For The History Lovers
- Castle Buffs, Cities of Japan, For The History Lovers, For The Photography Fans, Scenery Photography Sites
Fukuoka Castle – The Beautiful Castle Ruins Within a City
Did you know the city of Fukuoka (福岡) once had a castle known as Fukuoka Castle (福岡城)? Once considered the largest bastion in Kyushu (九州), today only the ruins of it remained in a park located in the city. So much so that it is called the Fukuoka Castle ruins (福岡城跡/Fukuoka-jo Ato); in which ‘Ato/跡’ here refers to ruins. Despite that, it is a well-known attraction among the locals simply for its atmospheric ruins and peaceful surroundings. So what makes the castle ruins a unique attraction on its own? Let’s explore the area further to discover it’s beauty: Find out more about the history of a castle that was once…
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Hakata Ramen – The Complete History of Fukuoka’s Valuable Soul Food
Intro Have you ever heard of the hearty soul food known as Hakata Ramen (博多ラーメン)? Not only is this hearty delicacy a symbol of delicacy for the city of Fukuoka (福岡), but it has also transformed from a roadside stall dish to an overseas brand. In fact, famous ramen-chain stores including Ippudo (一風堂) as well as Ichiran (一蘭) helped in accelerating the delicacy’s fame into international level. To learn more about this hearty dish, let’s dwell further into its rich history. Firstly, check out the delicacy’s rich history of evolution. Next, find out more about the ingredients that make up the tastiness of the meal. Find out how you can…
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Tochoji – Introducing Japan’s Massive Wooden Seated Buddha
On the side of the busy Taihaku-dori (大博通り) street of Fukuoka city (福岡); lies Tochoji (Tochouji/Tōchōji/東長寺), a rather small and peaceful temple. Do not let it’s soothing appearance deceive you however, as Tochoji is one of the oldest temples in the island of Kyushu (九州). Furthermore, this temple also holds the largest seated wooden Buddha statue in Japan; so much so that even the Dalai Lama himself visited the temple to give a talk in 2018. To learn more about this impressive temple, let’s dwell into its history and complex, shall we? History of Tochoji Read More Originally established in AD 806 as a Shingon Buddhism temple (真言宗) by a…
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Shofukuji – A Complete Guide to Japan’s First Zen Temple
Would you believe if I tell you that the temple that pioneered one of Japan’s major religion is a back alley temple within a metropolitan? That’s right, the founding temple for Zen Buddhism in Japan is Shofukuji (聖福寺); one that is not in the ever-popular Kyoto (京都) but in the city of Fukuoka (福岡). As a matter of fact, this temple was founded in AD 1195; predating Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji (建仁寺) by 7 years. Having said that, let’s explore this little temple that founded Zen Buddhism in Japan. History of Shofukuji Read More Shofukuji (聖福寺) was first established in AD 1195 by a Buddhist priest known as Eisai…
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Kunisaki Peninsula – Discover Kyushu’s Authentic & Hidden Beauty
Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島), home of majestic mountains and rustic Buddhist temples is certainly one of Japan’s secret gem. Furthermore, the region is also home to an ancient 1,300 years old culture known as Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山). In essence, the place is a spiritual site nestled in a nature haven that is rich in history and culture. With that in mind, let us explore this lovely hidden destination shall we? Background of the Kunisaki Peninsula Read More Kunisaki Peninsula itself was formed from volcanic activities millions of years ago; which resulted in its current mountainous topography. It is located north-east of the island of Kyushu (九州), just north of the city…
- For The Fans of Mother Nature, For The History Lovers, Road Trip Lovers, Scenery Photography Sites, Temples of Japan
Monjusenji Temple – The Ultimate Spiritual Wisdom Spot of Kunisaki
Have you ever heard of the temple of wisdom known as Monjusenji (文殊仙寺)? This little mountain temple located in the Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) of Oita prefecture (大分県), is an off the beaten track destination that only the locals or the most die-hard explorers would have heard off. In fact, the temple is considered the go-to spot among meditation enthusiasts and nature lovers who wish to explore forest bathing. Let’s explore this enchanting spiritual spot deeper, shall we? History of Monjusenji Temple and How It is Related to Wisdom Read More Monjusenji (文殊仙寺), just like the Kunisaki peninsula’s poster boy, Futagoji (両子寺) was also built during the inception of the Rokugo…
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Futagoji Temple – A Complete Guide to Kunisaki Peninsula’s Poster Boy
The name Futagoji (両子寺) is no stranger for anyone who has visited or lived nearby the Kunisaki peninsula. And yet, this temple remains relatively unknown among the travel circle given its secluded location. Futagoji is a small mountain temple located deep within the forests in the center of the peninsula. Because of this and also its iconic twin Nio guardians (仁王) statues, Futagoji is widely considered as the poster-boy temple of the region. In fact during my exchange to Oita, Japan, this was one of the first temples that I visited on a field trip. Despite having to travel in a large group while being accompanied by the enthusiastic chatters…
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A Complete Guide to the Rokugo Manzan Temples
The remote Kunisaki Peninsula is undoubtedly a haven for Rokugo Manzan temples. And rightfully so, as this region was once the birth place of Rokugo Manzan, an indigenous culture resulted from the assimilation of Buddhism (仏教), Shintoism (神道) together with mountain worship. To describe it eloquently, it is a heritage of religious acceptance. Established in AD 718, this culture cultivated across the tranquil region and eventually established a series of rustic temples and spiritual sites. One of these is none other than the grand Usa Jingu shrine, which undeniably deserves its own article. These temples and sites are truly worth checking out, especially for their tranquility and historical value. With…
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Rokugo Manzan – The Unique Pride and Joy Of Kyushu
Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) is certainly a term that is deemed a jargon by many, including Japanese themselves. Even myself admittedly have never heard of it until only recently, despite having visited the region a decade ago. Nevertheless, it fascinates me as I studied about it further, that this culture is one that established the foundation for Buddhism in the island of Kyushu. For starters, Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) refers to the synchronism of various religious beliefs which later evolved into a culture and established itself in the Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) region of Oita Prefecture (大分県). In fact, the region became renowned for its scenic mountain temples, and also the grand Usa…
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Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono
Have you ever heard of the little Fukoji temple (pronounced Fukouji/Fukōji/普光寺)? This little temple features a rare cliff-carved Buddha statue in Japan. Located an hour away from Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) by train ride, the temple is located in the little town of Asaji (朝地) in Bungoono (pronounced Bungo-oono/Bungo-ōno/豊後大野) city. To learn more about this fascinating hidden spot, lets dwell deeper into its background. History of Fukoji Temple It’s Origins Fukoji Temple (普光寺) originated back in AD 583, during the Asuka period (飛鳥時代); a time when Buddhism firstly became a pop-culture in Japan. The founder of this temple was basically Nichira (日羅), a Japanese who worked as an official for the…