十日恵比須神社), a usually quiet shrine. However, during the Tōkaebisu Festival, from the 8th to the 11th of January, around one million people usually flood the shrine! Not only can you wander through the 300 stalls set up
Tōkaebisu Shrine and the Exciting Tōkaebisu Festival Read More »
If you practice zen or meditate regularly, you might be interested in Shōfuku-ji (聖福寺), the first Zen temple in Japan. The temple is also a spot in Hakata that will excite all cat lovers!
Shōfuku-ji – The First Zen Temple in Japan Read More »
If you are a cat lover, head to Mangyō-ji (普賢山萬行寺) because you will most likely be served by two black cats at the reception! In addition, what will catch the attention of history buffs is the temple’s crest. Contrasting the crest used by other Pureland sect temples in Japan that uses wisteria, Mangyō-ji uses the
Mangyō-ji – A Temple that Excites Cat Lovers & History Buffs Read More »
While you might not be aware of it, the method of making food made from flour in Japan, such as udon and soba noodles and buns, originates from Hakata (according to Jōten-ji’s history). This food culture was introduced by Ennibenen (円爾弁円), also known as Shōichi Kokushi (聖一国師), who returned to Japan from his study in
Jōten-ji Temple – The Origin of the Udon and Soba Noodles Read More »
You might have heard of one of the Holiest Mountains In Japan, Kōyasan, and thus you might know about its founder, Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). After returning to Japan from China, he spent around four years in Hakata and founded his first temple, Tōchō-ji (真言宗 東長寺), in 806. Since the late 20th century, what has been
Tōchō-ji Temple and Japan’s Largest Wooden Buddha Statue Read More »
