Today we are going to be discussing three Shinto shrines and one Buddhist temple in the Akasaka area. Akasaka is located within Minato City, Tokyo prefecture. The shrines that will be discussed are Akasaka Hikawa-jinja, Nogi-jinja, and Hie-jinja. The temple … Read More
Toranomon Kotohiragu Shrine was established in 1660 by Takakazu Kyogoku, the lord of the Marugame Domain at the time. In 1679, the shrine was relocated to the unlucky southwest direction of Edo Castle, where the Imperial Palace sits today. In 1889, … Read More
While I was in Miyagi Prefecture, I heard about a temple in the sky called Rissyakuji Temple in a neighboring prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture. The Rissyakuji Temple is also called Yamadera which literally translates to “mountain temple,” and after walking up … Read More
In 1991 the statue, Sendai Daikannon, was the tallest statue in the world. Sendai Daikannon held this title until 1993 when it was surpassed by Ushiku Daibutsu which is 20 meters taller. Sendai Daikannon stands at 100 meters in height, … Read More
Sōkeiji Temple is a gorgeous temple located in Minato City, Tokyo Prefecture, and about a ten minute walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station. On the way to the temple from the station, you may notice you are in a quieter part of … Read More
Sawanoya (Yanaka, Tokyo) is a family-run inn dedicated to helping one relax in a typical local Japanese atmosphere. The Nezu Shrine and the Shitamachi Museum are located within the vicinity. The inn is a referred to as a ryokan (a … Read More
I have never been to, nor have I even heard of, a beach where you are not allowed to swim. Well, welcome to Katsurahama Beach! While you cannot jump in for a dip on this beach because of the strong … Read More
The most alluring temple I have seen is in the north of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture; this is Rinnoji Temple. It was first opened in 1441, and was heavily related to the Date clan. While at first glance it appears to … Read More
The construction of Kochi Castle began over 400 years ago in 1601. The castle is now attracting attention as a tourist attraction and notable landmark, but the purpose of the castle at that time (400 years ago) was to prevent … Read More
Nanokawa Shrine (Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture) is my favorite shrine so far, there is no question. So after driving 15 minutes up a mountain on a one-way road, we reached this quiet shrine in the midst of a solitary peace. … Read More
While I was in Kochi Prefecture, I stopped in the town of Ino to check out their locally popular paper museum. They even have a paper making experience where one can try their hand at making traditional washi (paper that … Read More
Today we paid a visit to Unjo-ji Temple located in Shiogama City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. We entered the temple and observed how well taken care of this particular temple was. Making our way to the front of the main … Read More