Shitennoji Temple is the first state-sponsored temple of Japanese Buddhism founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 ( the 1st year of Emperor Suiko’s era). Although there were no buildings that were originally built because of suffering from the disaster, the … Read More
Built as a replica of one of Kyoto`s best known temple Kiyomizu-dera in the Tennoji prefecture of Osaka is the perfect definition of a hidden gem. Sandwiched between residential buildings and multiple temples is Kiyomizu-dera Osaka. As you walk down … Read More
Located in Osaka, the Isshin-Ji Temple is unique in many different ways. The first thing about the temple that caught my eye was the unique entrance. Unlike the standard torii gate that you will find at most temple entrances, Isshin-ji … Read More
As someone who has not only spent the past two years studying hospitality, but has also worked in hotels, I have never experienced something like Waqoo. Located in the Tennouji prefecture of Osaka, Waqoo Shitaderamachi offers what is known as … Read More
Located on the border between Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures the Hiko Mountain is truly a sight to behold. Halfway up the mountain you will find the Hiko-san jingu . Hikosan jingu is best known as a center of training for the Shugen-do sect … Read More
Located at the top of a small hill in Ueno Park is Ueno Daibutsu. Consisting of an intricate Buddhist pagoda and a shrine with statue of a Buddhas head, although monument might be small it has a large and incredible … Read More
Built on a hill close to Ueno Station in Tokyo is Ueno Park. Founded in May 1876, Ueno Park is often considered the first public park in Japan, since then it has developed as a center for celebrating culture and … Read More
Twice a year on the last day of June and December, Shinto shrines participate in a ceremony called Oharae. During the Oharae, the Torii pathway leading to the shrine is transformed with hundreds of people attending this ritual. The … Read More
The Nogi shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akasaka. It was founded in 1937 to honor Nogi Maresuke and his wife Shizuko. Nogi was a top general of the Japanese Imperial Army who fought through numerous wars, namely the … Read More
Located in Asakusa, part of Taito-ku, Tokyo, lies Sensō-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Sensō-ji is a Buddhist temple that is currently one of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo with over 30 million visitors a year. Just take … Read More
If you have visited any temple or shrine in Japan, there is a good chance you have seen a statue wearing a red hat or red bib. One of the most frequent questions I have received about shrines and temples is, … Read More
Make sure to step over the threshold: Each temple has a wooden section of the floor right before the temple. This section of wood is known as the threshold. The threshold forms a boundary. Positioned between the posts, lintel and … Read More