If you have a competition or something similar coming up, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, during your next Japan trip. The shrine erected in the early Heian period is famous for those who want to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu […]
Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory Read More »
A religious spot you have to visit when you are in Kusatsu Onsen is Kōsenji Temple (光泉寺). Even if you aren’t interested in visiting a temple, you can still get a wide view of Kusatsu Onsen’s township from the temple’s gate atop the staircases behind the communal bathhouse, Shirahata no Yu (白旗の湯)!
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If you are after some quietness during your time at Kusatsu Onsen, Shirane Shrine (白根神社), which is north of Yubatake, could be the spot you would want to visit. The shrine that enshrines Yamato Takeru (日本武尊), a semi-legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, also has a few promenades for an easy stroll in its precinct
Shirane Shrine – A Quaint Guardian Shrine of Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
Kumanokōtai Shrine (熊野皇大神社), close to the Usui Pass Observation Platform, is a rare shrine you will want to visit. Not only does it sit on a prefectural borderline, but the central watershed (中央分水嶺) can also be found in the precinct! Because the shrine’s precinct is across two prefectures, the shrine consists of two religious institutions
Kumanokōtai Shrine – The Must-Visit Shrine in Karuizawa Read More »
You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the must-visit spot
Gōtokuji: Tokyo’s Infamous Maneki-neko Lucky Cat Temple Read More »
In addition to the ski resorts and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple (善光寺), near Nagano Station, is one of the most popular destinations in Nagano Prefecture. The number of visitors the temple receives yearly is as many as 6 million people! The temple has a history of more than 1,400 years and many Cultural
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If you are walking towards Zenkoji Temple from Nagano Station or the other way around, stop by Karukayasan Saikōji Temple (刈萱山西光寺). While the precinct is compact, it is where you can experience Etoki, a cultural activity you can hardly come across anywhere else. This temple should also interest those who previously visited the Karukaya-dō Mitsugon-in
Karukayasan Saikōji: A Hidden Gem Close to Nagano Station Read More »
A hidden gem in Osaka for flowers and fall foliage hunting is Kanshin-ji Temple (観心寺). After all, it was chosen to be one of the Flower Temples in the Kansai region! In addition, the temple houses Osaka Prefecture’s oldest architectural national treasure. You can also perform a few simple rituals in its vast precinct. Moreover,
Kanshin-ji: The Scenic Temple and Its Cultural Treasures Read More »
If you plan to visit Dotonbori at night, visit Kōzugū Shrine (高津宮) and Kōzu Park (高津公園) in the late afternoon. The shrine, arguably close to Osaka‘s most famous tourist spot, is next to a renowned plum blossom spot, Kōzu Park. After making or saying your prayer at the shrine, follow the passageway on the shrine’s
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In Osaka‘s city center, the Ōsaka Tenmangū Shrine (大阪天満宮) is a convenient spot to adore the plum blossoms. Close to Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街), around 100 plums were planted for the god enshrined, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because Michizane is worshipped as the God of Learning (学問の神様), many students would visit
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