1,000 or more of Maneki-Neko is lined up As an auspicious ornament that brings luck charm and business prosperity, a "Maneki-Neko" (lucky cat) that has been popular with Japanese people since long ago. The popularity from foreigners is also increasing as the appearance of cats bringing luck with one hand raised is unique and lovable. It is said that the birthplace of such … [Read more...] about Gotoku-ji Temple, Tokyo
Shrines and temples
Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki
Gigantic bronze statue of the Great Buddha "Ushiku Daibutsu" is a giant bronze statue of the Great Buddha in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is a place where popularity is gradually emerging among sightseeing spots in Ibaraki prefecture. Ushiku Daibutsu's biggest charm is its scale size as well. Ushiku Daibutsu whose total height is 120 meters is also registered as … [Read more...] about Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki
Asakusa, Tokyo
The Asakusa area has flourished as a downtown area since the Edo era 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 … [Read more...] about Asakusa, Tokyo
Manshuin Temple, Kyoto
A place you can enjoy autumn foliage and Karesansui “Manshuin Temple” is a famous tourist spot of autumn leaves in Kyoto. The garden of the scenic spot is filled with bright colors as the autumn approaches. The official name is "Manshuin Monzeki". The area around Manshuin Temple, a little away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto city, is surrounded by a very relaxed and quiet … [Read more...] about Manshuin Temple, Kyoto
The former Heijo-kyu Palace site, Nara
Registered as a World Heritage Site as a “Cultural Property of Ancient Nara” Former Heijo-kyu Palace site is a special historic site which was the center of Heijo-kyo which was transferred from Fujiwara-kyo in 710. It was the center of politics and culture where Tenpyo culture opened up. It is said that the Emperor lived and about 7,000 officials, including aristocrats, … [Read more...] about The former Heijo-kyu Palace site, Nara
Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto
Historic temples designated as national treasures and important cultural properties “Tofukuji Temple” is known as the best spot for autumn leaves in the Kansai region as well as Kyoto. Especially during the fall foliage season, it is popular with tourists. The appeal of Tofukuji Temple is not only autumn leaves. “Tofukuji Temple” was founded by Michiie KUJO, who was the … [Read more...] about Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto
Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
The shrine has descended in the era of Emperor Jinmu Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kamomioyajin Shrine, commonly known as Shimogamo Shrine, is a tourist attraction surrounded by nature-filled forests in the city center of Kyoto. It is also registered as one of the world heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". Woods of Tadasu no Mori extend to the precinct, and the … [Read more...] about Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do (Thrown-in Temple), Tottori
“Historical Mystery” and “Miracle Landscape” It stands in the gap between the rocks with a wonderful balance, and when you look at the figure, everyone is overwhelmed by "Who and how did you build it in such a place?" It is also known as “historical mystery” and “miracle landscape”. Mount Mitoku has long prospered as a sacred place for mountain worship. A long time ago, it … [Read more...] about Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do (Thrown-in Temple), Tottori
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tochigi
Gorgeous and precise art work Speaking of Nikko in Tochigi, "Nikko Toshogu" comes to mind first. In fact, there are other historical shrines and temples such as Nikko Futarasan Shrine and Nikko Sanrinnoji Temple. Together, these three were registered as World Heritage Sites in 1999. Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built in 1636 by Iemitsu TOKUGAWA, 3rd Tokugawa Shogun, to worship … [Read more...] about Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tochigi
Koyasan Okunoin, Wakayama
An avenue of cryptomerias rises on both sides of the approach, and when you enter it, you will feel as if you were in a different world. That is Koyasan (Mount Koya). Koyasan is included in the World Heritage Site as “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. "The whole mountain is a religious city" and it is a special area like no other in Japan. It is … [Read more...] about Koyasan Okunoin, Wakayama