-
Kurama-dera Temple – The Ultimate Travel Guide
While my wife and I went on a day trip to escape the bustling Kyoto to Kurama (鞍馬), Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) turned out to be one of our favourite highlights in our Kyoto trip. In fact, climbing mountains was undeniably a nightmarish activity for my wife and we did not know what to expect out of Kurama Temple. To our surprise, Kurama-dera turned out to be a pleasant temple to visit. The remote natural beauty together with the lack of tourist crowds makes this one of our favourite temples to visit in Japan. Introducing Kurama-dera Location Kurama-dera is located up north of Kyoto at the base of Mt Kurama (鞍馬山).…
- Best Fall Foliage Spots in Japan, For The Photography Fans, For Those Who Love Shrines, Scenery Photography Sites
Oharano Shrine – The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto’s Hidden Gem
It is no surprise that Kyoto (京都) is home to a plethora of temples and shrines, both large and small; including the highlight of today’s post, Oharano Shrine (大原野神社). Oharano Shrine is among the hundreds of shrines in Kyoto that is relatively hidden from the usual tourist radar. While it is rather secluded; it makes up for it with its captivating nature scenery as well as a rich history behind its founding (see my trivia post about this shrine). To find out what the shrine beholds, lets explore its beautiful in today’s post. Exploring Oharano Shrine Location Oharano Shrine is located at Nishikyō Ward (Nishikyō-ku/西京区); aka the Western Capital Ward.…
- Cities of Japan, For The History Lovers, For The Photography Fans, For Those Who Love Shrines, Temples of Japan
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…
-
Kyushu National Museum – A Complete Travel Guide
Did you know there are only 4 national museums in total in Japan; with the Kyushu National Museum (九州国立博物館) being the latest? The Kyushu National Museum is the latest addition to the list of monumental national museums in Japan; the other three are in Tokyo (東京), Kyoto (京都) and Nara (奈良). While the former three museums were constructed during the 1800s, this one has a distinction of being completed in the 21st century (2005 to be precise). Because of this, the opening of the museum is seen as an eventful occassion among locals. It is also currently the only national museum that is located in the small town of Dazaifu…
- For The History Lovers, For The Photography Fans, For Those Who Love Shrines, Scenery Photography Sites
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…
- 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…
-
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…
-
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…
- Best Fall Foliage Spots in Japan, For The History Lovers, Scenery Photography Sites, Temples of Japan
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…
-
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…