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Dazaifu – The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Former Western Capital
Did you know the small city of Dazaifu (太宰府) was once shared the status as the capital of Japan together with the famed Kyoto (京都)? Located 15 kms southeast of Fukuoka (福岡), this city once served as the bridge that connects Japan and the outside world. In fact, the city traced its origin 1,300 years ago and was once a major cultural and political hub. Despite being a fraction of its former glory today, it remains a hidden yet significant travel spot simply for its historical value. Let’s explore what the once magnificent capital has to offer: What is the history behind this small city? Which attraction is not to…
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Dazaifu Tenmangu – A Complete Guide to Japan’s Poetic Shrine
Ask any local in Fukuoka (福岡) to name a shrine, and there is a high chance that Dazaifu Tenmangu will be the first in their mind. Dazaifu Tenmangu (pronounced Dazaifu Tenmangū/Dazaifu Tenmanguu/太宰府天満宮) is the largest shrine in the island of Kyushu’s (九州) and like every other shrine, is known for its stunningly beautiful architecture. Despite its famed reputation, it also holds a tragic past in regards to its founding. With that in mind, let’s explore the history and also what the complex has to offer: Read more about its deep history and tragic backstory here. Check out the town near the shrine entrance for these unique local attractions. Let’s explore…
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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…
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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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Bungoono – A Complete Guide to Japan’s Secret Beautiful Geopark
A relatively unknown geopark among tourists, Bungoono is home to various fascinating landscapes and nature galore. In fact, the region itself is filled with lush forests, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls and even rustic religious sites. It’s minor presence is not surprising however, given the reclusiveness of the region as well as extremely scarce public transportation. Nevertheless, Bungoono will definitely rewards those who take their time to research and explore the beauty of the area. Let’s explore deeper into this gorgeous geopark, shall we? The History of Bungoono Read More About The Origin of This Fascinating Geopark Bungoono’s history dated 90,000 year ago; where the volcano Mt Aso (阿蘇山) erupted frequently.…
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Six Gorgeous Nature Spots to Check Out in Bungoono
Located south of Oita city (大分), Bungoono (豊後大野) is a city renowned for its gorgeous geological site, filled with many beautiful nature spots. This is because it was formerly a volcanic region that was created from the eruptions of the nearby Mt Aso (阿蘇山) thousands of years ago. And yet surprisingly, the site is still relatively unknown amongst the travel community; mainly due to the lack of public transportation as well as marketing towards foreign tourists. To my surprise, these nature sites are equally as gorgeous as the famed Mt Fuji (富士山), but also shamefully underrated. Due to the lack of foreign tourists, these sites do offer plenty of personal…
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Awe-Inspiring Scenic Sites in the Kunisaki Peninsula
The Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) is certainly no slouch when it comes to its variety of scenic sites. Humongous Buddha statues, former temple sites as well as mountain landscapes, the region is undeniably a hotspot for those wishing to dwell into the wilderness. It comes with no surprise, as for centuries, the region is the center of the Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) culture, a practice that assimilates Buddhism together with Shintoism and mountain practice. With that in mind, lets explore some of these hidden scenic sites of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Special thanks to Tourism Oita for the images in this article, including header image. Save In Pinterest No time to read this…
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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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8 Genuine Onsen Spots Nearby Oita, Other than Beppu
Oita Prefecture (大分県) is certainly no stranger when it comes to hot springs/onsen (温泉) hotspots. In fact, most would often think of Beppu (別府) first when it comes to hot springs. However, did you know there are plenty more genuine places nearby Oita (大分) for a soothing dip into a hot bath? Here are 8 genuine onsen spots to visit nearby Oita. Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android Save In PinterestNo time to read this onsen travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later! Yufuin (由布院) The lovely mountain town of Yufuin (由布院) is without doubt the second…
