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 »
The center of worship of Kōyasan has to be Okunoin (奥之院), where Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師) fell into deep meditation (passed away). It is believed that the revered monk is still providing his helping hand to those in need while meditating. As one of the Three Holiest Spots in Japan (the other two are Mt. Osore
Okunoin – The Mysterious Center of Worship in Kōyasan Read More »
Kōyasan, one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道) that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004, is a popular destination for tourists. However, if you are interested in samurai history, you will want to extend your visit to Kudoyama Town (九度山町) at the foot of the
Kudoyama – The World Heritage Town and Sanada Yukimura’s Confinement Read More »
Originally, to get to Kōyasan, pilgrims needed to hike through the long approach called Kōyasan Chōishi-michi (高野山町石道), starting from the foot of the mountain. The starting point of that pilgrimage route is the Jison-in Temple (慈尊院). Established as the “front door” of Kōyasan by Kōbō Daishi, it was the place where his mother stayed after
The Best Guide to Jison-in: The Front Door of Kōyasan Read More »
If you are planning to visit the world heritage Kōyasan, remember to drop by the Niutsuhime Shrine (丹生都比売神社), which is on the pilgrimage route of Kōyasan chōishi-michi (高野山町石道) starting from Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama Town. The shrine has a deep connection with Kōyasan’s founding. One of the gods who is enshrined here – Kariba Myōjin
Niutsuhime Shrine and the God Who Helped Founded Kōyasan Read More »
Many people know that the Itsukushima Shrine, the shrine with a torii gate floating on the sea, is a World Heritage Site. But do you know it isn’t just the shrine itself that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? And when you ask where to find deer in Japan, most people will tell
The Ultimate Guide to Miyajima and the Great Torii Gate Read More »
Miyajima isn’t just about the Floating Torii Gate. Head to the most sacred part of Miyajima, Mt. Misen (弥山), for the magnificent scenery up at the summit and to explore Mt. Misen’s Seven Wonders! The easiest way to get to the top of the sacred mountain is by taking the Miyajima Ropeway (宮島ロープウエー). If you
The Ultimate Guide to Mt. Misen and Miyajima Ropeway Read More »
Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its
Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name Read More »
Since its listing on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995, Shirakawa-gō (白川郷), also spelt as Shirakawagō in Gifu Prefecture, has been considered one of the most popular getaway spots in Japan. Located in a remote mountainous region in central Japan, the villages and their people were known to be isolated and hidden from the
The Best Guide to the World Heritage: Shirakawa-gō Read More »
Mt. Shirakami or Shirakami Sanchi (白神山地) is a vast mountain area of 130 hectares that spans from the north of Akita Prefecture to the south of Aomori Prefecture. Mt Shirakami has been listed as a world heritage site as of 1993. It is also a Pilgrimage site for Studio Ghibli fans as the forest in
Shirakami Sanchi and the World-Class Virgin Beech Forest Read More »