A typical sight in Kyoto is often Zen temple in fact. Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Nanzenji in Kodaiji, and Tofukuji are also Zen temple. What is the appeal of such Tofukuji Temple which acts not only on the historical and cultural values of the buildings and garden, but also on the hearts of visitors? Recently, the word "Zen" has become more and more familiar. Probably, you have … [Read more...] about Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto
Heritage
Hagi, Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Prefecture was a clan called "Choshu clan" during the Edo period. The central clan city is Hagi. The Choshu clan is a clan ruled by the Mori family who has power from the age of warring States, and turned out a lot of patriots who became the driving force of the Meiji Restoration at the end of the Edo period. Even today the historic cityscape remains, Hagi is a town … [Read more...] about Hagi, Yamaguchi
Shirahige-Jinja (The Shirahige Shrine), Shiga
Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture boasting the largest size in Japan. In the northwest there is "Shirahige-Jinja Shrine" called "Itsukushima of Omi," reminiscent of the World Heritage Itsukushima Shinto shrine. A magnificent scenery with big torii at Lake Biwa is wonderful, in recent years it has become famous even as a sacred place, and the number of worshipers is … [Read more...] about Shirahige-Jinja (The Shirahige Shrine), Shiga
Izumo Oyashiro Shrine (Izumo Taisha Shrine), Shimane
"Izumo Taisha Shrine" is the official name is "Izumo Oyashiro Shrine". According to "Kojiki" (Records of Ancient Matters) and "Nihonshoki" (Chronicles of Japan), "Okuninushi no Mikoto" (chief god of Izumo in southern Honshu Island, Japan, and the central character in the important cycle of myths set in That region) is said to have handed over the Japanese land that he made to … [Read more...] about Izumo Oyashiro Shrine (Izumo Taisha Shrine), Shimane
Misogi-jinja Nogaku-den (Misogi Shrine Noh theater), Yamanashi
Misogi-jinja Shrine is a shrine located in Kobuchizawa, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture. In 1974, the Inoue-jinja Shrine in Higashi-Ueno, Tokyo, which was the original location, was destroyed, so the shrine was revived in Yamanashi Prefecture where there were many believers. In this shrine there are worship prayers, "Omiyamairi" (shrine visit), "Shichi Go San" (the Japanese … [Read more...] about Misogi-jinja Nogaku-den (Misogi Shrine Noh theater), Yamanashi
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tochigi
Shrines and temples in Nikko city, Tochigi prefecture, which are registered as World Heritage sites. The most famous one is Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The first generals of the Edo shogunate, Ieyasu TOKUGAWA is enshrined as God (Tosho Daigongen). This shrine is a peaceful and relaxing spirit of mind created by the approach paths that made use of the natural topography and the … [Read more...] about Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tochigi
Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamaguchi
Speaking of "Kintaikyo Bridge" is not an exaggeration to say that it is a tourist attraction representing the Iwakuni area of Yamaguchi Prefecture. This bridge of five arches is a bridge that could be made at the end of the hard work of those days as a bridge that does not flow. Moreover, its beauty is drawn as a theme by Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai etc, who were … [Read more...] about Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamaguchi
Dazaifu Tenmangu (Shrine), Fukuoka
"Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine" is not only the head shrine of Tenmangu Shrine that there are over one million nationwide, it is also a shrine with a history of SUGAWARA no Michizane's graveyard. This is a popular tourist spot where 10 million people visit each year. It is famous as a shrine that worships the "god of study" since it is a place of dedicating Tenjin-sama (the deified … [Read more...] about Dazaifu Tenmangu (Shrine), Fukuoka
Echizen Ono Castle (Castle in the sky), Fukui
Ohno City in Fukui Prefecture is located in the eastern part of the prefecture, and is in contiguity with Ishikawa prefecture and Gifu prefecture with the mountain range. The JR Kuzuryu line, Echizen Ono station is the central station, the city area is known as the Echizen's little Kyoto, where the former castle town remains strong. Recently, "Echizen Ono Castle" is attracting … [Read more...] about Echizen Ono Castle (Castle in the sky), Fukui
Asakusa, Tokyo
Asakusa area is particularly vibrant in Tokyo and highly evaluated by customers from abroad. There are plenty of places to see the old and new Japan such as Tokyo Skytree and Kappabashi, including landmark Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple. The Asakusa area has flourished as a downtown area since the Edo era. It is a very popular sightseeing spot for both Japanese and … [Read more...] about Asakusa, Tokyo