Vegetarian's Japan Guide

World Heritage

Yokawa-Area-Entrance-Mt.-Hiei-Shiga-Japan

The Best Guide to Mt. Hiei – Kyoto’s Most Sacred Destination

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 […]

The Best Guide to Mt. Hiei – Kyoto’s Most Sacred Destination Read More »

Sannai-Maruyama-Special-Historical-Site-Aomori-Japan-1

Japan’s New World Heritage Sannai Maruyama Historical Site

While the world was panicking about the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, in March 2021, Aomori Prefecture proudly welcomed another world heritage title. The Sannai Maruyama Special Historical Site (三内丸山遺跡) that completely overturned the understanding of the Jōmon civilization was registered as a part of Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (北海道・北東北の縄文遺跡群) as a World Heritage.

Japan’s New World Heritage Sannai Maruyama Historical Site Read More »

Atomic-Bomb-Dome-Hiroshima-Japan

The Ultimate Guide to Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park

Speaking of Hiroshima, many associates it with the place of the world that suffered from an atomic bomb attack. In the turbulent world that we live in today, the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム), together with the Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima (広島平和記念公園), are the ideal places for us to rethink what we can do to bring

The Ultimate Guide to Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park Read More »

Sasano-Falls-Autumn-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Totsukawa – Japan’s Biggest Village and the Hidden Gems

Totsukawa Village (十津川村), the biggest village in Japan, is located in the southernmost part of Nara Prefecture. It is blessed with beautiful scenery. To its north is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Sasano Falls, located in the middle of the village, is one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the

Totsukawa – Japan’s Biggest Village and the Hidden Gems Read More »

Tamaki-Shrine-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded

Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社) in Totsukawa Village, almost at the summit of Mt. Tamaki (Tamakisan, 玉置山), is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is at an altitude of 1,076 meters and was founded in BC 37 by the imperial court for demon expulsion. In 2004, the shrine, one of the Shugendō’s (修験道) training sites, was registered

Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded Read More »

Nankai-Limited-Express-Koya-and-Sightseeing-Train-Tenku-Koyasan-Wakayama-Japan

The Best Guide to How to Get to Kōyasan from Osaka and Kyoto

Mt. Kōya, or Kōyasan, is becoming increasingly popular among international tourists who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and Osaka’s city center. The sacred mountain in Wakayama Prefecture is culturally and historically rich. In addition, it is one of the best spots in Japan to experience temple lodging, Shokubō. If the

The Best Guide to How to Get to Kōyasan from Osaka and Kyoto Read More »

Kongobuji-Koyasan-Wakayama-Japan

Kongōbuji – The Head Temple of Japan’s Shingon Buddhism

Kōyasan Kongōbuji (高野山真言宗総本山金剛峯寺), opposite Danjō Garan, is the headquarters of the Shingon sect in Japan. The temple has a large precinct that houses many buildings that are lavishly and beautifully designed. Besides the gorgeous paintings on fusuma doors and Buddha statues, Kongōbuji is best known for its Banryūtei Garden. This largest rock garden in Japan

Kongōbuji – The Head Temple of Japan’s Shingon Buddhism Read More »

Danjo-Garan-Koyasan-Wakayama-Japan

Danjō Garan – The Most Sacred Training Ground in Kōyasan

In 816, Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇) bestowed the land of Kōyasan to the revered monk, Kūkai (空海), also known as Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師), for the constructions of Shingon Buddhism’s (真言宗) monastery. He devoted all his energy to building the towers and halls on the high ground to express the world depicted in the Womb Realm Mandala (胎蔵曼荼羅).

Danjō Garan – The Most Sacred Training Ground in Kōyasan Read More »