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
Shrines and temples
Atagojinja Shrine, Kyoto
"Atago Jinja Shrine" is located at the top of Mount Atago at an altitude of 924 meters, located northwest of Kyoto city in Kyoto. It is a famous spot visited by climbers and worshipers from all over Japan. An amulet of "charm against fire" that you can get at Atago Jinja Shrine is said to protect people from fires by sticking it to your home kitchen or kitchen of a restaurant. … [Read more...] about Atagojinja Shrine, Kyoto
Togakushi Jinja Shrine, Nagano
Togakushi district, about an hour's drive from Nagano city, Nagano prefecture. A mountainous area that developed as a village of "shugendo" (Japanese mountain asceticism-shamanism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts), centering on Togakushi mountain, which is said to have been flying from the Japanese myth "Ama no Iwato" (huge rock). Togakushi has a long history and … [Read more...] about Togakushi Jinja Shrine, Nagano
Misogi-jinja Nogaku-den (Misogi Shrine Noh theater), Yamanashi
In the large grounds of Misogi-jinja Shrine, the beautiful forest of trees in Yamanashi Prefecture spreads out and you will be delighted by the harmony with the dignified shrine. In addition, you can feel the power of washing your soul just by standing for a while. Misogi-jinja Shrine is famous as a shrine with the only Main Shrine of Ancient Shinto in Japan. It is said that … [Read more...] about Misogi-jinja Nogaku-den (Misogi Shrine Noh theater), Yamanashi
Kodai-ji (Kodai Zen Temple), Kyoto
There is another large temple in the Kyoto Higashiyama area, famous for Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. “Kodaiji” is close to the Kiyomizu-dera approach and there are many guides, so you may have heard of the name. The garden is also wonderful, and it has become a scenic spot where the name appears in the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves season. The garden and surroundings … [Read more...] about Kodai-ji (Kodai Zen Temple), Kyoto
Imamiya Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Imamiya Jinja Shrine was founded in 994 in the Heian period. It begins with "Murasakino Goryoe" (a religious service held to propitiate a departed soul) in order to subdue the epidemic of plague believed to be the resentment of the Spirit. It is now called “Tamanokoshi Shrine” (marry into a wealthy family) from the episode of Keishoin (the mother of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the … [Read more...] about Imamiya Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Sefa Utaki (Holiest Sites), Okinawa
In Okinawa, there are many sacred places, “Utaki”, where rituals are held for gods and ancestors. One of them is the world heritage "Sefa Utaki" (Holiest Sites on Okinawa) in Nanjo City. What kind of place is the sacred place "Sefa Utaki" that is worshiped by many people today? "Sefa Utaki" is located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, about 45 minutes by car from Naha … [Read more...] about Sefa Utaki (Holiest Sites), Okinawa
Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
Yasukuni Shrine is located in the center of Tokyo. The nearest station is Kudanshita Station of Tokyo Metro, or Kudanshita Station of Toei Subway, and the shrine is located about 5 minutes on foot. If you get off at "Kudanue" at the bus stop, you will be right in front. Even if you visit by car, there is a large pay parking lot in the city center, so you will not feel … [Read more...] about Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple), Kyoto
"Kenninji Temple" in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto that conveys Zen. The temple opened by Eisai, a monk who has been trained in China, is still loved by many tourists even now, more than 800 years ago. Visiting the simple and sophisticated precincts of a Zen temple is like purifying your heart. There are plenty of spots where you can shoot, such as … [Read more...] about Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple), Kyoto
Jigoku Nozoki (Look Over Hell), Chiba
Want to look into hell? There is a tourist spot called "Jigoku Nozoki" (Look Over Hell) in Chiba Prefecture. Contrary to the place name of “Jigoku Nozoki”, there are superb views and spectacular Buddha, which are popular as photogenic spots. "Jigoku Nozoki" is located in Mt. Nokogiri in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture, where you can see the Boso Peninsula. Mt. Nokogiri, with an … [Read more...] about Jigoku Nozoki (Look Over Hell), Chiba